On Thursday, June 5, Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch engaged in a captivating discussion on Loudwire Nights, reflecting on the band’s incredible journey over the past 20 years in the music industry.

For a deeper dive into this insightful conversation, listen to the complete interview using the player located at the end of this article.

During the interview, Bathory shared an anecdote about the early days of the band, recalling how many skeptics believed they wouldn’t survive beyond six months. “In the beginning, people were telling us we’re not going to last six months,” Bathory explained to host Chuck Armstrong.

He continued, “Every band starts with the mindset that ‘Oh, we’re going to make it, it’s going to happen.’ If you don’t have that ambitious vision, you wouldn’t even take the leap to start a band. And of course, we had that drive and determination.”

Bathory reminisced about the very inception of Five Finger Death Punch, before the lineup was officially formed. “I remember, it was a very special moment,” he recalled. “I initiated the band and began recording, the first person I collaborated with was Nadja [Peulen] from Coal Chamber. We worked on some material together, but her vision leaned more towards a gothic style while I was firmly rooted in metal, so our musical directions didn’t quite align. But that’s where it all began.”

When Ivan Moody joined the band in 2006, it became evident that they were onto something extraordinary. “I remember having a bit of a Beavis and Butthead moment, blasting our songs and thrashing around the house, thinking, ‘Man, this is so good!’” Bathory shared.

“We just knew. With tracks like ‘The Bleeding,’ which was among our first songs, there was a strong sense that this was going to be a significant breakthrough. I understand every band feels that way, but there was something unique about our situation—this was destined for greatness. And now, look at where we are.”

Exploring the Reasons Behind Five Finger Death Punch’s Re-Recording of Iconic Hits

Bathory also delved into the intriguing experience of re-recording some of Five Finger Death Punch’s most celebrated tracks for their upcoming compilation album, 20 Years of Five Finger Death Punch — Best of Volume 1, which is set to release on July 18.

Reflecting on the recent developments regarding their catalog being sold without their prior knowledge, he stated, “I never had a contentious relationship with my previous label.” Bathory noted that while disagreements arose in business matters, including lawsuits, they were simply a part of the music industry landscape. “So this time, when they sold the masters, it was just one of those things. It happens to numerous artists, including someone like Taylor Swift, who has a massive and devoted fanbase. What did she do? She re-recorded the album, made it available online, and her fans rallied behind her.”

As he elaborated on this topic, Bathory emphasized that Five Finger Death Punch also enjoys a similarly loyal fanbase. “Our response was, ‘Alright, if that’s the game you want to play, we can play that game too.’ We decided to re-record the whole set of songs. And that’s essentially the reason behind this move.”

Zoltan Bathory Pays Tribute to the Pioneers of Heavy Metal: Black Sabbath

In anticipation of the Back to the Beginning event on July 5, marking the final performance for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, Bathory took a moment to express his deep admiration for these iconic metal legends.

“The genre of heavy metal wouldn’t exist without them,” he stated emphatically. “Black Sabbath, alongside Ozzy, and not far behind, Judas Priest, laid the groundwork for the genre we all thrive in today. They are the very foundation, the elders in our musical community. It’s crucial to understand that and show respect. Without their contributions, heavy metal as we know it would not have come to be.”

For Bathory, this acknowledgment goes beyond mere recognition; it stems from a lifelong passion for rock and metal that began in his childhood. “Growing up in a communist country, I didn’t speak English,” he shared. “I arrived in America with just a bag of clothes, a thousand bucks, and my Gibson Explorer. To think that all those posters I had on my wall and those seemingly impossible dreams have now become a reality—meeting heroes like Dave Mustaine, a huge influence on me as a die-hard Megadeth fan. We toured together several times. All these legends were my idols, and now they are my peers. It’s surreal. It truly is.”

Key Insights from Zoltan Bathory’s Discussion on Loudwire Nights

• The collaboration with Maria Brink on the re-recorded version of “I Refuse”: “Many people don’t realize that Maria and us all lived in Los Angeles and that our careers kicked off around the same period, placing us in the same musical circles. There was a local band called Deadset that gained some traction, but for various reasons, they disbanded. Chris [Howorth], the guitarist from In This Moment, was originally in Deadset, and the bassist, Matt [Snell], later joined Five Finger Death Punch. So when Deadset fell apart, some members transitioned to Death Punch while others went on to form In This Moment.”
• His aspirations for performing on Mars: “There are companies working on space hotels, and it’s genuinely going to happen. They’re making progress. It’s going to be a costly endeavor for a guitar solo, but I dream of recording it in orbit—it would have an incredible sustain!”
• His perspective on the ongoing “pinch me” moments in his career: “I know it sounds cliché, but it’s about truly appreciating the gift of waking up each day. If I open my eyes, I’m already winning. You need to maintain that mindset throughout your life. Every achievement, especially the seemingly impossible ones, should be cherished and remembered regularly—it becomes an ingrained habit.”

Explore the Full Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Zoltan Bathory appeared on Loudwire Nights on Thursday, June 5; you can catch the show replaying online here, and tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET. Additionally, check your local radio listings to see if the show is available, and enjoy on-demand interviews whenever you like.