Spirit, energy, and excellent songs: Flotsam and Jetsam reinvent themselves with their self-titled new album
Flotsam and Jetsam have been one of those bands that never received enough credit for the great work and for how they have kept on going since the 1980s. Not only have they released thrash metal classics such as Doomsday for the Deceiver (1986), No Place for Disgrace (1988), and When the Storm Comes Down (1990), they have kept going when heavy metal was thought dead by record companies and the music marketplace. In addition, the band has embraced crowdfunding to overcome the lack of funding of the last couple of releases.
With their 30th anniversary and 12th studio album released on May 20, 2016, Flotsam and Jetsam reinvent themselves, not necessarily in terms of musical style, but in terms of spirit and energy. The new album, adequately self-titled ‘Flotsam & Jetsam’, holds 12 tunes that sound like the old, the not-so-old and the brand-new Flotsam and Jetsam. Listeners recognise the band’s style and the songwriting. However, there is a new-found fire and energy to it that makes the songs sound fresher than on the previous couple of records.
I met frontman AK in 2015 for #fhtz and I could feel that the band was working towards a certain new beginning, and when I gave the new album the first spin, I instantly knew what AK meant back then. Flotsam and Jetsam were able to channel their inspiration and motivation into maybe their best album to date. Every song is a killer in terms of songwriting and the production is excellent. Songs like Taser, Iron Maiden, and Time to Go make this listener’s head nod along from first to last beat. Even the instrumental interlude The Incantation has its legitimacy as a song given its spherical beauty.
Flotsam and Jetsam’s self-titled new album is a contender for the title of best thrash metal album of the year 2016 given the spirit and energy that it radiates and, especially, the songs it holds. Biggest kudos to AK and his men for this phenomenal album, which will spin another gazillion times before I get to see the band live on tour. I’m already excited to hear some of the new songs live.
What others say about the new album:
“Not really a comeback – they never really went away – Flotsam and Jetsam is nevertheless an overwhelming and surprising success, rejuvenating the career of a band seemingly lost in the wilderness who’ve finally found their way home!” – Chris Jennings, worshipmetal.com
“I was expecting to walk away hating this album, and nearly passed on it with the disappointment I felt for their last one. I’m glad I gave them one more chance. Flotsam and Jetsam, band and album alike, are finally reaching their potential all these years later.” – Chris Martin, getreadytorock.me.uk
“With its self-titled 35th anniversary album, Flotsam and Jetsam is a band rejuvenated and reborn. There is not a weak track on the record, and the vast majority of the songs beg for repeated listens. The guys sound as aggressive and imposing as they did on their first two records. This is one of 2016’s must own metal albums.” – Rustyn Rose, metalnationradio.ca
“This is the sound of a band downright rejuvenated and ready to remind the world that they were once contenders for metal’s hallowed throne or a damn fine reason. They are back with a vengeance an are giving the vast majority a run for their money. For me the strongest contestant for the thrash metal album of the year!” – Joel Barrios, rockatnight.com
“The album explodes from the gate and doesn’t quit until it shatters your eardrums and melts your brain. As I said, if you like old school thrash made even heavier and intense for the modern era and the modern metal listener, you will like this album. Me? I prefer not to have my brain liquefied. Recommended.” – Craig Hartranft, www.dangerdog.com