After nearly four decades of relentless dedication to metal, Flotsam and Jetsam return with their sixteenth studio album, “I Am The Weapon.” This album follows 2021’s “Blood In The Water,” a record that showcased the band’s ability to remain relevant while adhering to their roots. “I Am The Weapon” is a continuation of this trend and offers fans a thrilling blend of thrash and power metal.
The album bursts open with the high-octane “A New Kind of Hero,” a song that epitomizes Flotsam and Jetsam’sknack for intertwining the melodies of power metal with the aggression of thrash. Eric “AK” Knutson’s vocals are robust and melodic, standing out even more than on the previous album. Steve Conley and Michael Gilbert deliver riffs that are nothing short of blistering, setting a high bar for the rest of the album.
“Primal,” the second track, is another riff-heavy journey with a chorus reminiscent of German power metal, further highlighting the band’s diverse influences. The title track, “I Am The Weapon,” is a thrash onslaught, combining infectious melodies with crushing riffs, demonstrating the band’s skill in creating catchy yet heavy music.
“Burn My Bridges” brings a different flavor, leaning more towards European power metal with a neo-classical solo that showcases the band’s technical prowess. Ken K Mary’s drumming underpins the album with a powerful and precise force, particularly on this track, which stands out for its unique blend of styles.
The thrash elements continue with “Gates of Hell,” a track that manages to be both heavy and melodic without sacrificing the intensity. Bill Bodily’s bass lines add depth and drive to the song, providing a solid foundation for the soaring guitars.
“The Head Of The Snake” slows things down a notch, presenting a more mid-paced, groove-infused effort that still maintains an aggressive edge. It offers a nice contrast to the faster tracks, showcasing the band’s ability to vary their tempo effectively.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Beneath The Shadows,” which, interestingly, carries a ZZ Top-like groove layered with heavy metal elements. It’s a testament to the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with their sound while keeping their core identity intact.
As the album progresses, “Cold Steel Lights” and “Kings Of The Underworld” maintain the momentum with their infectious energy and memorable hooks. The intricate guitar work and Eric “AK” Knutson’s consistent vocal delivery keep the listener engaged throughout.
The album closes with “Black Wings,” a track that encapsulates everything great about Flotsam and Jetsam. It’s a blend of speed, thrash, and power metal with epic solos that leave a lasting impression. This song, along with “A New Kind Of Hero” and “I Am The Weapon,” ranks among the best on the album.
Flotsam and Jetsam have managed to produce an album that does not just live up to but exceeds their recent works. “I Am The Weapon” is packed with solid, crunchy guitar work, powerful drumming, and vocals that have only improved over time. It holds its ground in the band’s vast discography and proves that even after forty years, Flotsam and Jetsamare still a force in the metal scene.
Favorite Tracks: “I Am The Weapon,” “A New Kind Of Hero,” and “Black Wings.” The album presents a seamless blend of old-school thrash and modern metal elements, making it a must-listen for fans.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Order Link: https://shop.afm-records.de/de/flotsam-and-jetsam/
ALBUM TRACKLISTING:
01. A New Kind of Hero
02. Primal
03. I Am the Weapon
04. Burned My Bridges
05. The Head of the Snake
06. Beneath the Shadows
07. Gates of Hell
08. Cold Steel Lights
09. Kings of the Underworld
10. Running through the Fire
11. Black Wings
LINE-UP:
Eric “AK” Knutson (Vocals), Steve Conley (Guitar), Michael Gilbert (Guitar), Bill Bodily (Bass),
Ken K Mary (Drums)
FOR MORE INFO VISIT:
https://www.flotstildeath.com/
https://www.facebook.com/flotsamandjetsam.official
https://www.instagram.com/flotsamandjetsamofficial
https://shop.afm-records.de/
SINGLES/ VIDEOS:
I Am the Weapon (2024) // Official Lyric Video watch HERE
Primal (2024) // Official Music Video watch HERE
Burned My Bridges (2024) // Single listen HERE
