This is, thus far, the third and the latest concert film from legendary Phoenix thrash metal band Flotsam And Jetsam. They did record them all during a 5-year span, and none of them of course happened with the original guitarist Michael Gilbert (who has been back int he band for several albums again).

Vocalist extraordinaire Eric A. Knutson and guitarist Edward Carlson are still here from the original line-up. The new (well, already since 1999) guitar-slinger Mark Simpson handles his weapon well here, shooting solos with vigour. The line-up is rounded by heavy-hitting drummer Craig Nielsen and pounding bass player Jason Ward. Eric and Jason are most animate on stage, while Ed and Mark are more static. Still, the performances are good, no doubt about it. Eric's voice was in a great shape here, as he does pretty banshee-ish shrieks and vocals.

The production job is pretty good. Shot in Poland by Metal Mind Productions team, like so many other live videos, it's both lively and of good quality. There's a rolling camera even behind the drum kit, which I like to see and is missing from many bigger productions.Loads of close-up shots during solos are important, too. Sometimes there's a slightly shaking picture due to loud music, especially during close shots from mixing table. A robot-arm camera is also utilized and brings cool angle of view from above the crowd and the stage. The lightning is set so, that there's quite a lot of shadows on performers, which makes it all a tad dark. The sound is very live. This was shot in a big hall, so there's quite a lot of echoing. The drums are a bit too quiet in the mix, but it's a huge defect at all.

Yeah, I know... the set list... 7 out of the 12 songs making the show are from three first F&J albums, and I think it is enough. However, I do not get it why the Lard cover 'Fork Boy' is in!? It's a good cover and more violent than some of the band's own pieces, but they had so much own stuff to choose from... I guess the cover had become their 'Got the Time'. Anyway, the newer material is more groove-based, like it went for so many 1980's thrash metal band entering the 1990s. I think they opened for some bigger band with this gig, and once again, it lasts for just over an hour. I'd like to see a big concert from these fellas, come on! I hope they got something in their archives, so no matter if it is old or new; Get my money!

The extras, then. The only interesting bit is the 22-minute interview with Ed and Craig. Nice to hear something about the history of the band, really. I guess there's bit and pieces that aren't available anywhere else. However, there's short live video bits between the questions, so it actually isn't 22 minutes of talk. The rest of the extras are lame.

The concert is fine, but short-ish. The interview is cool. That's it: Another missed opportunity for the band. It's over fast. Way too fast! But if you're a fan of the band, it's also essential. I still want a mammoth video set from these fellas.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
06/11/2022 19:11