Flotsam And Jetsam went through turbulent times during the 1990s, thanks to metal music's negligence. Also, the band lost the founding member, guitarist Michael Gilbert after the previous album, 'High' (1997), together with the drummer Kelly Smith. Talk about hardship!

The band had brought the groove metal influence into their music earlier, but here it really is at its strongest (like on the next one, 'My God' [2001]). I have never managed to get into 'High' fully, even though it has gotten a bit better during the years in my book; I still think it is the worst album released by F&J (together with 'My God'). So, I was fearing what they would bring up next...

'Unnatural Selection' was a tough one for me, again. I liked some of the songs immediately, but some did take loads of listening to. Loads... I found it way more energetic than 'High'; the band had gained some drive probably thanks to the new members, namely Mark Simpson (guitarist from rock bands, or something) and Craig Nielsen (drummer, don't really known his history, except that he was one of the candidates for Megadeth's drummer after Nick Menza left). Anyway, this felt somewhat better already after the first listen. There's still guitarist Edward Carlson and his good soloing, and of course unique vocalist, Erik A. Knutsen!

This album was a faster job than usually, more spontaneous, thanks to the turbulent times. The band managed to create some damn catchy songs. Another trait for most of them is the drive; they are bulldozing at their most driving! They do have twists and turns, too. Well, these are more than suitable due to the lyrics themes like chemical and liquid addictions; especially the vocals add this vibe of haze and oddity, but so do also math-beats and vortex riffage. There are rather lame guitar sounds and techniques, that probably try to emulate Dimebag Darrell, but also some memorable and fine leads and solos. Jason Ward's bass is commanding and clanking. There's quite a lot happening in the drumming, with tasty tricks here and there.

This isn't like a twin brother with Anthrax's 1995 album 'Stomp 442', but they are like reminiscent cousins: Belligerent, mischievous and repellent, some think so in a positive way, and others the opposite way for sure. This is no jump-da-fuck-up-metal either, but much more a vibrant and wicked beast; still partly groove metal but with dark-toned heavy metal, and also a pinch of thrash metal; in all it is one damn unique album. At the best the songs are excellent (e.g. 'Chemical Noose', 'Liquid Noose' and 'Brain Dead'), at their worst, still good. 'Fuckers' is just bloody pungent and not stupid at all with its torrid spite. 'Welcome to the Bottom' is the calmest song on the album with its acoustics and emotive vocals.

Erik A.K.'s vocals are pretty good here. He feels energetic and powerful, but also acts by the lyrics and goes a bit nutcase at times. His voice works, and doesn't feel exhausted like on some F&J albums. Some of the choruses are catchy-as-heck, others go into that freak territory. The lyrics are about lives gone haywire, and they suit in perfectly. This album does have some fucking street cred! The cover art looks cool for a guy who loves old bug monster movies, and is a good metaphor.

The sound is a bit musty. Everything is mixed up to the front here, so I think it's perhaps two clashing guitars that cause this. It's not a album-breaking thing, but does sound stuffy in some stereos, as I've noticed. Generally, the sound is also warm, and above all, heavy. But it certainly isn't polished, as the album was rapidly done.

Even though 'My God' took dive again after this one, still the unnatural selection (of the music business, that is) for bands was favourable for this gang and Flotsam And Jetsam did survive the tempestuous 1990s, where metal music was not a big thing at all. And we've been served some ardent (thrash) metal since, especially in 2010s. Anyway, 'Unnatural Selection' is a small gem sandwitched between two album, that merely have a couple of better songs on them.

Rating: 8+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/03/2021 22:46