‘Blood In The Water’ IS the fourteenth studio album from thrash metal legends Flotsam & Jetsam. It’s an epic release from start to finish and is clear Flotsam and Jetsam have no intention of slowing down their career. With the events of the past year, the band have found there is still plenty left to say.
Vocalist ERIC “AK” KNUTSON comments, “We’ve seen our fan base increasing, and we’ve seen the response to the last two albums getting louder and louder. We have some of the most committed and crazy fans in the world. We charted higher on our last album than at any point in our career. Maybe our career path will run similar to Motorhead’s, who although was always considered iconic, didn’t really break through in a big way until later in their career. We feel our time is now . . .” says AK. “We’re like that dog that’s been kicked . . . we’re ready to break the door down and take what’s ours.”
Opening with the title track, the album doesn’t hold back. Intense, heavy instrumentation bursts forth with full force whilst AK’s vocals soar above. The pace is fast and maintains momentum throughout – something that continues with subsequent tracks. Guitar leads and licks deliver a fantastic array of melodies that give their sound an extra something. ‘Burn The Sky’ is fuelled with melodic elements across all instruments and vocals, combining to create a fantastic sound. ‘The Wicked Hour’ has a haunting aspect to the sound with a dark undertone created through the chord progressions and vocal melody lines. The percussion in this track is particularly intense and really emphasises the overall atmosphere of the music. Flotsam and Jetsam have a distinctive sound but know how to bring something fresh and distinctive.
‘Seven Seconds ‘Til the End of the World’ concludes the album with a somewhat dystopian flavour. Speeding through with ludicrously fast riffs and percussion, this song carries a powerful rhythm that aptly reflects the dark nature of the lyrics.
The twelve track album is a release of non-stop energy and power. From the aggressive edge, to soaring vocals, and melodic leads, Flotsam and Jetsam deliver it all. The thrashers are continuing to evolve and develop, even at this stage in their career, and it’s fantastic to see such a record released that is sure to appeal to existing fans and new ones.
Line-up:
Eric “AK” Knutson (Vocals)
Steve Conley (Guitar)
Michael Gilbert (Guitar)
Bill Bodily (Bass)
Ken K Mary (Drums)
Release: 4 June 2021 via AFM Records
Website: https://www.flotstildeath.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flotsamandjetsam.official
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flotsamandjetsamofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/flotztildeath
Fans can check out the music video for “Brace For Impact” below:
