My God

by Vincent JeffriesFifteen years and a dozen bandmembers later, Flotsam & Jetsam continued their consistently punishing metal assault in 2001 with My God. After the group's stunning 1986 Metal Blade debut, Doomsday for the Deceiver launched the Phoenix band into the highest ranks of the second-wave thrash artists. Several major-label releases followed that, while successful within the ranks of the metal underground, never elevated the band above cult status. On My God, original members Eric Knutson (vocals) and Ed Carlson (guitars) are joined by drummer Craig Nielson, guitarist Mark Simpson, and bassist Jason Ward. Each member displays fine musicianship with the guitar duo of Carlson and Simpson laying down some exceptionally heavy riffs and tight harmony solos. Standout tracks include ferocious numbers like "Dig Me up to Bury Me" and "Frustrate," and even slightly mellower numbers like "Trash" maintain a fierceness that young and old metal fans should enjoy. Perhaps one of the best Flotsam & Jetsam offerings in over a decade, My God deserves a strong recommendation, especially for the group's longtime fans.