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Doomsday for the Deceiver (1986)
Released in July 1986, Doomsday for the Deceiver is the first L.P. from Flotsam and Jetsam. For some, this band is merely a footnote, just some bit of trivia because the original bassist went on to join a much bigger act. That’s a disservice to the band and to listeners who don’t realize what a great thrash record this is, one that more than holds its own.
Very tight playing, excellent musicianship, and strong songwriting. The material is consistent without ever getting too repetitive, and there’s plenty of variety. There are straightforward thrashers like "Desecrator", while "Doomsday for the Deceiver" and "Metal Shock" manage to be genuinely epic, not just in length but in atmosphere. Some of the solos and acoustic bits, like the beginning of the title track or parts of "Der Führer" give the album a slightly gloomier feel and an added sense of depth. There are moments here and there reminiscent of the first Metal Church album.
For a debut, this is pretty ambitious stuff, and they pull it off well. The production almost reminds me of Iron Maiden, especially with how audible the bass is. The vocals took a little getting used to as his more emotional inflections can feel at odds with the speed and heavines of the music. Still, his screams are impressive, especially on the title track and "She Took an Axe". The lead guitar solos are another highlight: they’re well executed, fit the songs, and aren’t just thrown in for the sake of it.
Doomsday for the Deceiver is a great thrash record and the best that Flotsam and Jetsam ever sounded. They did well with the follow-up but this L.P. was too strong for them to ever match. If you've been living under a rock and haven't heard this, make sure to give it a listen.
Very tight playing, excellent musicianship, and strong songwriting. The material is consistent without ever getting too repetitive, and there’s plenty of variety. There are straightforward thrashers like "Desecrator", while "Doomsday for the Deceiver" and "Metal Shock" manage to be genuinely epic, not just in length but in atmosphere. Some of the solos and acoustic bits, like the beginning of the title track or parts of "Der Führer" give the album a slightly gloomier feel and an added sense of depth. There are moments here and there reminiscent of the first Metal Church album.
For a debut, this is pretty ambitious stuff, and they pull it off well. The production almost reminds me of Iron Maiden, especially with how audible the bass is. The vocals took a little getting used to as his more emotional inflections can feel at odds with the speed and heavines of the music. Still, his screams are impressive, especially on the title track and "She Took an Axe". The lead guitar solos are another highlight: they’re well executed, fit the songs, and aren’t just thrown in for the sake of it.
Doomsday for the Deceiver is a great thrash record and the best that Flotsam and Jetsam ever sounded. They did well with the follow-up but this L.P. was too strong for them to ever match. If you've been living under a rock and haven't heard this, make sure to give it a listen.
(17 May 2025)
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