Flotsam and Jetsam‘s latest offering, I Am The Weapon, showcases a band still fiercely committed to their thrash metal roots while continuing to evolve in their craft. Released on September 13th via AFM Records, this fifteenth studio album is a tour de force of precision, melody, and sheer power that cements their status as stalwarts of their chosen genre.

The album opens with A New Kind of Hero, which greets the listener with a disconcertingly gentle intro—a nod to the classic thrash albums of the past. This moment of calm is quickly shattered by a powerful yet melodic opening statement of intent, setting the tone for what’s to come. It’s a track that feels like a rallying cry, one that draws you in with its promise of something more to come.

Primal continues the journey, taking the baton from its predecessor but infusing it with even more melody. There’s a progressive edge here, one that flirts with the soundscapes of bands like Metal Church and Vicious Rumors. Yet, it’s unmistakably Flotsam and Jetsam, delivering a blend of old-school metal with a modern twist.

The title track, I Am The Weapon, is where the album truly flexes its muscles. It’s the first real heads-down thrasher, and it’s a beast. The kick drum work from Ken Mary is ultra impressive, propelling the song forward with relentless energy. Despite the heaviness, the track remains deeply melodic, with a chorus that sticks in your mind long after the song ends.

Burned My Bridges takes a different approach, leaning into a classic eighties metal vibe. Everything in this track builds towards the chorus, which, when it arrives, delivers in spades. Vocalist Erik A.K. Knutson is in fine form here, his voice as powerful as ever, driving home the nostalgic feel without ever sounding dated.

The Head of the Snake is another controlled thrasher, where the band channels it’s collective anger to achieve maximum impact. Once again, the chorus stands out—it’s becoming clear that this album is a masterclass in how to craft memorable hooks within the thrash metal framework.

Next up is Beneath The Shadows, which offers a moment of deceptive levity with its jaunty, groovy opening riff. But don’t be fooled; this track quickly morphs into a piece of pure American steel. Knutson delivers one of his most impressive vocal performances on the album, supported by a state-of-the-art production that allows each band member to shine in support.

Unfortunately, Gates of Hell fails to ignite the same passion. It’s a chugging grinder, serviceable but not remarkable, especially in the context of the high-calibre tracks that surround it.

However, the band quickly regains momentum with Cold Steel Lights, a fast-paced rager that channels the energy of their New Jersey cousins Overkill, albeit with a more controlled, polished approach. The closing section of the song is a testament to the band’s tight musicianship, weaving together with pure class.

Kings of The Underworld follows a similar blueprint, with Knutson’s vocals ratcheting up the intensity. As with the rest of the album, there’s a more-than-serviceable chorus lurking just around the corner, a reminder that Flotsam and Jetsam are at the top of their songwriting game on IATW.

Penultimate offering Running Through Fire features an interesting opening arrangement that soon gives way to another full-blooded, snub-nosed rager. The vocal performance, both lead and backing, is particularly noteworthy here, and the musicianship is, once again, watertight. The band masterfully builds anticipation with a mid-song slowdown before unleashing a final burst of sonic hostility. Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley, who are now entering their second decade in partnership, deserve special mention at this point for their guitar contributions throughout the album, whicha re never less than stellar.

Just when you think the album has reached its peak, Black Wings arrives to prove you wrong. This closing track is an epic, high-grade belter that distils the essence of the entire album into one headbangingly essential piece. It’s a fitting finale, one that leaves you in no doubt that Flotsam and Jetsam have saved the best for last.

I Am The Weapon is, in summary, a triumph. It’s an album that balances the aggression and speed of thrash with a melodic sensibility that makes it accessible without sacrificing any of its edge. Flotsam and Jetsam are in their fourth decade, but there’s no sign of them slowing down. If anything, this album proves that they’re still very much a weapon to be reckoned with in the world of metal.