Flotsam And Jetsam is one of the most underrated thrash metal bands ever! Most people only mention their name when talking about Jason Newsted’s brief stint in the early lineup. But this group was more than just a starting point for Metallica’s former bassist. They have stood the test of time and proven themselves by releasing the most consistent string of albums in the genre.
After establishing their credibility with arguably the peak of their career, Doomsday For The Deceiver was a powerhouse which is saying a lot since it launched in one of the most notorious years for thrash: 1986!
Standing out as the news kids on the block, Flotsam And Jetsam became some of the biggest contributors to thrash and put most of their touring friends to shame with their unique style of relentless heavy metal. No Place For Disgrace was their last splash in the 80’s which marked their first signs of polished production and mature songwriting. Afterwards came a impressive range of amazing albums in the 90’s, especially When The Storm Comes Down and High. The 2000’s continued their success streak while also incorporating progressive elements into their sound with remarkable releases including Ugly Noise and their self-titled album from 2016.
The End Of Chaos picks up where Flotsam And Jetsam (2016) left off. It drops most of the progressive metal style found on Dream Of Death and The Cold and dive head first into their classic roots. Similar to how Overkill have been a machine in recent years with their modern material like The Electric Age and The Grinding Wheel, Flotsam And Jetsam is staying relevant in that same vein. They might not sound note-for-note like the 80’s, but they still carry the same attitude as their heyday and the music clearly shows it. A modern production masterpiece with plenty of highlights, right from the beginning with anthemic anthems like Prisoner Of Time and Control. The album immediately makes a good impression and excels in memorable riffs and catchy lyrics with Slowly Insane and Unwelcome Surprise. Before going out with a bang, the band some awesome moments including Snake Eyes and Survive. Until finally reaching the epic finale, The End.
Eric “A.K” Knutson still has that iconic voice with some menacing mid-range vocals all over the place. And this is a two guitar band, so there is no disappointment hearing the OG Michael Gilbert compliment his sound with Steve Conley, who has been a absolute beast since his first appearance with the band on Ugly Noise. Michael Spencer also makes a stunning performance as always being the man who stepped in after Jason Newsted left to join Metallica. He has since played a major role in the band’s modern day incarnation and been on all of their best 21st century albums. The End Of Chaos is also the first feature drummer Ken Mary after Jason Bittner left to join Overkill.
The band delivered with a badass release and put a strong start to the new year for metal. Similar to other recent thrash albums like Penalty By Perception and Decision Day, Flotsam And Jetsam proved that there’s plenty of potential in older bands and they can still put out solid material without reinventing the wheel and trying to overthink their new album.
If you’re still worked up about their groove metal era in late 90’s/early 2000’s, you have nothing to fear, because Flotsam And Jetsam are back and still kicking ass!
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