Flotsam and Jetsam’s “The Cold” from 2010 ranks among one of the best in their 30+ years career! After starting off with a bang with classic releases in “Doomsday for the Deceiver” and “No Place for Disgrace” the band has failed to fire on a consistent basis and never come close to matching their storied Thrashing past. 2005’s “Dreams of Death” hinted at a change of fortune but was hampered by a production crippled by the budget. 5 years on and riding a wave of nostalgia created by having their back catalogue re-released and remastered Flotsam return with easily their best effort since those two legendary albums. Finally armed with the tools needed to succeed the band deliver on the songs and “The Cold” flourishes. Travis Smith again supplies the stunning artwork. “Hypocrite” kicks off proceedings, a nice typical Flotsam heavy rocker but it’s apparent from the beginning that much more effort has gone into structure and delivery this time round. However, its not until second track “Take” that we get to see the new style in full swing complimenting Eric A.K.’s unique powerful vocals. Now Eric really outdoes himself on this release, taking himself and the band to a new level. Musically while taking a more modern slant, the band still manage to maintain their personality and are not afraid to mix up the old and new. Riffs recycled from the 80’s sit nicely along side Nevermore-esque rumble. Solos are abundant throughout and if this is Ed Carlson’s final fling than he bows out with a bang. Many older bands in recent times have failed to successfully reinvent themselves, become irrelevant to their original fan base or have never been able to top their first few releases. In Flotsam and Jetsam’s case, all three of these points apply, which is what makes “The Cold” so much more satisfying. That a band can come out some 25 years later, after suffering all the setbacks, all the failed expectation and deliver an album this good and this fresh is inspirational. If you like your Thrash Metal and appreciate a well executed tune then you can not go past this release. Tacklist: 1. Hypocrite2. Take3. The Cold4. Black Cloud5. Blackened Eyes Staring6. Better Off Dead7. Falling Short8. Always9. K.Y.A.10. Secret Life
