
Five Finger Death Punch is an American heavy metal band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2005. The band has seen several lineup changes since its formation, and one of the most notable changes was the departure of bassist Matt Snell in 2010. Snell was replaced by Chris Kael, who joined the band in 2011 and has been a fan of Nails since their debut album. Kael has expressed interest in doing a side project with Nails' frontman Todd Jones and has praised his intensity, approach, and commitment to hardcore music.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the person who took Matt Snell's place | Chris Kael |
| Instrument | Bass |
| Date of joining the band | June 2011 |
| Previous band | INVIDIA |
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What You'll Learn

Matt Snell left Five Finger Death Punch in 2010
Matt Snell, the bassist and founding member of the American heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch, left the band in 2010. Snell joined the band in 2006 and played with them for four years before his departure.
Snell was a talented bass player who had played with some of the most popular hard rock bands in the scene. He was also a founding member of Five Finger Death Punch, which was formed in 2005. The band's debut album, "The Way of the Fist," was released in 2007 and sold over 500,000 copies in the United States.
In 2010, Snell parted ways with Five Finger Death Punch, but the band did not announce his exit until 2011. There are conflicting dates regarding the exact month of his departure, with some sources citing March 2010 and others stating December 2010. According to guitarist Zoltan Bathory, Snell was fired because he "wasn't a writing member," and the band wanted to ensure that their sound wouldn't be affected.
After leaving Five Finger Death Punch, Snell went on to pursue other musical projects. He joined the supergroup Kill Devil Hill, which had featured members of Pantera, Black Sabbath, and Dio. Snell's skill and experience as a bassist, along with his positive attitude, were considered a perfect fit for the heavy-hitting sound of Kill Devil Hill. He also worked on his own project, Invidia, and later joined Unveil the Strength in 2018.
In 2011, Chris Kael was announced as Snell's replacement in Five Finger Death Punch. Kael joined the band in time for the recording of their third album, "American Capitalist," which was released in October 2011.
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Chris Kael replaced Matt Snell in 2011
Five Finger Death Punch, also known as 5FDP or FFDP, is an American heavy metal band formed in 2005. The band originally consisted of vocalist Ivan Moody, rhythm guitarist Zoltan Bathory, lead guitarist Caleb Andrew Bingham, bassist Matt Snell, and drummer Jeremy Spencer.
Matt Snell, the former bassist for Five Finger Death Punch, departed from the band in 2010, and in June 2011, Chris Kael was announced as his replacement. Kael, who is originally from Kentucky, officially joined the band in June 2011 and moved to the band's home base of Las Vegas to pursue music full-time.
Snell's departure from the band was not announced until April 2011, despite him leaving in December 2010. While the band did not disclose the reasons for Snell's departure, guitarist Zoltan Bathory mentioned that they had contracts in place that protected all band members. Snell himself stated that he did not have any bad blood with his former bandmates and considered them his brothers.
Chris Kael, the current bassist for Five Finger Death Punch, has expressed his interest in the metal genre, citing works from bands like Slayer, Terrorizer, and Nails as some of his favorites. Kael has also revealed his admiration for Nails' frontman Todd Jones and has expressed a desire to collaborate with him on a side project.
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Matt Snell has no bad blood with the band
Matt Snell, the former bassist for Five Finger Death Punch, has stated that he does not harbour any ill will towards his former band. Snell, who was a member of the band from 2006 to 2010, was replaced by Chris Kael in 2011. Despite his departure, Snell has gone on to have success with other bands, including Kill Devil Hill, a supergroup that featured members of Pantera, Black Sabbath, and Dio.
In an interview with Rockmusicstar.com, Snell discussed his time with Five Finger Death Punch and his subsequent projects. He revealed that he chose to play bass and what inspired him to pursue music. Snell also mentioned that he has no bad blood with the band, saying, "I've known [KILL DEVIL HILL singer] Dewey [Bragg] for 20-something years. We used to jam together in public storage back in the day, which is the same place… IN THIS MOMENT practiced there. We practiced there. DEADSETT, which became IN THIS MOMENT, and then FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, we were all this little village we had going on."
Snell's departure from Five Finger Death Punch was announced in April 2011, although he had left the band in December 2010. Despite this, the bassist maintains a positive outlook on his time with the band and has fond memories of the music scene they were a part of. Snell's talent as a bass player is evident, and he has played with some of the most popular hard rock bands in the industry.
