"Zen and the Art of Xenophobia" by Five Iron Frenzy

@AltPress Premiere Partner
Zen & The Art of Xenophobia
Directed by Ryan Grams
From the album Engine of a Million Plots by Five Iron Frenzy
Album available for purchase:
www.fiveironsto...

[@SconnerStudios]

Can't believe this is over a decade old. Feels like I just listened to this on youtube last week.

[@fiveironfrenzy]

What do you think of our 1st music video from the new album? "Zen and the Art of Xenophobia" by Five Iron Frenzy

[@saintchag]

Awesome !!!

[@AdamStarrh]

I think its brilliant. Its so good to see you guys let loose. A much needed prophetic voice. Keep it up! By the way, we saw you in Philly tonight and you rocked it. I know ya'll have families and careers and stuff and you don't have to be out here doing it, so thanks for taking the time. It was just amazing to see my favorite band play my favorite songs again. Im still smiling. :D Peace be with you.

[@MikeDionWhoIsMikeDion]

Pretty epic! I totally expect to see some of these costumes make their way to the stage... Wolverine Lincoln, President Sonnie, Micah the Terrorists. Could be fun :-)

[@DanielHendrix]

There is A LOT happening in this video! :-) Great work, everybody, and I love the new album! I forgot about the early download- what a pleasant surprise!

[@I_am_Jordan_K]

Is really good

[@captainkae]

Yall have no fucking chill and i love it. Never stop calling shit out! It’s why i’ve consistently listened to you guys for 20 years

[@imfromtambunan]

watch your profamity

[@Babysharkboss2]

@@imfromtambunanshit

[@nategar412]

​@@imfromtambunanyou're offended at the wrong thing brother

[@TheFlowerGirl13]

That's what punk is

[@paniccing]

@@nategar412 while supplies last reference?

[@PatrickGann]

"Turn your wine back into water" Y'all are poets. Love this.

[@thedavidjscott_]

I love how the drummer is wearing Showbread shirt.

[@jakebeal8095]

Well this feels relevant (November ‘24)

[@fiveironfrenzy]

We're back and having a blast! Although, Amy Shoemyer doesn't like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYrNnq1nbthggsk

[@DNFINST]

Amy doesn't like anything. Until she likes everything.

[@The79Machine]

had no idea you guys were making a comeback congratz!

[@spark300c]

good even though ska not my favorite sub genre of rock it my 2nd favorite and need more variety in christain rock scene

[@looshkin66]

i usually do not comment when i dislike something, i prefer to spend my time finding something i like instead, which is how i stumbled across this steaming pile of confused christian ideology playing the 10th wave of cash in ska horribleness.....This in short is fucking horrible, horrible idea, horrible musicianship, horrible writing, horrible execution and just.........horrible! If you are christian then fine be a christian, but DO NOT start a shit band on a lame premise to cash in! why else would you identify as a "christian" band? Wasn't the 4th or 5th wave of lame ska bands enough in the 90's? everybody here should do them self's a favor and look into a band named propaghandi......particularly their first album named "how to clean everything". Five Iron Frenzy; you fucking suck, your greed is obvious and you're just not that talented in the first place, why else would you need to try and cash in again now? cant really make in a real band i guess? try and cash in on a niche that was tenuous to begin with maybe?

[@spark300c]

Daniel Tittyfish well they got started in 1996 then broke up in 2003 and got back together in 2011. so they are 4th or 5th wave. anyway propaghandis is on the far left and punk. I like punk it my favorite but i assume your remmendation was ska. "why else would you identify as a "christian" band?" they sing about christian stuff . why they back because fan funded them.

[@pennsimmons]

This was the greatest return in all of music history!

[@rockybrown5782]

Amen to that, brother. This was a truly and intelligently EPIC return.

[@EpicMuttonChops]

Hey Abe, I want my claws back.

[@jasonwolfmark3504]

You meat abe in the comics

[@peterjensen9468]

meet*

[@CaptainLegend]

*met

[@ImpossibleCakePro]

Beautiful. A lot of people are gonna have their toes stepped on, but hopefully it'll benefit them.

[@angelvargasofficial]

And I love the smell of sarcasm in the morning...

