AFM Records [Release date 20.05.16]
Flotsam and Jetsam are band I have had mixed feelings about over the years. Having been a huge thrash fan most of my life, and a huge fan of Metallica back in the day, there was no avoiding checking these guys out. Their first two albums, ‘Doomsday For the Deceiver’ and ‘No Place For Disgrace’, remained staples for me back then, but after that they lost me. A lot had to do with their shift in style than anything else.
The band have released a number of albums over the years, with several line-up changes and periods of dormancy. ‘Ugly Noise’ was the last album I heard that gave me moments of interest in them again, but it still never lived up to their potential, even if that potential has been more or less invisible for a few decades. With the release of their latest s/t album, I figured I’d give them one more chance before I totally wrote them off.
Flotsam and Jetsam the album is a return to what made them so great back in the day, playing very heavy and intricate thrash metal. Finally the band seems to be back on track with a more honest and organic sound than trying to remain current.
Not to say that their sound is stilted and locked in the 80′s; on the contrary the band sounds more current staying true to their roots than they ever did chasing a trend. Songs like “Iron Maiden,” “Seventh Seal,” “Creeper,” “Time To Go,” and “LOTD” are brash, in your face, aggressive, and instant heavy metal classics. The band seems to have a renewed vigor for their music, and this whole album is the best thing they have done in many decades, if not ever.
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.
As the saying goes, “Better late than never,” couldn’t be more true to this album. It’s as if they heard what I said in my review of Ugly Noise and corrected everything I had issue with. I’m sure that’s not the case, but whatever it is that enabled them to create this magnificent album, I hope they keep it going. ****1/2
Review by Chris Martin
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
Pingback: Spirit, energy, and excellent songs: Flotsam and Jetsam reinvent themselves with their self-titled new album – Albums That Rock