When the Storm Comes Down

by Alex HendersonTremendously successful in R&B but not in metal or hard rock, MCA set out to change that in the late 1980s and early 1990s by signing an abundance of headbangers -- many of whom were painfully generic and devoid of originality. Very few thrash units were signed, but MCA did have the good taste to record this impressive Flotsam & Jetsam date. Like the band's previous releases on Metal Blade, When the Storm Comes Down is one of thrash's more accessible offerings. Though Flotsam can be blistering, gothic-themed songs like "Suffer the Masses," "Burned Device" and "October Thorns" tended to appeal to the type of metalheads who appreciate Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth (as well as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest), but don't care for grindcore and find Hellwitch, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide and other underground units too extreme. Highly recommended.