When bands from the eighties release something worthwhile these days, it often gets designated as a “best since” release. The implication being that it’s good, but not as good as the classics. One band that is at least as good today as they were in the eighties, possibly even better, is Flotsam and Jetsam. ‘The End of Chaos’ (2019) and especially the incredible ‘Blood in the Water‘ (2021) displayed a creative rebirth, combining the band’s relatively melodic thrash metal roots with a contemporary heavy/power metal sound to spectacular results. ‘I Am the Weapon’ is another excellent entry to this chapter of the band’s career.

To be fair, I never considered Flotsam and Jetsam’s run from the early nineties to ten-ish years ago to be anywhere near as bad as most people make it out to be. But even with that in mind, the last few albums have reignited a spark I did not know was there anymore. ‘I Am the Weapon’ is no different. The riffs by Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley are classic heavy metal given additional force by Jacob Hansen’s meaty, modern mixing job, while immediately catchy choruses and classy melodies – often though not always harmonies – are all over the album.

No matter what Flotsam and Jetsam does, however, their secret weapon will always be Eric ‘A.K.’ Knutson. Some hardened old school purists may complain about him largely avoiding the high falsetto range he often employed in the band’s early days, but his mid-range is one of the strongest and most expressive in heavy metal today. Knutson is one of those singers who can elevate a melody, and he often does on ‘I Am the Weapon’. Like on ‘Blood in the Water’, the choruses are a bit more imaginative than before, really allowing Knutson to shine on every song.

In terms of riffs and melodies, ‘I Am the Weapon’ is every bit as good. There are no weak songs here, though there are some stand-out tracks. ‘The Head of the Snake’ is tuned lower than the rest and gets this awesome dark, almost Nevermore-ish vibe as a result. It also has possibly the best chorus on the album. Closing track ‘Black Wings’ has a slightly more theatrical vibe, though never at the expense of its riffy foundation, while ‘Gates of Hell’ is probably the most aggressive thrasher here. The following ‘Cold Steel Lights’ is built on a few cool eighties-style riffs and culminates in a strong melodic chorus.

Ultimately, I prefer ‘Blood in the Water’ over ‘I Am the Weapon’, but only just. Flotsam and Jetsam have simply never sounded as good as they have on their last few albums, and ‘I Am the Weapon’ continues this trend seemingly effortlessly and with gusto. Whether you listen to heavy metal for the riffs, the memorable guitar melodies, the intense drums or the forceful vocals: it’s all here, and everyone is performing at the top of their game. All while writing actual songs instead of collections of riffs as well. More than a few of Flotsam’s peers should take notes.

Recommended tracks: ‘The Head of the Snake’, ‘Black Wings’, ‘Gates of Hell’