Oh boy, are you guys ready for some serious nostalgia? 🤯 Because I just got my hands on the latest episode of The David Ellefson Show, and it’s a real blast from the past! Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome vocalist Eric “A.K.” Knutson of FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and let me tell you, they dive deep into the history of thrash metal. I mean, we’re talking over four decades of metal goodness here! 🤘
So, Eric joins the show to discuss FLOTSAM AND JETSAM’s upcoming album, “Rats In The Temple”, and how the band approaches songwriting today. Because, you know, it’s not like they’ve been doing this for 40 years or anything… 😂. But seriously, Eric shares some great insights into the band’s creative process and the impact drummer Ken Mary has had on their sound and recording process. I mean, who doesn’t love a good drum solo, am I right? 🥁
But what really gets me is when Eric starts talking about the “dark years” of FLOTSAM AND JETSAM’s history. You know, the whole grunge era thing… 🙄. Apparently, it was a bit of a rough time for the band, and they tried to get a bit more commercial (yawn). But hey, at least they’re back to their roots now, right? 🙌. As Eric said, “I kind of feel like the whole grunge era really did damage to us as far as writing and the direction we wanna go and the music that we should be playing.” Yeah, no kidding… 🤦♂️.
The Good Old Days
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? 🚀. FLOTSAM AND JETSAM’s history with MEGADETH is pretty cool, and Eric shares some great stories about touring together during the “Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?” era. I mean, who wouldn’t want to tour with MEGADETH, right? 🤟. And it’s awesome to hear about the camaraderie that developed on the road. Because, let’s be real, that’s what it’s all about – the music, the friendships, and the groupies… 🤪.
But what’s even more interesting is when Eric talks about the 1995 tour with MEGADETH, FEAR FACTORY, and a then-up-and-coming KORN. I mean, can you imagine seeing KORN before they became one of the biggest bands in hard rock and metal? 🤯. Eric shares some great stories about meeting KORN before they were, well, KORN… 🤣. It’s like, who wouldn’t want to meet a bunch of young, angst-ridden musicians who are about to take the world by storm? 🌪️.
The New Album
So, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM’s new album, “Rats In The Temple”, is set to drop on August 28, 2026, via Napalm Records. Because, you know, we all need a little more thrash metal in our lives… 🤘. And let’s be real, it’s not like they’re just releasing an album for the sake of releasing an album… 🙄. No, this one marks 40 years since their groundbreaking debut, “Doomsday For The Deceiver”. I mean, who wouldn’t want to celebrate four decades of metal greatness? 🎉.
As Eric said, “It’s kind of cool to be back with the root feel of what FLOTSAM was first couple records, but with an updated production, updated feel.” Yeah, no kidding… 🤦♂️. And it’s awesome to hear that the current lineup, which includes guitarist Michael Gilbert and drummer Ken Mary, is all about equality and no egos… 🙌. Because, let’s be real, that’s what it’s all about – the music, not the drama… 🎸.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of thrash metal, or just great music in general, you owe it to yourself to check out FLOTSAM AND JETSAM’s new album, “Rats In The Temple”. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed… 🤘. And if you’re feeling extra nostalgic, go ahead and give their old albums a spin… 🎶. Because, let’s be real, there’s no such thing as too much metal… 🤣. 🤘
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
