by Justin Gaines
– Sr. Columnist —
Ah, the infamous self-titled album. When you see that from a band and it’s not their debut album, you know they’re either a) completely reinventing its sound or b) attempting to press the “reset button” on their career. Given the fact that this particular self-titled album is coming from Flotsam and Jetsam, a 30-year veteran of the American Thrash Metal scene, the “reset button” scenario seems the most likely choice.
Flotsam and Jetsam have gone through a lot of lineup changes over the years, with vocalist Eric “AK” Knutson the only real constant. For this album, which is the band’s eleventh studio offering (assuming we’re not counting the No Place For Disgrace rerecording), AK is joined by returning Flotsam and Jetsam veteran guitarist Michael Gilbert and bassist Michael Spencer, as well as guitarist Steve Conley (F5) and drummer Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall).
Flotsam and Jetsam never really lost their essential sound over the years, but it’s been a while since their approach was as focused it is here. This album is a great example of their brand of tight, mid-tempo, fairly Melodic Thrash Metal. The sharp, intense riffs and pounding, heavy rhythms work very well together. Eric’s vocals are snarling and sinister, sounding a bit like Warrell Dane’s at times, and continue to play a huge role in what makes these songs so effective. He especially shines on “Smoking Gun” and “Creeper.” Leadoff thrasher “Seventh Seal” is another highlight, as is “Iron Maiden,” which bears no relation to the signature song by that other better known band. Flotsam and Jetsam have even resurrected a pair of songs – “L.O.T.D.” and “Forbidden Territories” – that were written way back in the No Place For Disgrace sessions. Both of those have that classic Thrash sound, and when you consider how well they fit the rest of this album, that’s a good sign.
Self-titled albums can be hit-and-miss, but Flotsam and Jetsam have delivered one that is very satisfying here. Whether you’ve followed them faithfully throughout their career or lost track of them since the late ‘80s and early ‘90s efforts, this is an album that will remind you why you were a Flotsam and Jetsam fan in the first place. File this one alongside recent efforts by Overkill, Testament, Death Angel and Onslaught as proof positive thrash’s old guard can still get the job done!
Genre: Thrash Metal
Lineup:
Michael Spencer (b)
Michael Gilbert (g)
Steve Conley (g)
Jason Bittner (d)
Eric “AK” Knutson (v)
Track Listing:
1. Seventh Seal
2. Life Is a Mess
3. Taser
4. Iron Maiden
5. Verge of Tragedy
6. Creeper
7. L.O.T.D.
8. The Incantation
9. Monkey Wrench
10. Time To Go
11. Smoking Gun
12. Forbidden Territories
Label: AFM Records
Website: www.flotsam-and-jetsam.com
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8/10
