Flotsam and Jetsam band photo

Flotsam and Jetsam Unleash 'Rats In The Temple': 40 Years of Thrash Domination

By Jason •
The legendary thrash outfit returns with their 17th album, proving once again that they're the titans of metal consistency.

In a world where many legacy acts falter, Flotsam and Jetsam emerge like a phoenix from the ashes, celebrating 40 years since their groundbreaking debut, Doomsday For The Deceiver. Now, they’ve unleashed their 17th studio album, Rats In The Temple, a testament to their relentless drive and unwavering passion for thrash metal. The band continues to assert their position as the most reliable force in the metal landscape, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to delivering crushing riffs and evocative lyrics.

In an exclusive chat with lead vocalist Eric “A.K.” Knutson on BraveWords’ Streaming For Vengeance, he shared insights into what fuels his fire at 61. “I just love this,” he declares, radiating enthusiasm. “The live shows, the creative process in the studio — that’s my favorite thing on the planet.” His passion is palpable, and he credits his family for providing the support system that allows him to keep pursuing his art without hesitation.

When asked about the longevity of his career, Eric's response is both profound and humorous. “Somebody told me it’s been 40 years since our first album,” he reminisces. “I just grew 17 grey hairs when they told me that. It’s surreal to think that time has flown by so quickly, but as long as we act like we’re 16, I think we’re doing alright.” This youthful spirit is clearly embedded in their music, which continues to resonate with thrash enthusiasts around the globe.

Reflecting on nostalgia, Eric fondly recalls the days of physically hunting for their album in record stores, contrasting it with the modern ease of online orders. “We had a camera guy follow us around to document those days,” he says, reminiscing about the excitement of being in the moment. “We commented on every record somebody picked up, and it was just a blast.” Such memories illustrate the band's deep roots in the metal community and the genuine connections they’ve fostered over the decades.

With Rats In The Temple, the band has crafted an album that showcases their ability to evolve while remaining true to their thrash roots. The tracklisting is a potent mix of hard-hitting anthems, including “Harvesting The Hate,” “Blame The Knife,” and the title track “Rats In The Temple.” Available in various formats from special edition vinyl to digital downloads, this album is a must-have for any metal enthusiast.

As Eric puts it, “Consistency is key.” While he wishes for the band to achieve even greater heights, their legacy as the most consistent metal band on the planet is undisputed. With Rats In The Temple, Flotsam and Jetsam remind us all why they’ve stood the test of time and continue to reign supreme in the thrash metal realm.