[@voltonbada6145]

My friend and I literally drove around SLC for 2 hours trying to find the venue they played their farewell show at 10 years ago and had to settle for a Catch 22 concert happening that same night (which was still good but heartwrenching to think I missed the farewell show of this amazing band). So great to have them back together creating incredible music once again! Your tour doesn't come out west I noticed but please don't deprive me once again from seeing you guys play live!

[@anthonystrazza4586]

Settled for a catch 22 show …burhhhhhh

[@phoenixpackdeltaegr1759]

Really appreciate how it descends into complete Madness @ 2:48 (great song too).

[@socketman]

That was fun to be a part of, thanks again so much FIF for inviting the fans to that shoot!

[@ryanahr2267]

This video was waaaay overdue, guys. And it's brilliant. I've always admired your wit and your unwillingness to pull punches. I live in South Carolina and I'd love to blast this all over the state.

[@leehillshire5154]

This is my favorite song right now. I don't know how many times I've listened to it over and over again. Other people can have their talk radio going on and on about how to fix America, I'll take Five Iron any day.

[@carrik_caser]

So bad, I've watched it 4 times in a row.... You guys make my day!

[@apezilla83]

Five iron frenzy is my favorite band in the whole wide world

[@MushroomMama31]

Wow. How did I miss this? Amazing.

[@acomp250]

Every new single they release is fantastic. I can't believe FIF is really back.

[@eastcoastguitardude]

I keep watching this. I can't stop.

[@FindingArk]

WoW!!! THEY ARE BACK!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! YOU INSPIRED A DECADE OF MY YOUTH! Thank You!

[@FindingArk]

I didnt know, ive been listening to The End is Near for a long time, with The End Is Here live and all your old albums, i have them saved and researched, YOU MADE MORE MUSIC?!?!

[@FindingArk]

Reese Roper! Dude you are baller, and FIF wow amazing and the instruments and lyricks Rock!! God Bless!~

[@mcbizzler]

I cant believe this song is 10 years old

[@madbuffalo74]

"Give me liberty, or something." I love it, and can't wait for the new album; but, if you guys want me to come see you, you have to come to Florida...please?...I'll bring my kids...

[@toddjones9786]

This one just blows my mind! Craziness is what it is! It good to hear you guys are still making music! I remember playing the life out of your album Our Newest Album Ever.

[@dlwkman]

FIF is back and stronger than ever!

[@nathanaelward1395]

So much awesomeness here. And even more win for the Showbread shirt...

[@ZackGAnderson]

Frank Tate would never have let FIF release a video like this when they were on 5MinuteWalk. Hooray for crowd-funded independence!

[@guitarfreak521]

It's amazing to me that FIF predicted 2020.

[@fiveironfrenzy]

guitarfreak521 the crazy one to me is the lyrics for God hates flags.

[@guitarfreak521]

@@fiveironfrenzy That is true as well! Wow! Man, you guys were right on so many things.

[@katenicholson3190]

Five Iron Frenzy Get Your Riot Gear legit made my jaw drop when I heard it recently.

[@guitarfreak521]

@@katenicholson3190 Totally. FIF new album is going to be epic!

[@MrElviscolmenares]

praise him!

[@alextheschroeder]

This band has renewed my faith in Kickstarter

[@hi-friaudioman]

Wait a second... they didn't start a kickstarter did they??

[@TheFlowerGirl13]

​@hi-friaudioman both of their cds were funded by kickstarter

[@benanderson2079]

Cling to your god and guns The banjo's playing Hot Cross Buns Bucket seats set to recline No need to cross the county line Are the Arabs closing ranks About to roll some Russian tanks? Shut the doors and save the kids Lock and load- just like Jesus did [Chorus] The United States of Amnesia Make us numb, make it dumb, anesthesia Cut the cord, close the door, we don't know 'ya It's the zen and the art of xenophobia [Verse 2] Let's keep them separate Melanin just can't succeed "Give me liberty… or something." It's better if you just don't read Crank your phasers up to "slaughter" Turn your wine back into water When you play this song, Al Qaeda wins And Jesus was American The United States of Amnesia Make us numb, make it dumb, anesthesia Cut the cord, close the door, we don't know 'ya It's the zen and the art of xenophobia The United States of Amnesia Make us numb, make it dumb, anesthesia Cut the cord, close the door, we don't know 'ya It's the zen and the art of xenophobia [Outro] The United States of Amnesia Make us numb, make it dumb, anesthesia Cut the cord, close the door, we don't know 'ya It's the zen and the art of xenophobia The United States of Amnesia Make us numb, make it dumb, anesthesia Cut the cord, close the door, we don't know 'ya It's the zen and the art of xenophobia

[@SuperDude350]

I LOVE the lyrics & what the video is saying!!!

