Rating: 9 / 10 Stars
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM are: Eric “AK” Knutson (vocals), Steve Conley (guitar), Michael Gilbert (guitar), Bill Bodily (bass), Ken K Mary (drums)
REVIEW – FLOTSAM AND JETSAM return with their fifteenth studio album, ‘I Am The Weapon,’ out on Friday, September 13, 2024 via AFM Records. It’s a ferocious and intense offering that marks the first time since 2001’s ‘My God’ that the band recorded more than one album with the same lineup. The album is a whirlwind of thrash metal mastery, with each track delivering a blend of aggressive riffs, soaring vocals, and relentless rhythms that showcase the band’s enduring power and musicality.
The album opens with “A New Kind of Hero,” building slowly before delivering a gut-punch of thrash energy, setting the stage for a headbanging journey. “Primal” keeps the momentum going, urging listeners to mosh and shred alongside the band’s aggressive soundscape. The title track, “I Am the Weapon,” features crushing riffs and thundering drums, with Eric “AK” Knutson’s vocals soaring over the mix, making it one of the standout moments on the record. “Burned My Bridges” is another powerhouse, filled with shredding guitars and pounding rhythms that capture the raw essence of classic thrash metal.
Midway through the album, “The Head of the Snake” and “Beneath the Shadows” offer a masterclass in thrash dynamics. The former boasts thunderous bass lines and chant-worthy vocals, while the latter invites listeners to grab their air guitars and immerse themselves in the track’s heavy yet melodic layers. “Gates of Hell” and “Cold Steel Lights” continue the onslaught, with screaming leads, pounding drums, and fist-pumping heavy metal fury. “Kings of the Underworld” brings the crowd to its feet with an anthemic chorus that demands participation, while “Running Through the Fire” wraps listeners in a thrash metal maelstrom that is both invigorating and enveloping.
The album closes with “Black Wings,” a track that takes a slightly different approach with its emotive intensity, sending shivers down the spine with its dark, haunting atmosphere. Overall, ‘I Am The Weapon’ is a testament to FLOTSAM AND JETSAM‘s staying power and their ability to craft thrash metal that is both brutal and sophisticated. This album is a must-listen for fans of the genre, proving that the band remains a dominant force in metal.
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