Flotsam and Jetsam https://www.flotstildeath.com/

I’ve waxed nostalgic about the 80s many times. I enjoy being able to watch or listen to something from the decade and say “I remember when that happened” like that time when Flotsam and Jetsam‘s original bassist Jason Newstead joined Metallica. I remember when that happened… Anyway, if you know that story (which by now, you should’ve figured it out).

On their fifteenth full-length I Am the Weapon, the Arizona based Thrashers have produced a new album that is a scorcher. I mean, they’ve come a long way since those Doomsday for the Deceiver days, that particular one came out in 1986 and was followed up by the killer No Place for Disgrace (featuring an Elton John cover no less).

When the Storm Comes Down wasn’t bad, but Cuatro wasn’t any better and that’s around the time I sort of lost interest. I literally had no idea that they were still releasing albums still, sorry guys. I am here to say that this new one I Am the Weapon, fucking kills!

Yesterday I was jamming the new Nasty Savage and was thinking about this one, wondering how it would be… well I am incredibly happy to report that this is another amazing 2024 Thrash album from an act conceived in 1985. What a time to be alive.

Beginning with “A New Kind of Hero” and it’s kind of Metallica-ish main riff, the album kicks into overdrive from the get go, and I have to say from start to finish this album shreds. Eric A.K. sounds lethal and the lyrics are clear and understandable, the entire band is on fire and this shows on this album.

Next is “Primal” popping off with a riff that, to my ears could’ve been on Sacred Reich‘s Independent but it doesn’t matter, because it’s still a killer track, but it’s not as good as the title track which is absolutely pummeling, another fist banging mania song with a soaring chorus.

This is one of those uplifting albums, not necessarily in the normal term, but it makes you want to move around. Air drums, guitar; whatever and “I Am the Weapon” is that song, a massive chorus and absolutely pounding drums it’s utterly devastating in the best possible way.

I Am The Weapon was produced and recorded by and at SonicPhish Productions, Gnome Lord Studios, Wayne Manor Studios, and Seventh Spike Studios. That’s a lot of different places, but the album hits hard, it’s a bit more polished than the Nasty Savage album but that’s okay too. Flotsam and Jetsam always had that punchy, in-your-face production in spades so this album sounds fresh and spectacular.

“Burned My Bridges” is a mid-paced thrasher an incredible sing-along chorus (I already know the lyrics) and it’s followed by a killer two-for “The Head of the Snake” and the haunting “Beneath the Shadows” It’s not doomy or anything like that, but it’s sort of a darker track… I guess is a good way to describe it.

The band sounds inflamed, after fifteen albums they have definitely brought the 80s into the mid-2000s. We’re almost into AOTY and year-end list territory and my list of contenders keeps growing, I might have to modify the way I do it; yeah there can be only one, but goddammit there’s so many good albums (this one included) that have turned my head and reminds me everyday of why I love Metal.

“Gates of Hell” and “Cold Steel Lights” rocket along setting the stage for “Kings of the Underworld” a song that just hits hard, lyrics and music coalesced into a larger tapestry of brutality. It’s my second favorite track after the title song and sets up the final two perfectly. “Running Through the Fire” and “Black Wings” are both ragers that end the album on ocean waves of tight as a bullfrog’s ass riffage. Fast and furious as Thrash Metal should be, there are no heartfelt ballads none of that sappy shit will be found here.

So at the end of the day, how does I Am the Weapon stand up against the last fourteen albums, and, more importantly, does it have replay value? Fuck yeah, it does! The End of Chaos and Blood in the Water seemed to me as a comeback, mainly because I’ve rediscovered the band if that makes any sense. Anyway, constant reader, you should get this album and play it loud so your neighbors can enjoy it too.

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