In the same interview, Snell also discussed his unorthodox bass-playing style and his reasons for choosing to play bass. He revealed that he was inspired to join Kill Devil Hill by his long-time friendship with the band's singer, Dewey Bragg, and their shared history in the music scene. Snell's positive attitude and focus on his craft demonstrate his dedication to his musical career and his willingness to collaborate with other talented musicians.
It is clear that Matt Snell has no bad blood with Five Finger Death Punch, and he continues to be a respected and successful musician in the hard rock and metal scenes. His contributions to the band's early success and his subsequent projects showcase his talent and passion for music. Snell's ability to collaborate and build positive relationships with other musicians has undoubtedly contributed to his enduring career.
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Matt Snell is currently playing with INVIDIA
Matt Snell, the former bassist for the heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch, is currently playing with INVIDIA. Snell joined INVIDIA in 2015 as their bass guitarist and backing vocalist. The band also includes Travis Johnson on vocals, Brian Jackson on lead guitar, Marcos Medina Rivera on rhythm guitar, and Darren Badorine on drums.
INVIDIA was formed when Travis Johnson posted on the internet about his interest in creating a band, to which Brian Jackson responded, expressing his desire to collaborate. Snell, who had known Johnson since 2002-2003, quickly joined the ensemble.
Prior to INVIDIA, Snell was a member of Five Finger Death Punch from 2006 until his departure in 2010. He was replaced by Chris Kael in 2011. Snell has also played with other notable bands, including Kill Devil Hill, Unveil the Strength, and Deadsett, which later became IN THIS MOMENT.
INVIDIA released their debut studio album, "As the Sun Sleeps," in 2017, showcasing the band's unique sound and talented lineup. Snell's contribution to the band, along with the other experienced members, has undoubtedly added to INVIDIA's success and distinct style within the heavy metal genre.
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Chris Kael is a fan of Nails' music
Chris Kael, the bassist for Five Finger Death Punch, is a self-proclaimed fan of Nails' music. Kael has been a fan of the band since their debut album, "Unsilent Death". In an interview with Decibel, Kael revealed that Nails' album "You Will Never Be One of Us" is among his favourite metal albums. He also praised frontman Todd Jones for his intensity, approach, and commitment to hardcore. Kael has expressed interest in collaborating with Jones on a side project in the future.
Kael joined Five Finger Death Punch in 2011, replacing former bassist Matt Snell. Kael's entry into the band marked a significant turning point, as he brought a fresh energy and dynamic to the group. He quickly became an integral part of the band's identity, contributing to their distinctive sound and stage presence. Kael's musicianship has been showcased in several of the band's subsequent albums, including the critically acclaimed "American Capitalist", which achieved Platinum status shortly after its release.
In addition to Nails, Kael has expressed his love for other extreme metal bands such as Slayer, Terrorizer, Celtic Frost, and Code Orange. He has also credited Kerry King's Reign in Blood as a pivotal moment in his musical development, noting that it "flipped everything on its head" for him. Kael's interest in extreme metal began when he was in junior high, and he has continued to explore and support the genre throughout his career.
Kael's contributions to Five Finger Death Punch extend beyond his bass skills. He has participated in numerous international tours and festivals, helping to elevate the band's profile on the global stage. His energetic performances and dedication to the band have played a crucial role in their ability to connect with fans worldwide. Kael remains a vital member of the lineup, contributing to their latest projects and ensuring their dominance in the heavy metal genre.
Overall, Chris Kael's fandom for Nails' music is evident in his appreciation for their albums, frontman, and intensity. His interest in the band has also influenced his own musical career, as he continues to create powerful music with Five Finger Death Punch and connect with fans worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Chris Kael took Matt Snell's place as the bassist for Five Finger Death Punch. Kael officially joined the band in June 2011.
Matt Snell was fired from the band in December 2010, but the band did not announce his exit until April 2011. The reason for his departure was not disclosed.
The current members of Five Finger Death Punch are Ivan Moody (vocalist), Zoltan Bathory (rhythm guitarist), Andy James (lead guitarist), Chris Kael (bassist), and Charlie Engen (drummer).
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