Former Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook has officially announced the debut album of his new band, Flat Black. The album, titled “Dark Side Of The Brain,” is set to be released on July 19 through Fearless Records. Hook, who produced the album alongside Chris Collier of Korn, recorded the tracks at his home studio and The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Flat Black has also released a video for their latest single, “Sideways,” which is available for viewing online. The band’s sound is characterized by intense riffs, relentless grooves, and powerful choruses that are sure to resonate whether you’re at a concert, in your car, or even in the shower. The track “Sideways” is particularly electrifying, designed to send a surge of adrenaline through listeners.
Hook explains that “Sideways” is about losing one’s temper. “Whenever I felt my darker side gaining control in any given situation, I would say, ‘I’m about to go sideways.’ In those moments, it is key to let those feelings pass through you and refocus on moving forward,” he says.
The album “Dark Side Of The Brain” is deeply personal for Hook, with every lyric stemming from real-life experiences. “Well, we’re finally here,” Hook says with a laugh. “No more people hounding me about when the album will be available. I’m so excited to share these songs with the public. ‘Dark Side Of The Brain’ is personal; every lyric came from a real place.” Hook also designed the album artwork himself, adding another layer of personal touch to the project.
The tracklist for “Dark Side Of The Brain” includes:
1. It’s OK To Be Angry
2. Justice Will Be Done
3. Sideways
4. A Bit Of Lightning
5. Unwanted
6. Home
7. Halo
8. It’s Your Lack Of Respect
9. Nothing To Some (feat. Corey Taylor)
10. Dark Side Of The Brain
11. Villain
12. Youth N Eyes
13. Tidal Wave
14. Let It Go
Hook’s collaboration with Corey Taylor on the track “Nothing To Some” came about through a friendship that developed in 2020. Hook recalls, “I developed a friendship with Corey in 2020. He hit me up, actually. I was working in Los Angeles with his producer, and I think the producer said, ‘I’ve got Jason Hook here. We’re working on some material.’ He said, ‘Oh, give me his number.’ And so all of a sudden we’re texting back and forth. And we hit it off right away. He’s just a fantastic guy. Maybe he doesn’t want anyone to know that, but he’s actually a sweetheart. He’s a really sweet dude. And he was, like, ‘Look, if you’re trying to build something and you don’t have anyone to work with, I’ll write with you.’ So it was just perfect for the time and the emotions I was going through at the time. He really helped bolster my spirit, like, ‘Yes, let’s do something.’ And we ended up doing five songs together. Four will probably never get heard, but we used ‘Nothing To Some’ on the record.”
Flat Black is composed of Hook on guitar, Wes Horton on vocals, Nick Diltz on bass, and Rob Pierce on drums. Hook describes the formation of the band as a meticulous process. “Well, I was pretty hell-bent on starting a new band. Music’s in my blood. It’s a part of my DNA, and I just knew that… I didn’t really care how long it took. It just had to be potent. And so, one [musician] at a time… I found Rob first, and he’s awesome. And then, of course, Nick; he’s from Los Angeles. All my guys are just stellar players. And I wanted to have a good pack of songs. And so here we are.”
Hook emphasizes the importance of personal compatibility among band members. “Well, it was a bit of a prerequisite to find guys that were mentally stable and free of drama and that we could hang. It’s all about the hang. When you’re on tour, you’re stuck in this submarine, this rolling submarine, for 18 months. It’s important that everyone is compatible. The personalities, I wanted to be very specific about that this time around… We’re getting along great.”
After leaving Five Finger Death Punch in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hook sought creative freedom and control over his musical direction. “As a musician, I crave freedom and I wasn’t ready to stop creating,” Hook shares. “Life is short. We all want to feel satisfied and happy with what we are trying to accomplish in life.”
The pandemic allowed Hook the time to assemble the right musicians and carefully craft their debut album. Flat Black is now armed with an arsenal of riffs, stadium-sized hooks, and arena-ready anthems, making them poised for success.
The band members’ backgrounds reflect a lifelong passion for music. Horton was introduced to music at age 13 and honed his vocal skills in local bands and online videos. Diltz, inspired by his rock photographer father, was captivated by a VHS video of U2 performing at Red Rocks. Pierce, from Nashville, chose music over racing go-karts and has been drumming since age 11.
Flat Black made their live debut on August 24, 2023, at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California, supporting Godsmack. The band is now ready to hit the road and bring their high-energy performances to fans everywhere.
Flat Black is:
Jason Hook – Guitar
Wes Horton – Vocals
Rob Pierce – Drums
Nicholas Diltz – Bass