[@the_narrator_in_shadow]

Such an awesome song... IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!!!!

[@rockybrown5782]

I become the hysterically laughing guy at 0:20 and 1:55 every time I watch this! This depiction of truth is sad but HILARIOUS! Ironically, I won't show it to my kids because it's "violent". 😂 Thank you, FIF, for reminding me that I'm a hypocrite constantly in need of God's great Grace! God bless you guys!

[@Lint6]

Always loved you guys. I was never big on "Christian" music because it was overly preachy. You guys played music that was accessible to non-religious people. New song is freaking awesome

[@paniccing]

I know I’m 9 years late, but this comment right here ^^^ I can’t stand most christian bands (same reasons) but FIF, Chevelle, and EDL are currently some of my favorite bands lol

[@KamranMirza-d7u]

@@paniccing If you'd like there are more I'd happily recommend

[@paniccing]

@@KamranMirza-d7u I’ve found a decent amount recently, but if you have more ska-punk bands, I’m always open to

[@skaman343]

No ska-punk per se, but showbread is many styles and has the same type of thinking.

[@TomBriggs777]

Jesus with a fully automatic? I've been away from this Christian ska thing for faaar too long. ;)

[@jamesfretz9887]

Excellent!

[@MrSuperdude4u]

GREAT video !!! Great song!!!

[@jessemark2mercy]

I love it! Great song, concept, first class costumes... :) Perfect and true FIF PS looks like a big budget video w/all those props, famous actors and historic figures. I hope you are well

[@charliwizaa]

Sweet, cant wait for more vids. Nice lyrics here also.

[@arnavick]

"God bless America and no where else"...I totally get this video!

[@kimbermartin6974]

This song and video pretty well sums up my feelings towards the current political stances of a lot of evangelicals: a giant load of what-the-crappery. It's good to have you back, FIF. We missed you!

[@alextheschroeder]

I absolutely love Abraham Xman coming to save the day after Kennedy gets shot

[@Argonlord007]

I am happy beyond words that FiF is back!!!!!!

[@hi-friaudioman]

I love FIF so much. I wish each and every single one of you the best in life.

[@BloodyAngel88]

Five years later, and this is STILL relevant (if not more so than when it came out). 0.0

[@relykproduction]

Excellent. Probably not going to be able to sell this one in the Christian bookstores either, though...

[@mackuss]

Yeah if only Christian bookstores would become open minded, not be resistant to intellectual scrutiny, and embrace artistic nuance.

[@kyerkes98]

People still buy CDs at Christian bookstores? Its been ten years but I remember them costing closer to $20 a pop there.

[@relykproduction]

kyerkes98 Yeah, I think I bought one or two in my day. Of course, that is if any are still in business. It was a terrible business model.

[@cfish9891]

I actually bought this at a Christian book store

[@billosmun890]

Macabre. Brilliant.

[@th3gr3mlin]

I can't get enough of this song!

[@drewsbikeshop]

Fantabulous, I thoroughly enjoyed, boomyah!

[@ryanborowko1271]

I bought this album on the strength of this song alone. Welcome back FIF. I feel like a grown up kid with the means to do all the stupid things that i wanted to when i was younger. Your very existence is proof positive that I'm doing things right... I'm gonna go have ice cream on spaghetti for supper...

[@BanJojoLPs]

I can't wait to get the new album!

[@ScottDavisDrums]

As soon as I saw Reese as Abe Lincoln I knew this would be a good video.

[@SlainFenix]

Abe Lincoln wolverine >.> Important details,

[@XDarkHeart83X]

Not religious at all but I've loved you guys for years. Very positive message and consistently impressive music and vocals. Fahrenheit struck a good cord for me being a gay man in high school. Wish you all the best, hope to hear more.

[@andrewthemenace]

Well done good sirs (and madam) :) Welcome Back. Now hurry up and come to Australia!!

[@Shalashaska315]

This is awesome.

[@ChrisJones1985]

Dear Roper and the gang, Change approved! Much love and hugs Chris

[@ChrisJones1985]

Here is a great explanation from the singer/writer! www.fiveironfrenzy.com/zen-and-the-art-of-xenophobia-music-video-explanation/

[@TrueWeltall]

When did this happened?!?!?, I thought the band disbanded!! So Sweet!!! I LOVE FIF! My Fav band in my Puberty Years , haha!!

[@Spaceman_Sp1ff]

Glad to see a christian band acknowledging the idiosyncrasies of the modern interpretations of the bible and the morality therein. Hence lines like “jesus was american” or “shut the door save the kids”, or my favorite “its better if you just dont read”. Its just my interpretation but i get the feeling that five iron sees the flaws and hypocrisies of modern christianity.

[@agoo7581]

One of the few Christian bands with decent politics.

[@ryanfields4146]

neato! Thank you FIF!

[@joshturner1934]

This is flippin' fantastic.

[@thekevmccabe]

God this is so relevant right now. On the upside, it's making it really easy for me to pick out who the supply side Jesus supporters are.

[@soothingmeow22]

Such a fun video and song it comes together and sucks you in like a 711 slurpee on the 4th of July

[@FutureHonest]

If you havent picked up the EP - Between Pavement and Stars, what is wrong with you? If you never picked up any of the side projects from the various guys, I can recommend a great shrink for you :) If it were not for my friend who had a Friday night DJ show at the local college in Olivet, Michigan, my hometown, I might have never heard of FIF or any of the other great and amazing bands that are now sadly defunct and the world needs more of them

[@TheMenyDude]

yes yes YES!! Five Iron Frenzy!

[@Jarredromley]

Wow!

[@RichHowell]

- Live footage from inside the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021

[@Zidd]

Amazeballs!

[@c.carter9068]

The video borrows heavily from Bright Eyes' "Four Winds," but the songs are also thematically parallel. "Four Winds" is Charles Bukowski, but this song is (the poetry of) Henry Rollins. I like the undercurrent of abject hopelessness and existential terror that's been slowly taking over Five Iron's lyrics since "Boogaloo."

[@andyearnest8540]

C. Carter I've noticed the same trend. It's peak (so far) is with Scott's Blizzards and Bygones. Although I like that it is out there, it's personally hard to listen to because it's not where I am in my journey. But that existential angst (unacknowledged at first) is what made Five Iron so great.

[@ZachLorton]

Brilliant. St. Louis misses you.

[@danielumana6863]

La solidez andante!!!

[@NABphoto]

This must have pissed so many people off

[@MaxWilliams247]

More fitting than ever right now...

[@revengefrommars]

A Christian band against xenophobia. I'd say thank God for that but I'm agnostic.

[@brahtrumpwonbigly7309]

Sadly, it's just a Christian band that thinks virtue signalling is what it means to be Christian. Being against xenophobia isn't about saying you're against it, it's about promoting morality that would show the folly in mindless hatred. Making statements like these is just making up new people to hate.

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

Yes!!!

[@PabloHenriRamirez]

How the fuck did I miss this cd last year... oh yeah maybe because I live if freaking Bangkok!!

[@BalaamsDonkey7]

First band I really got into. FIF will always be my first love..besides bacon.

[@rensm7873]

Geez. This song is a deep cut......

[@WeirdSoIL]

Is that the same Elvis suit from Cornerstone? Enquiring minds want to know.

[@icthusman1]

HAHAHAHA!!! That was awesome!

[@goodmorningsunrise]

These are my people. ❤️

[@joshuahunt1210]

I love that Five Iron Frenzy was always "political." Not in a "Red vs Blue" sort of way but in a general liberty sense.

[@TonyBullard]

Don't take this the wrong way, but it's kinda weird seeing you all in a professionally done music video. Looking forward to being weirded out for the upcoming ones too!

[@randybob275]

Abraham Lincoln beard!

[@uriahedwards]

Reese (or mike, oh wait, I'm not supposed to call him that...) makes an awesome Abe Lincoln

[@SkankinPenguins]

I hate how relevant this song is this week...

[@andyearnest8540]

I like the rock with horns, but I still really miss Dennis' horn line writing ala "all the hype." I understand that the thrust of the band isn't ska anymore, and how Scott and Reese write now is different than 15 or so years ago. But Dennis came up with THE BEST counter melodies and harmonies to go with Reese's lyrics.

[@mercurialtim3021]

Anyone else want to watch the entire play?

[@mowdownjoe]

Why did Engine of a Million Plots disappear from Google Play Music? I could use this comfort now.

[@lcvolt]

Theres another comment around here with the lyrics. Its irony!!! Jesus wouldnt lock and load a gun, its like "yeah sure, lets start shooting the ones we dont like like jesus did" obviously he wouldnt do that, but the americanized version of jesus is permisive in that aspect. The last line is also ironic "if you play this song al Qaeda wins and jesus was american"

[@Kevinblankman]

Thank you for taking a stand against fascism in your music. Almost my entire Evangelical family is slowly morphing into Nazis, led by Trump and his ilk, and I love to see public Christians bucking that trend.

[@MrFunkhouser]

Is this supposed to be unlisted? I was about to share but Google told me to think twice before sharing! x.x

[@TonyBullard]

I think they're trying to give altpress an exclusivity window of sorts. The band's official G+ accounts links here: www.altpress.com/aptv/video/video_premiere_five_iron_frenzy_zen_and_the_art_of_xenophobia

[@MrFunkhouser]

Tony Bullard Thank you good sir! :D

[@MrFunkhouser]

Tony Bullard I just noticed this: "Check out the APTV exclusive premiere of the “Zen And The Art Of Xenophobia” music video."

[@jim477]

I like that Amy doesn't like this.

[@DNFINST]

She'll probably like this comment, though.

[@PeterJang]

For the longest time (yes, for whopping 4 days!), I thought it said "In the year of 1906 ninja" when it was supposed to be "In the United States of Amnesia"... LOL... I think mine makes more sense. :P

[@dillonmoffett3742]

*From Reese:* “This is what you can do when you don’t have a record label. Also, this is what living in the gun-crazy center of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, does to you in an election year. I really believe that the Biblical model is to let Christianity influence our politics, not to be the politics. There are few things more embarrassing for me, than the endless parade of jack-wads currently using the name of Jesus Christ for political gain in this country. Historically, the name of Christ has been used since the first century to justify countless atrocities. You would think that in a country that has barely just emerged from slavery and institutionalized racism - we would approach things with a bit more caution. We still don’t get it. Stop using the name of Jesus in your politics. Our political machine is driven by fear and greed, and the promise of those two things. Neither one of them being an attribute espoused by anyone in the New Testament. Especially Jesus. Our nation is split in two, with one side parading xenophobic madness as a means of political gain. This is not how Christ taught us to behave. PS - Christians: If you think that things like taking care of the Earth, treating women and people with different color skin than yours as equals, protecting children from being mowed down with semi-automatic rifles, feeding and clothing the poor, taking care of widows, the sick, and the elderly - are political stances, you are being used. You have two jobs as a Christian, to love God, and to love others. If your politics are getting in the way of that, if your fear is keeping others from doing that - then please rethink your life." PUT JESUS BEFORE YOUR COUNTRY.

[@brahtrumpwonbigly7309]

Classic example of a leftoid gaslighting the right for the sake of maintaining the moral high ground. All strawman arguments.

[@Cry4FreedomBand]

This band is absolutely terrible... I'm talking about us. Good to see you guys (and gal) back again in music.

[@sheldonfrantz3561]

I don't understand why people listen to this band. Did you guys just hear that? All that was, was loud banging and screaming. Pure and utter crap. Almost indescribable. But if I had to describe it using just one word....Masterpiece :D

[@vfrantz03]

sheldon frantz I read this comment and was like, "haha YES, this person is awesome." And then I noticed who posted it!! Lol. #BrotherSisterHighFive

[@Malkmusianful]

What the Georgia primary got me feeling Seriously if I have to see one more "Warnock hates the military" ad I will go insane