CDReviews

Flotsam and Jetsam – Blood in the Water

AFM Records      Release Date: 4th June 2021

Well, those were the days – for example, joyful memories of an absolutely legendary gig with Megadeth, Testament, Sanctuary (later Nevermore) and – Flotsam and Jetsam, which should illustrate the status of this band … The first two bands at this show were admittedly still on the way to their superstar status, but these guys from Phoenix, Arizona could have easily made it to the top, too. Numerous line-up changes – singer Eric “A.K” Knutson is the only remaining original member – and other circumstances have unfortunately prevented it, despite the fact that those guys have consistently put out good albums since their formation in 1981. And a bad juju thing seems to continue – with their 13th album The End of Chaos they experienced rather the opposite and even before the pandemic… Many people might know this band only from their contributions to other acts, as a talent factory for bass players – one of them, Jason Newsted, departed to Metallica, another one – Troy Gregory – to Prong. Serious mistake, and every Thrash fan should have at least one F&J album on their shelves. As a surplus to this one.

The thrash legends show with album Nro 14 that they have not forgotten anything – aggressive metal anthems, crowned by Eric’s still flawless, powerful, unique voice. The catchy choruses (Brace for Impact you can immediatelysing along) are anything but 08/15 or too simplistic song material. Even the slower paced songs (Walls) remain pretty rough and a power ballad like “Cry For The Dead” does not slide into kitsch area. That is, the band should not only satisfy the old fans with this Metal ear candy album and absolutely modern sound (see for example Dragon, 7 Seconds), but also win new ones. Congratulations, hope it works out this time with the Thrash Metal superstar status!

PS: Flotsam and Jetsam can be seen live in January and February 2022 with Accept on their EU Too Mean to Die Tour (plus Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons).

  • 9.5/10
    Bewertung / rating - 9.5/10
9.5/10

Klaudia Weber

reckless and merciless dictator, so KNEEL! In other words, editor-in-chief, translator, website and ad admin, "Jane of all trades" - - - addicted to books (everything between Lord Of The Rings & quantum physics) and music, mainly Metal made in Finland. Furthermore, there's painting, drawing, movies, theater... so you can expect some variety on this website too. MA Master of Arts, English and American studies & Media communication = completed two full studies parallel within 5 years; very proud of my achievement - a bit later in life thanks to a scholarship - as a working class girl in a highlyconservative-romancatholic nation...