Flotsam & Jetsam – Flotsam & Jetsam CD Review

Flotsam & Jetsam are a band that’s been a mainstay in the thrash & heavy metal genre for 30+ years, they are back with a vengeance with this, their 12th album.

Admittedly I wasn’t holding out much hope for this album. I really wasn’t fond of the re-recording of the “No Place for Disgrace” album or the lead track from this album, Iron Maiden

.  As soon as I started spinning this self titled release all my fears were put to rest. I’ve even changed my mind on Iron Maiden. Hearing it in context with the rest of the album, it slots in well.

Opening with  Seventh Seal which is as punishing as a MMA cage fighter. The double kick serves up many a punch to the guts, The guitar riffs smack you around with a big wet fish, the vocals are just crushing & it doesn’t stop there. Track after track of brutal thrash.

The only time this record relents is the track The Incantation & that’s because it serves as an interlude before breaking your skull with Monkey Wrench.

Final track on the album Forbidden Territories is a highlight for me as it shows off the musicianship & technicalities of Flotsam & Jetsam perfectly, as well as the much overlooked bass skills of Michael Spencer.

On the whole, this album chugs with all the ferocity of a viking at Oktoberfest.

It’s a full on thrasher, a return to form & an amazing thrash album.

Due for release via AFM 20th May. Flotsam & Jetsam have never sounded so good.

Track list:
01. Seventh Seal
02. Life Is A Mess
03. Taser
04. Iron Maiden
05. Verge Of Tragedy
06. Creeper
07. L.O.T.D.
08. The Incantation
09. Monkey Wrench
10. Time To Go
11. Smoking Gun
12. Forbidden Territories

Available as Digipak, ltd. Vinyl (golden and black) & ltd. box set

Band Members:
Eric A. ‘A.K.’ Knutson — vocals
Michael Gilbert — guitar
Michael Spencer — bass
Steve Conley — guitar
Jason Bittner – drums

Score 8.5/10