FLOTSAM AND JETSAM – I Am the Weapon

It’s always inspiring when bands that have been around for decades put out the best music of their career so late in the game. Take American Thrash Metal band Flotsam and Jetsam, for example. Since signing with AFM Records, they’ve been on a rejuvenated streak, releasing arguably the best albums of their career, which started with their 2016 self-titled release. They followed that up with The End of Chaos (2019), Blood in the Water (2021), and now, they have I Am the Weapon (2024), which is equally, if not more powerful than its predecessors. The latter is their fifteenth studio album and was produced by the entire band. The striking album cover was designed by Andy Pilkington.

You’ve Paid the Price and Now It’s Judgement Day

The band’s current sound is a blend of old-school Thrash Metal and melodic Power Metal. The opening track, “A New Kind of Hero,” makes listeners question who would be the new hero once Superman is gone. It’s melodic, yet heavy and face-melting at the same time, which a lot of it has to do with Ken Mary’s impressive double kick drum work, and the blazing guitar riffs of Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley. “Primal” sees Eric “AK” Knutson play around with the vocal arrangements, especially during the chorus, creating an addictive and earworm banger.

The ferocious title track is a confidence booster with loads of hooks and riffs that’ll make their competition eat dirt for breakfast. “Burned My Bridges” tackles the most divisive presidential election to date, criticizing the forceful nature of picking sides and making enemies with everyone they come in contact with. “The Head of the Snake” is another beast of a track that sees Gilbert and Conley shred as if their lives depend on it, and given the lyrics, maybe that’s the case. “Beneath the Shadows” doesn’t sound like anything that’s on the album. It’s bluesy, has a southern vibe, and grooves hard. The closing track, “Black Wings,” is Power Metal at its fullest with big backing vocals, theatrical elements, and melodies galore.

Final Assessment

The past three Flotsam and Jetsam studio albums have great sounding modern production and I Am the Weapon is no different. Not too raw and not too slick, but a fine in-between balance. The songs are well-written and memorable. The musicianship is excellent. Knutson has an adaptable voice that allows him to go from radio-friendly to intense within a matter of seconds. Yes, it is possible to be a heavy band, with loads of melodies at the same time. The only problem with I Am the Weapon being so good is the band has to worry about how they’re going to top it on their next record.

Album Tracklist

1. A New Kind of Hero
2. Primal
3. I Am the Weapon
4. Burned My Bridges
5. The Head of the Snake
6. Beneath the Shadows
7. Gates of Hell
8. Cold Steel Lights
9. Kings of the Underworld
10. Running Through the Fire
11. Black Wings

Band Lineup

Eric “AK” Knutson – lead vocals
Steve Conley – guitars
Michael Gilbert – guitars
Bill Bodily – bass guitar
Ken Mary – drums