Jason Hook, the guitar virtuoso who helped drive Five Finger Death Punch to multi-platinum success, has unleashed his latest sonic assault on the world. His new band, Flat Black, has ignited the rock scene with their debut album “Dark Side of the Brain,” which dropped July 19th via Fearless Records. Hook, wielding his signature blend of scorching riffs and razor-sharp production skills, has forged a record that redefines modern metal’s boundaries. “I’m so excited to have shared these songs with the public,” Hook declares, his voice electric with enthusiasm. “Dark Side of the Brain is personal, every lyric came from a real place.” This isn’t merely a new project; its Hook’s uncompromising vision brought to life, fueled by his relentless drive to push musical limits and dominate stages once again.
The genesis of Flat Black’s moniker is as sleek and striking as the band’s sound. Hook recounts, “I was driving past the Las Vegas private airport and saw a private jet that was painted flat black. It looked so amazing. I started to think about that as a name. It’s a color, not unlike Deep Purple. Everyone liked it, so that ended up being the name.” This seemingly chance encounter perfectly encapsulates the band’s ethos – sleek, powerful, and ready to take flight.
Assembling the right team was crucial for Hook’s vision. “Well first and foremost, I wanted to find top-notch musicians,” he explains. “The drummer had to come first. Without a good drummer, you don’t have that solid foundation. I wanted to find people that could also sing well… we do all our backgrounds, the three of us.” Hook’s meticulous approach extended beyond musical prowess. “Lastly, it’s all about the hang,” he adds with a laugh. “I wanted to feel a connection to these people on a personal level. That part is vital.”
The pandemic, which brought the music industry to a standstill, unexpectedly worked in Hook’s favor. “I think the pandemic worked to my benefit,” he reflects. “Don’t get me wrong, it was a horrific time for the world. But in a way, there was no activity. People were sitting around doing nothing… which made it easy to link up with people and get their attention.” This unique circumstance allowed Hook to focus intensely on crafting Flat Black’s sound and identity.
When it comes to Flat Black’s musical direction, Hook emphasizes a return to raw, human performances. “I really wanted to focus on highlighting the people and their performances,” he states. “I feel like computer music has taken over. Also, I wanted to be picky about the songs. I tried to pick the best 14 from the 30-35 that were written.” This approach harkens back to a more organic era of rock music, where the musicians’ skills and chemistry took center stage.
The album’s lyrical content is deeply personal for Hook. “All the lyrics came from a real place,” he reveals. “If you look at my recent history, some of it might make sense.” This level of authenticity is palpable throughout “Dark Side of the Brain,” lending an emotional weight to the thunderous instrumentals.
Hook’s experience with Five Finger Death Punch has significantly influenced his approach to Flat Black. “I learned a lot about making records, which is my passion,” he reflects. “I studied with Kevin Churko and was intimately involved in all those records. I even built a home studio to loosely match the Hideout so I could practice at home.” This dedication to his craft is evident in the polished yet powerful sound of Flat Black’s debut.
The decision to produce the album himself was a natural one for Hook. “No one is going to care more about your record than you!” he exclaims. “I’m very picky… I had a vision. Sometimes producers can apply too much of their vision. These recordings are personal. I knew exactly how I wanted to present Flat Black.” This hands-on approach ensures that every note on “Dark Side of the Brain” aligns with Hook’s artistic vision.
Despite his role as the band’s founder and primary creative force, Hook maintains a collaborative spirit within Flat Black. “It’s a band, everyone has a voice,” he asserts. “My role is to pick through the suggestion box and try to identify which ideas have magic.” This balance of leadership and openness fosters a dynamic creative environment within the group.
As Flat Black hits the road, opening for rock giants Godsmack, Hook is brimming with excitement. “I’m grateful to Sully from Godsmack for giving us the chance to get out on the road and play for such an amazing group of fans,” he says. The tour presents a perfect opportunity for Flat Black to showcase their live prowess and win over new audiences.
Looking to the future, Hook’s ambitions for Flat Black are clear. “Long term goals are really to make good records and build some kind of visually exciting live show,” he states. With his track record of success and unwavering commitment to his craft, these goals seem well within reach.
With “Dark Side of the Brain” now released, Jason Hook stands at the forefront of a new chapter in his illustrious career. With Flat Black, he’s not just continuing his musical journey; he’s redefining it on his own terms. “I’m in control of my life… I’m in the driver’s seat,” Hook concludes. “It’s not an ego thing… I just prefer to have creative control over what I’m doing. Life is short.” For fans of hard-hitting, authentically crafted rock music, Flat Black’s debut album is a must-listen, solidifying Hook’s position as a formidable force in the rock world.
