Behind one of the most cryptic names in metal history we find a thrash metal band from Phoenix, Arizona. The band first went by the name Paradox, until bassist Jason Newsted joined with Kelly Smith and 2 other guitarists in 1981. It was then changed to Dredlox. From there Mark Vasquez and LL Cool Kevin Horton joined the band, and changed the name to Dogz. Kelly saw A.K. sing at a high school talent show, and asked him if he wanted to try out for the lead singer position. Erik A. Knutson's arrival was in 1983. Ed Carlson was also to follow in 83. "Flotsam and Jetsam" is slang used by sailors, to describe goods thrown overboard, or washed overboard by waves. The band, however, renamed itself Flotsam and Jetsam after writing a song inspired from a chapter of J. R. R. Tolkien's 'The Two Towers'. 2 demos were cut in 1985, and the band also contributed with songs for the 'Speed Metal Hell II' and 'Metal Massacre VII' compilations. The last one of course released on Brian Slagel's Metal Blade label. He also signed the band to his label, and in 1986 Michael Gilbert (guitars), Eric A.K. (vocals), Edward Carlson (guitars), Jason Newsted (bass) and Kelly David-Smith (drums) released their debut album, 'Doomsday For The Deceiver'.

"Flots Til Death"

DOOMSDAY FOR THE DECEIVER (20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION) (1986, 2006) METAL BLADE

CD1:
  1. Hammerhead
  2. Iron Tears
  3. Desecrator
  4. Fade to Black
  5. Doomsday for the Deceiver
  6. Metalshock
  7. She Took an Axe
  8. U.L.S.W.
  9. Der Fuhrer
  10. Flotzilla - instrumental
  11. Iron Tears
  12. I Live You Die

CD2:

  1. Hammerhead
  2. Iron Tears
  3. Desecrator
  4. Fade to Black
  5. Doomsday for the Deceiver
  6. Metalshock
  7. She Took an Axe
  8. U.L.S.W.
  9. Der Fuhrer
  10. Flotzilla - instrumental
  11. Hammerhead
  12. The Evil Sheik
  13. I Live You Die
  14. The Beast Within

DVD:

  1. The Early Years
    Interview part 1 - 1983-84
    "Iron Tears" - Live at Palace West, New Years 1984
    Interview part 2 - 1983-84
    "Hammerhead" - Live in Jason's apartment 1985
    "She Took an Axe" - Live at The Pony Express 1985
  2. Live at Bootleggers 1985
    1. Iron Tears
    2. Fade to Black
    3. Metal Shock
    4. She Took an Axe
    5. Children of the Night - unreleased
    6. The Executioner - unreleased
    7. Those Who Defy - unreleased
    8. On the Attack - unreleased
    9. I Live You Die
    10. Hammerhead
    11. The Beast Within
  3. Photo history

Line-up:

Erik A.K. - Vocals

Jason Newsted - Bass

Edward Carlson - Guitars

Michael Gilbert - Guitars

Kelly David-Smith - Drums

 

CD1:

Tracks 1-10: 'Doomsday for the Deceiver' (1986)

Tracks 11-12: 'Iron Tears' Demo (1985)

 

CD2:

Tracks 1-10: 'Doomsday for the Deceiver' Re-mixed and re-mastered (2004)

Tracks 11-14: 'Metal Shock' Demo (1985)

 

 

I can't remember if I already knew about Flotsam And Jetsam when Jason Newsted left to join Metallica. What I do know is that it took me 20 years to buy and listen to this album! Considered a thrash metal classic, 'Doomsday For The Deceiver' is a child of it's time. Balancing the fuzzy edge between thrash and speed metal, Flotsam And Jetsam always remained in the shadow of the Big Four. I'm inclined to believe that is due to the fact that their music isn't as tangible as that of their piers. The riffing is typical thrash metal, meaning: ultra-fast and speedy. There is nothing flashy at all about the guitar-work, but it works great for this kind of music nonetheless. The vocals are very high-pitched, thus giving the music a speed metal edge. The bass, however, is otherworldly. Rather than following the drums, and working as a part of the rhythm section, it follows the lead guitar-parts, and adds a depth and bottom end unlike most. Of course, this thus bring one mind onto the inevitable link to Metallica. It's no wonder they snagged Jason to replace Cliff! Too bad they went on to bury him on their records, but that is a digression. But despite the bass/Metallica connotations, I think Flotsam And Jetsam have more in common with another one of the Big Four, namely Megadeth. What they lack in comparison to Dave Mustaine's snarls and aggression, the Flots more than make up for in Eric A.K.'s high-pitched screaming. The all speed all the time is basically the same. I do find that the Flots lack a little something to really make them stand out, and the songs doesn't have the same memorable hooks as those on records like 'Master Of Puppets', 'Reign In Blood' and 'Spreading The Disease'. The Flots operate with their own charm, and I can only imagine the appeal this album must have had to a thrash metal head (or should I say 'Hammerhead'?) at the time. Songs like "Hammerhead", "Iron Tears", Metalshock" and the epic length title track are all standout cuts on a solid debut album.

I bought the 20th anniversary special edition box set of this classic album. Metal Blade really went all out on this re-issue, delivering bonus track from both the bands original demos, a re-mixed and remastered album as well as the original, and a bonus DVD with old concert clips, interviews, photo gallery and a full concert filmed in 1985, in which the band rip through several unreleased songs. My only minor complaint regarding this deluxe edition might be that they could have put together a little more info in the booklet. And in the least printed the song lyrics in the correct order! But as a whole this special edition is awesome, and worth the buck extra if you don't already own this thrash metal milestone.

Killer tracks: Hammerhead, Iron Tears, Doomsday For The Deceiver, Metalshock, She Took An Axe, I Live You Die

Eric A.K. guest appearances:

V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A Tribute To Metallica'

 

Jason Newsted guest appearances:

Sepultura - 'Against'

 

Related artists:

Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne