Artist: Flotsam and Jetsam
Label: MCA
Release Date: 4/25/95
Rating: 5 Skulls
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Title: Drift Artist: Flotsam and Jetsam Label: MCA Release Date: 4/25/95
Rating: 5 Skulls |
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Death's Review:
I got into Flotsam when some kid taped me a really shitty eighth-generation copy of Doomsday for the Deceiver. Newstead's bass on tracks like "Metalshock" were exactly what I was looking for at the time. The follow-up, No Place For Disgrace, was an absolute classic, arguably the best Flotsam album and, on a different day, perhaps the record I choose to examine here. Tracks like "Hard on You," "I Live, You Die," "N.E. Terror," "Dreams of Death" and "The Jones" had the commercially palatable crunch and speed metal virtuosity evocative of things like Master of Puppets. And Eric A.K.'s uniquely emotive vocal delivery rivaled Tate, Arch and Midnight and the rest who were all the rage those days. He only got better, with tracks like "Burn Device" from the much maligned third Flotsam album, When the Storm Comes Down, in my opinion another great record.I didn't like Cuatro as much - I felt it was a radio concession and a step away from the emotion and distinction of their prior efforts. But in 1995, Flotsam returned to my radar with a darker, more existential record, Drift. It all just connects on this one for me. The beautiful Neil Kernon production (listen to the clean guitars and vocal mix on "Empty Air," "Pick a Window" "Destuctive Signs" and "Missing"). A clean, open sound and magnificent vocal performances reign throughout. Most important, however, is the somber, deep and reflective songwriting. "Me," is interesting, fresh, catchy and perhaps even odd speed metal, and A.K. commands full presence. "Missing" is a gorgeous song and should have receieved mainstream radio attention. Probably too dark or minor sounding overall to get that kind of play. "Smoked Out" was another fine example of catchy and heavy and where the two should come together. This was a stomper, for sure, but it feels of substance, and this makes all of the difference. "Poet's Tell" is a Queensryche-esque intelli-prog, adventurous speed epic. All in all, Drift is a fantastic album, probably the most self-actualized work of Flotsam's career.
Flotsam have an eternally underrated catalogue. It was sad to see them reduced to third-stage status at an odd time at the 1999 Milwaukee Metalfest. They are progenitors of classic speed metal, from a long lost time when major labels signed and marketed thrash bands, and, well, Eric A.K. is a vocal god. They should be treated accordingly. Several of their records, with the exception of, in my mind, their most popular effort Cuatro, and their most recent Unnatural Selection, can argue for classic status, including 1997's Metal Blade debut, High. But sometimes the Classic Review section of Metal Judgment should be about not only spotlighting albums we all agree are classics, but perhaps tipping others off to albums which many might have missed. It is in the spirit of the latter which I choose to spotlight Drift. If you liked No Place and can deal with some dark clean guitar passages and a bitter yet commercial vibe, check out Drift. It really is a great record.
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