Flotsam and Jetsam

Flotsam and Jetsam - US thrash metal band

Group from United States

Genres: heavy metal, metal, speed metal, thrash metal, thrash

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About Flotsam and Jetsam

Flotsam and Jetsam is an American thrash metal band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1981. The band was initially known as Paradox, then Dredlox, and later The Dogz before adopting the name "Flotsam and Jetsam" in 1984. The current lineup consists of vocalist Eric "A.K." Knutson, guitarists Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley, bassist Bill Bodily, and drummer Ken Mary. The band has experienced several lineup changes over the years, with Knutson as the only constant member. Jason Newsted, who later joined Metallica, was the band's bassist from 1981 to 1986. Flotsam and Jetsam has released fifteen studio albums, with the most recent being "I Am the Weapon" in 2024. The band emerged during the mid-to-late 1980s as part of the second wave of thrash metal alongside bands such as Sepultura, Testament, and Death Angel. They achieved moderate commercial success with the albums "No Place for Disgrace" (1988), "When the Storm Comes Down" (1990), and "Cuatro" (1992), with the first two reaching the Billboard 200 chart and the latter appearing on the Heatseekers chart. The band was founded by drummer Kelly David-Smith and guitarists Pete Mello and Dave Goulder, who were joined by Jason Newsted after responding to a newspaper advertisement. Eric A.K. Knutson joined in 1982 after auditioning. Ed Carlson joined in 1983, and Michael Gilbert joined in 1985. The band released early demos including "Iron Tears" and "Metal Shock" and contributed to compilation albums before signing with Metal Blade Records. Flotsam and Jetsam recorded their debut album "Doomsday for the Deceiver" in Los Angeles, released in 1986, after which Newsted left to join Metallica. The band subsequently signed with Elektra Records and toured with Megadeth, Slayer, and other bands. "No Place for Disgrace" was released in 1988, and the band toured internationally with acts including King Diamond, Megadeth, and Testament. In 1990, the band released "When the Storm Comes Down" under MCA Records, followed by "Cuatro" in 1992 and "Drift" in 1995. These albums marked shifts in style, including more melodic and progressive elements. After a period of reduced activity, Flotsam and Jetsam returned to Metal Blade Records and released "High" in 1997, followed by "Unnatural Selection" in 1999 and "My God" in 2001. During this period, Eric A.K. Knutson briefly pursued a side project, the A.K. Corral. From 2002 to 2010, the band performed live sporadically and released the live DVD "Live in Phoenix" (2004) and albums "Dreams of Death" (2005) and "The Cold" (2010). The album "Ugly Noise" was released in 2012, featuring contributions from former bassist Jason Newsted. Subsequent tours saw lineup adjustments, including the addition of guitarist Steve Conley. Flotsam and Jetsam re-recorded "No Place for Disgrace" in 2014 and toured extensively in Europe. In 2016, they released the self-titled album "Flotsam and Jetsam" with drummer Jason Bittner, followed by "The End of Chaos" in 2019 with Ken Mary on drums. In 2021, "Blood in the Water" was released, supported by tours in the United States and Europe. In 2024, the band released "I Am the Weapon" and announced its upcoming fifteenth studio album. In 2025, Flotsam and Jetsam signed to Napalm Records with plans to release a new album in 2026. Studio albums Doomsday for the Deceiver (1986) No Place for Disgrace (1988) When the Storm Comes Down (1990) Cuatro (1992) Drift (1995) High (1997) Unnatural Selection (1999) My God (2001) Dreams of Death (2005) The Cold (2010) Ugly Noise (2012) Flotsam and Jetsam (2016) The End of Chaos (2019) Blood in the Water (2021) I Am the Weapon (2024)

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