FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
"My
God" (Metal Blade Records; 2001)
Reviewed by Alicia Downs
"My God" is a pretty cool album. It is
traditional thrash metal coming from a band that has been around more than 15
years now. The best bit of advice I can give is that it is much better
than "Unnatural Selection" but is still nowhere near (not that you
would expect it to be) their legendary "No Place for Disgrace." With
the musical chair type lineup that is F&J, "My God" sounds like
the present line-up has settled in and ended up with an album comfortably
theirs.
Through and through "My God" is a solid thrash album. The
opening track "Dig Me Up to Bury Me" drives the idea that F&J have
been around for a while - it was total old school thrash metal. It could
have easily been written and recorded like 15 years ago and I wouldn't have been
any the wiser.
"Weather to Do" was an astounding track that has so much dimension and
feeling to it musically that I could not help but put it on repeat. As a
matter of fact, when I now put the album in, that's usually the first track I
skip to, followed by the melodic "I.A.M.H."
The power metal sound via blistering guitars was felt throughout the album most
notably in title track "My God" and "Frustrate."
"My God" downright comes across as an intelligently written and
performed album seasoned with experience and experimentation - everything that
you would want in a band's eighth album. If you are a F&J fan this
album will delight you ... if you are not, at the least it will help you
to respect and appreciate how they have been able to endure and continue making
solid music for close to a couple of decades.
And, by the way, keep listening after the end of final
track "I.A.M.H."- something extra comes in around the 8:35 mark.
Flotsam and Jetsam is: Eric A.K. (V), Mark Simpson (G), Jason Ward (B), Craig
Neilsen (D), and Ed Carlson (G).
Flotsam and Jetsam Official Web Site: http://www.flotsam-and-jetsam.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2001 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 02 Nov 2011 01:33:46 -0600
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