Flotsam and Jetsam
I am the Weapon
AFM Records
Released: 9/13/2024
9/10
On September 13, 2024, legendary thrash band Flotsam and Jetsam are set to release their fifteenth studio album "I am the Weapon" via AFM/Believe. This much anticipated release comes on the heels of their last album "Blood in the Water" from 2021 which was a highly successful release. Being a fan from the beginning it"s interesting on how consistent this band is and this new release follows that success.
Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Flotsam and Jetsam formed in 1981 under a myriad of names finally settling on their current name. In 1986 they released their debut "Doomsday for the Deceiver" and their follow up "No Place for Disgrace" in 1988 with both albums cementing them as thrash metal royalty. "I am the Weapon" unleashes a contemporary thrash vibe which will impress long time fans and collect first time metal listeners.
The album begins with "A New Kind of Hero" which has a cool guitar intro that blasts into that classic thrash sound. "Primal" has a darker-heavy sound that changes the pace up quick. The vocals on this track are fantastic. Title track "I am the weapon" has a killer heavy drum intro that when the guitars rip in creates that fast buzzsaw effect. Track four "Burned My Bridges" continues the thrash attack with that classic fast pace that Flots" is famous for. These first four songs are actually the singles pre-released and definitely wets your appetite for what"s to come. "The Head of the Snake" is one of my favourites on this album; super heavy and thrashy. This definitely will become a live show classic.
"Beneath The Shadows" has heavy vocals mixed with a thumping guitar chug that creates a really cool vibe. "Gates of Hell" pushes the thrash envelope to the max with a superb mix of heavy and fast.
"Cold Steel Knights" is another one of my favourite tracks. This has a Dio sound to it put to thrash. I love the fast guitars that rip through your soul. This will easily make my top songs list of 2024.
"Kings of the Underworld" has a Slayer vibe to it in parts. This is a heavy track with a catchy chorus.
"Running Through the Fire" breaks into a cool vocal chorus which really sends this song into a different thrash direction.
"Black Wings" has a cool ominous opening and projects a darker thrash vibe. This is a pounder of a song and finishes the album off strong. Another track I would like to see done live. What I love about Flotsam and Jetsam is they create such great new material and not afraid to tweak their formula. The album mixes in so many sub genres like bits of doom and traditional metal all set to a killer thrash sound.
The album will be on many top album lists of 2024 as fans are treated to another fantastic record.
I recommend picking this up and taking it for a spin🤘
Jim Harrison, HMS