FLOTSAM AND JETSAM - Rats in the Temple

There is no lengthy introduction needed for 'Harvesting The Fate', the track locks straight into a powerful rhythm section, driven by punchy drums and razor-edged guitar work. Michael Gilbert adds melodic detail between the heavier riffs, while Eric A.K's distinctive vocals cut through with the confidence and character that have long defined FLOTSAM AND JETSAM. A memorable hook ties everything together, giving the opener enough melody to stick while never taking away from its thrash metal bite.

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'Damnation' takes a darker turn, exploring accountability and the consequences of actions that cannot be undone. William Bodily's menacing bass line runs beneath the composition while Ken Mary's forceful drumming keeps the track relentlessly moving forward, creating an almost addictive momentum. Eric A.K.'s seasoned vocal delivery cuts through with plenty of bite and conviction, adding to the song's energetic yet threatening character. FLOTSAM AND JETSAM sound remarkably confident here, delivering a track that hits hard and finds its way into your head almost instantly.

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Title track 'Rats In The Temple' begins with a threatening, almost cinematic orchestral atmosphere before thunderous drums and a storm of riffs suddenly send the song galloping forward. That darker feeling never completely disappears, fitting naturally with the track's exploration of inner conflict and destructive thoughts. Eric A.K.'s commanding vocals once again leave a strong impression, while the energetic drumming and subtle bass work keep the uptempo composition constantly moving. Dark, urgent and immediately infectious, if this doesn't start a mosh pit live, I don't know what will. 

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'The Edge Of Nowhere' initially settles into a slower, brooding groove, carried by melodic drumming and an accessible riff, but the restraint does not last for long. The track soon plunges back into high-energy riffing, accompanied by Eric A.K.'s cut-throat vocal delivery and an incredibly infectious chorus. I particularly enjoy the constant contrast between controlled heaviness and explosive energy, giving the songwriting plenty of movement without overcomplicating things. A highly effective four-minute monster of a track.

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Mortality casts a long shadow over 'Last Rites', as the song confronts death without offering the comfort of easy answers. That uncertainty translates naturally into the music, where tolling bells, rapid-fire riffs and an increasingly sinister atmosphere create a genuine sense of unease. The collective vocal refrain towards the end provides a particularly effective contrast and already feels made for audiences to join in live. A dark and thought-provoking track that adds another shade to the album without losing its thrash metal bite.

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'Her Blood Your Pain' carries a strong classic heavy metal spirit, with epic guitar lines and passionate, narrative vocals occasionally bringing Iron Maiden to mind, yet always with the unmistakable stamp of FLOTSAM AND JETSAM. The approach may be more straightforward melodically, but powerful riffs, a noticeable bass line and Ken Mary's shifts between furious and more measured drumming keep the energy high. A huge hook makes the track immediately infectious, while one of the album's best solos provides a clear highlight. When even the reviewer can't keep their head still, you know you're dealing with something seriously addictive.

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We close the album with 'Not Going Down That Way', a track whose defiant character is clear from the very beginning. Exploring mortality and the determination to face it on one's own terms, the song takes a more measured approach while moving naturally between acoustic passages, classic thrash riffing and bursts of furious guitar work. Eric A.K.'s commanding vocals once again carry plenty of emotion, while the songwriting allows the story itself to take centre stage. Punchy yet haunting, the closer leaves both a musical and emotional mark, and honestly, all I want to do is raise my fist and scream along as loud as I can.

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With Rats In The Temple, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM prove that nearly four decades into their career, the fire is far from gone. Infectious hooks, razor-sharp riffs and Eric A.K.'s commanding vocals meet strong songwriting and enough darker atmosphere to keep things varied. Energetic, memorable and packed with passion, this is thrash metal delivered with confidence and experience.

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SCORE 9/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY