FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, the legendary American thrash metal pioneers, have unveiled a captivating music video for their latest single, 'Harvesting The Hate'. This release marks a significant moment in the band's illustrious career, which has spanned over four decades. The video, a visual masterpiece, showcases the band's enduring appeal and their ability to blend heavy metal with thought-provoking lyrics.
The song itself is a powerful statement, urging listeners to confront their inner demons and stop perpetuating hate. With its methodical machine gun kicks and exceptional guitar performances by Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley, 'Harvesting The Hate' is a standout track from the upcoming album, 'Rats In The Temple'. The album, set for release on August 28, 2026, via Napalm Records, promises to be a beast of an effort, building upon the band's rich history of heavy metal anthems.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM frontman Eric 'A.K.' Knutson, a master of his craft, continues to bring magic to the stage with every album and tour. The current lineup, featuring Knutson, Gilbert, Conley, Ken Mary on drums, and Bill Bodily on bass, is arguably the strongest the band has ever had. Their journey, from the groundbreaking debut 'Doomsday For The Deceiver' to the recent releases 'Flotsam And Jetsam', 'The End Of Chaos', 'Blood In The Water', and 'I Am The Weapon', has been nothing short of remarkable.
'Rats In The Temple' is a 13-track odyssey through grim tales of death, abuse, betrayal, and war. It invites listeners into a dark world that is not too distant from our own. The album opens with the stadium-ready hooks of 'Harvesting The Hate' and 'Damnation', followed by the thrash virtuosity of 'Absolution'. The iconic guitar duo of Gilbert and Conley shines on tracks like 'Blame The Knife' and 'Rats In The Temple', before the band delves into first-wave excellence with a modern menace on 'The Ghost Behind My Door' and 'First On The Spike'.
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Rats In The Temple' is its ability to balance old-school thrash with modern influences. The album showcases a refined and eclectic serving of influences, giving listeners entry to numerous of the band's metal chambers. The legendary rhythm duo of Mary and Bodily takes center stage on the anti-war anthem 'A Taste For War', while 'Her Blood Your Pain' brings ornate, medieval guitarmonies. 'Anthem For The Broken' goes full balls to the wall, and 'Going Down That Way' hits listeners with heavy riffs and even heavier truths.
In my opinion, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's new album is a testament to the band's enduring legacy. It showcases their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The music video for 'Harvesting The Hate' is a visual masterpiece that captures the essence of the song and the band's overall message. It serves as a reminder that heavy metal can be a powerful tool for social commentary, and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM are masters at using it.
As the band prepares to celebrate 40 years since the release of 'Doomsday For The Deceiver', 'Rats In The Temple' is a fitting tribute to their groundbreaking debut. It is a must-listen for any metal fan, and the music video is a must-see. FLOTSAM AND JETSAM continue to raise hell for their throngs of dedicated fans, and their latest release is a testament to their enduring appeal. Personally, I think this album will go down as one of the band's best efforts to date, and the music video is a visual masterpiece that captures the essence of the song and the band's overall message.
