Flotsam & Jetsam : "I Am the Weapon"

 

In their long career, the band has been consistent in cranking out quality thrash with epic power metal-like vocals, though Eric AK has managed to rein his yodels back with age. Not sure I approve of the version of "No Place For Dusgrace' where they re-recorded them out of existence, but that was then this is now. The opening track comes on pretty strong and finds the "Raise Your Fist and Yell" drummer Ken Mary bringing it fast and furiously. He might not be an original member but played on one of my favorite Alice Cooper albums so it's fine for me. "Primal' feels more like they are just working off the formula of what they do, and not bringing new ideas to the table, which might be what some fans want. 

Metal fans are funny in this way as they force a band to stick to what they have been doing and not veer too far from that or they have sold out.  If we ignore the Blaze Bailey albums Maiden has kept the best balance in this regard. The title track works pretty well. Though it thrashes in a pretty straightforward manner. Despite having forsaken his falsetto, Eric's voice sounds great. I get why he doesn't do it as it sounds very 80s. "the Head of the Snake" grooves in a manner that holds more in common with their more classic songs. A little groove goes a long way as "Beneath the Shadows" shuffles its way into being more of a rock song. 

"Gates of Hell" works off taunt riffing that recalls this era of classic metal, as it allows the vocals to carry a great deal of purpose. I am not sure they needed to step on the gas in the manner that does for "Cold Steel Lights". Though when the song breaks down into the more melodic section this one works well, but needs to last longer. "Kings of the Underworld" feels like its syncopation is rushed and the vocals take the brunt of this damage. Though the chorus works well enough."Running Through the Fire" benefits from very powerful drumming. It is a very aggressive song, but works well. "Black Wings" works really well and finds the band coming to a very well-balanced place. I will give this album a 9 as these guys  continued to fine-tune what they do without being trapped in the sound of an era. 

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