Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael said he attends therapy, responding to All That Remains singer Phil Labonte’s recent assertion that men do not solve problems by talking. Kael said he understood Labonte’s point that action can help men feel better, but argued that discussing feelings in an interview also resembles therapy; he described counselling as helpful for reflection, planning and addressing upsetting experiences.

Kael said therapy has helped him channel persistent anger into music, sometimes providing ideas for songs, and he also described heavy music as a safe outlet for frustration. Labonte’s comments were made in June while discussing his 2024 article about challenges facing men and boys, including disengagement from education, work and community, as well as depression, addiction and suicide.