Trash Titans Flotsam And Jetsam are back with another exquisite slab of Heavy Metal. Following hot on the heels of 2024’s I Am The Weapon, Rats In The Temple showcases the world-class talent of the band. Flotsam And Jetsam have been around for four decades, and their legendary status as one of the most prolific Thrash bands continues with yet another superb album.
Flotsam And Jetsam – Rats In The Temple
Release date: Out Now
Words: Kenny Kendrick
The album opens up as it means to go on with Harvesting The Hate, an epic anthem. The absolute precision of the band really is a thing to behold. Ex-Alice Cooper/House of Lords drummer Ken Mary is one of the best drummers on the planet, and a perfect fit in the Flotsam And Jetsam camp. He plays his arse off throughout the album in a supreme performance.
Damnation kicks off with an operatic feel before we are kicked head first into some trad Metal with a catchy whoa whoa chorus. Absolution heads off into full-on Thrash territory.
Huge riffs from guitarists Steve Conley and Michael Gilbert are the order of the day on Rats In The Temple, and the duo work effortlessly together to create some of the band’s best work. Let us not forget the huge contribution from vocalist Eric AK Knutson. He sounds better than he ever has here, a superb effort.
Blame The Knife is my favourite track on the album. Staccato riffs, double bass flourishes, and some thought-provoking lyrics combine to make a real standout track. The title track again highlights Ken Mary’s unbelievable chops. I cannot emphasise enough how good he is. He elevates every track with his meticulous performance.
The Ghost Behind The Door is another solid track, with its chunky riffs, excellent lead guitar work and a memorable chorus. Other standout tracks include the super heavy First On The Spike, The Edge Of Nowhere with its full-throttle thrash attack, and the epic Not Goin’ Down That Way.
Flotsam And Jetsam are a band that should be spoken about more often when we talk about the Big 4 of Thrash Metal. They are more than worthy to be up there with the likes of Testament, Exodus, etc in the conversation about contributions to the Thrash genre.
Rats In The Temple is a kick-arse record with ferocious performances from the band. 2026’s version of Flotsam And Jetsam are by far their best incarnation.
Go and have a listen to Rats In The Temple and tell me you do not agree.
Flotsam And Jetsam – Rats In The Temple is out now via Napalm Records. For more details, visit napalmrecords.com/flotsam-and-jetsam.
