FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, the legendary American thrash metal pioneers, have just dropped a new music video for their single 'Harvesting The Hate' from their upcoming album 'Rats In The Temple'. This release marks a significant moment in the band's history, as it is set to celebrate 40 years since their groundbreaking debut, 'Doomsday For The Deceiver'.
Personally, I find it fascinating that FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, despite being in the metal scene for nearly four decades, continue to push boundaries and deliver fresh, powerful music. Their ability to evolve and maintain their unique sound is truly remarkable. The band's current lineup, featuring Eric "A.K." Knutson on vocals, Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley on guitars, Bill Bodily on bass, and Ken Mary on drums, is arguably their strongest ever. Knutson's vocal prowess and the guitar duo's virtuosity are a testament to the band's enduring legacy.
The new album, 'Rats In The Temple', is a beast of an album, according to Knutson. It features 13 rabid onslaughts of grim tales of death, abuse, betrayal, and war, inviting listeners into a dark world not too distant from our own. The album opens strong with the stadium-ready hooks and dizzyingly precise performances of 'Harvesting The Hate' and 'Damnation', before delving into thrash virtuosity on 'Absolution'. The iconic guitar duo of Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley paint vividly ghoulish images on tracks like 'Blame The Knife' and 'Rats In The Temple', then continue to flex their metal muscle on 'The Ghost Behind My Door' and 'First On The Spike'.
One thing that immediately stands out is the band's ability to blend their classic, first-wave thrash metal sound with modern influences. The album showcases a refined and eclectic serving of influences, giving listeners entry to numerous of the band's metal chambers. The track 'A Taste For War' is a standout, with its anti-war anthem and the legendary rhythm duo of drummer Ken Mary and bassist Bill Bodily taking center stage. The album's diverse range of themes and musical styles is a testament to the band's versatility and their ability to connect with a global audience.
What many people don't realize is that FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's music is not just about the heavy riffs and powerful vocals; it's also about the deeper messages and themes. The band's lyrics often explore the darker aspects of human nature, inviting listeners to look in the mirror and confront their own problems. This is particularly evident in the track 'Harvesting The Hate', which asks listeners to stop harvesting the hate and find the true problem in their lives.
In my opinion, 'Rats In The Temple' is a must-listen for any metal fan. It is a testament to the band's enduring legacy and their ability to push boundaries and deliver fresh, powerful music. The album's diverse range of themes and musical styles, combined with the band's iconic sound, makes it a truly special release. So, dim the lights, grab a drink, put the headphones on, and crank this up. You will not be sorry you did!!!
