Search - Flotsam and Jetsam - Live in Phoenix on DVD

Old -School Thrash Metal From the Fiery Forge of Phoenix

Steven R Berry | the suburbs of Dallas, Tx | 08/05/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For a band whose greatest claim to fame is "Metallica bassist Jason Newsted's original band", Flotsam and Jetsam have managed to survive two decades in the ever-evolving world of heavy metal. Longtime fans (like myself) will appreciate the set list as it contains at least one track from each of the band's albums. Here Flotsam is captured in fine form on their home turf of Phoenix, AZ in a dim, smoky, club atmosphere. If you are looking for a high gloss, ultra-professional video then you will be disappointed. But if you dig the claustrophobic feel of a sweaty, poorly ventilated, club-circuit dive then you will feel right at home. Original vocalist Eric A.K. does a respectable job but has trouble with some of the banshee screams from the band's earlier material. Senior guitarist Ed Carlson plows thru Flotsam's early thrash-metal songs (No Place for Disgrace, Hammerhead) just as capably as their later prog-metal offerings (Swatting at Flies, Me). Pot-bellies and receeding hairlines aside, I loved seeing some of my underground metal heroes finally documented on DVD. Flotsam and Jetsam never quite hit the big-time, be it timing or luck, but their loyal fan base would be amiss if they didn't add this disc to their collections. True metal-heads are a small fraternity, but we are very loyal to the bands we love. Live in Phoenix is ten bucks well-spent. Besides, seeing "Escape From Within" performed live is worth the price of admission. Long live Flotzilla!"

Wasn't what I expected ...

Michael Harper | Cincinnati, Ohio United States | 06/27/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"One of the best and underated metal band of all time... I wasn't too happy with the song lineup.. There could of been a bunch more tunes added.. Eric AK can still sing and hit the high notes (dont believe the other review) but he obviously is not "into" the show and actually seems to be bored with it. Thats just the impression I get. I just wish these guys would find a decent label that will give them the proper exposure because all of their albums are great.. I wasn't much into the last 2 too much but hopefully their upcoming album (Dreams Of Death) will give them the proper exposure they deserve."