Year: 2021
Total Time: 51:21
Label: AFM Records
“Flots ‘Τill Death” moto is not accidental, since the veterans of the American groovy Thrash continue unabated to record. They have now successfully reached their 15th work! (I do not count the re-recording of “For No Place For Disgrace” in 2014).
We press the “play” button and here we go: the opening self-titled track would be “Flight of Icarus” at Speed melodic Thrash Metal genre. The signs were there, since 2016, with the bold – in terms of its title (“Iron Maiden”), song from their self-titled album, that the “Flotzs” have taken shape, trying to become “MAIDEN” of the American Thrash scene, since both the guitars and the vocals are crafted with infinite melody, structured with the classic lines of the “beast “.
Reaching the 3rd track “Brace For Impact” someone can feel that he listens to a solo album of Bruce Dickinson, but with a faster tempo. So far, I would say that I hear a mix of PRIEST, DICKINSON and VICIOUS RUMORS both in terms of the style/compositions as also at the dynamics of the production.
Moving on to “A Place To Die”, where the first riffs are sharper, with ANNIHILATOR coming to mind, while unfortunately, despite the song’s furious start (mainly on the vocals), the mediocre chorus comes to spoil the outcome. “Walls” is another composition that it’s basic idea Dickinson would love to have in his next solo album. Also, in the next track “Cry For The Dead”, the rest Dickinson’s teammates would also like the basic idea. It brings in mind “A Matter of Life And Death”.
“Wicked Hour” although it reminds the old times of “Quatro”, it sounds like a filler in my ears. Lastly, the anthem that we were all waiting for is here which carrying the title “Too Many Lives”! This track has a riff that grabs you from the neck, it has a catchy chorus and also the whole structure of the song flows smoothly. The best moment of the album so far.
Immediately after “Dragon”, we have another “Dickinson” moment, which spoiled the excitement I had till now, despite the really good guitar solo. Since we are talking for enthusiasm, “Reagression” reminded me of “Escape From Within” from the legendary album “No Place…”! For the epilogue there are two relatively indifferent, sketchy and hasty fillers, with an emphasis mainly on the melodic “cheesy” chorus.
I would say that the new release of the American Speed/Thrash Metal veterans left me with the impression that with one foot they step on the pillar of Thrash Metal and with the other on Power and melodic Heavy metal’s side, also the reminded me of the late IRON MAIDEN, with some of JUDAS PRIEST’s vibe and also with several elements of Dickinson’s latest works. It sounded like they pay a tribute to all of them. Of course, the production of the album is fantastic. In addition, according to the amazing cover and the titles of the songs, it seems like a concept album. In conclusion, I believe that FAJ are still in the search phase of their good-old self and surely, with their next job, things will take their course. At the moment we are content with three or four good moments of the album. Certainly, this new album is a “click” higher than their previous one.
Rating: 6,5/10
Editor: Nikos Mathiopoulos
Related Link: FLOTSAM AND JETSAM – Official Page
