Five Finger Death Punch have been dealing with a bit of drama surrounding the departure of bassist Matt Snell. But now the band has confirmed that they have found a new member in Chris Kael. The Kentucky born bassist had the following to say following the announcement:

“Never give up on your dreams — I’m living proof that with hard work and a little bit of luck, they can come true.”

The band, who is near completion of their follow up to 2009’s War Is The Answer, posted a bunch of new group shots featuring their new bassist on their Facebook page. A solo picture of Kael can be seen up top, while shots Kael with his FFDP band mates can be seen after the jump. Not that we’re ones to judge looks, but after take a look of the solo picture, we’re guessing he doesn’t fit the age requirement featured on the phony audition flyer. We’ll have to wait and see whether he’s under 6ft tall or has any vocal ability (but at least he fulfills the tattoo requirement).

In addition to readying their new album, expected to be out by the end of the year, Five Finger Death Punch have lined up a batch of Summer dates. You can take a look at the entire rundown below:

07/1 Gibbons, AB – Boonstock
07/17 Tulsa, OK – Brady Village (Hot As Hell Music Fest)
07/30 Madison, WI – Willow Island at Alliant Energy Center
08/13 Twin Lakes, WI – Shadow Hill Ranch (95 WIIL Fest)
08/19 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (Q-Ruption)
08/20 Winnipeg, MB – Canada Inns Stadium (Rock On The Range Canada)
08/26 Post Falls, ID – Greyhound Park Amphitheatre (KHTQ Rock Hard At The Park)
08/27 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre (KISW Pain In The Grass)
08/28 Hillsboro, OR – Washington County Fair (PDX Rockfest)