Flotsam & Jetsam

Although Metallica were undoubtedly the front-runners of the thrash genre throughout the '80s, the decade saw numerous similar acts work their way out of the underground -- Testament, Metal Church, and especially Flotsam & Jetsam. Hailing from a locale not exactly known for spawning metal acts -- Arizona -- Flotsam & Jetsam seemed well on their way to joining the thrash metal elite before bassist Jason Newsted jumped ship to join Metallica. The only Newsted-era Flotsam release, Doomsday for the Deceiver, received the 20th Anniversary Edition treatment in 2006, and for fans of this cult classic metal release, there is much to feast on. Comprised of a staggering three discs, the release includes both original and remixed/remastered versions of Doomsday for the Deceiver, bonus tracks, and also a DVD of interviews and numerous early performances. Musically however, it was clear who the group's main influence was on such tracks as "Hammerhead" and the epic title track. Elsewhere, it's obvious that guitarists Michael Gilbert and Edward Carlson were going through a heavy Yngwie Malmsteen phase at the time, as the solos on such tracks as "Flotzilla" sound like they were directly lifted from Rising Force. But give the band some credit -- while most metal acts were busy perfecting their spandex color coordination, Flotsam & Jetsam gentlemen were helping spread the word about a new, extreme metallic style, and they were certainly off to a good start with Doomsday for the Deceiver. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide