I first bumped to Flotsam And Jetsam when I saw the video for 'Swatting at Flies' on once legendary Headbanger's Ball's "Triple Thrash Treat" feature. There was no stores in my town where this kind of metal could be found at time, so when my mother left to visit a bigger town, I gave her a shopping list with this album hanging on the top. And she brought it to me. Was I a happy puppy? Abso-fucking-lutely.

First thing I noticed was Eric Knutson's able vocals, and the music came second. This guy has totally enormous voice, pretty high-pitched, but raspy and very fucking powerful. He is the vital part of the band, I'd say the brain if compared to human anatomy. Great, varying drumming courtesy of Kelly David Smith is the heart together with bassist Jason B. Ward. Guitarists Edward Carlson and Michael Gilbert handle the rest of the bodily functions.

The band had diversified their music from speed/thrash metal step by step, but 'Cuatro' was the biggest of the steps. The song material is very varying. Not speed metal anymore, the band perform punishing modernized thrash cuts as well as darker, more prog and even rock-tilted pieces (as it reads on the band's official site: "Mixing thrash metal with grunge sound", but I would really not mention the term "grunge" here, even though 'The Message' is written with one Chris Cornell). The song structures are out-of-norm, offering some interesting turns throughout the album. Also, 'Cuatro' featured some of the catchiest choruses in thrash metal back in 1993, biggest thanks going to godlike Mr. Knutson delivering unbelievable melodies, but still not forgetting the rest of the band. Some of the songs are straight bullets to brain, some are stray bullets, but could hit very accurately if given enough time, because they include a lot of stuff to be found. For thrash-heads, the album is surely too brainy and tame. Some song material is totally classic, but the likes of 'Never to Reveal', 'Double Zero' and 'The Message' drop this album from highest of tribunes.

Well, how's the productions side, then? It is fucking good, indeed, thanks to Neil Kernon (Queenrÿche, Lynch Mob, Dokken etc. prior to this). This album features one of the most in-yer-face lower ends ever. The drums are just fucking awesome, the best I've ever heard, probably, sounding totally natural and well up. The bass is totally bad-ass. Now I'm sounding American? Maybe, but forgive me, please, because that's how I hear it and so will you too. The rhythm section can raise the dead, so effective it is. Even though the soundscape is kind of airy, breathing, guitars sound ripping.

So, is there the famous "first album syndrome" (= first shit you hear from a band and it will always be your favourite from them) going on? Probably a bit, but let me tell you, this album is awesome in every sector. 'Cuatro' is a fine piece of thrash/heavy metal, and can be recommended for those who aren't afraid of diversity or unique approach. Those dedicated only to speed/thrash metal should probably steer clear, so there won't be another "they sold out" comment heard about this great album, thank you.

Rating: 9- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
07/13/2008 17:27