Published: May 10, 2026
The Arizona thrash metal veterans return with a new studio album continuing the direction established on ‘The End of Chaos’ and ‘I Am the Weapon’
Flotsam and Jetsam have announced the new studio album “Rats In The Temple”, scheduled for release on August 28 through Napalm Records. The record marks the band’s first release for the label and continues a late-career period that has included albums such as “The End of Chaos” (2019) and “I Am the Weapon” (2024).
Formed in Arizona during the early years of American thrash metal, Flotsam and Jetsam remain connected to the style established on albums including “Doomsday for the Deceiver” (1986) and “No Place for Disgrace” (1988), records that helped define the band’s position within the genre’s first wave.
According to the band, “Rats In The Temple” combines aggressive riff-driven songwriting, melodic guitar arrangements, rhythmic precision, and lyrical themes centered around conflict, violence, betrayal, and social collapse.
The album features thirteen tracks and continues the partnership between vocalist Eric A.K. Knutson, guitarists Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley, bassist Bill Bodily, and drummer Ken Mary.
Songs including “Harvesting the Hate”, “Damnation”, and “Absolution” expand the band’s modern thrash direction through fast-paced riff structures and technical performances, while tracks such as “A Taste for War” and “Anthem for the Broken” explore darker thematic territory tied to war and human conflict.
The album also highlights the dual guitar interplay of Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley, particularly on songs including “Blame the Knife”, “Rats in the Temple”, and “Her Blood your Pain”.
TRACKLIST
“Harvesting the Hate”
“Damnation”
“Absolution”
“Blame the Knife”
“Rats in the Temple”
“The Ghost behind my Door”
“First on the Spike”
“The Edge of Nowhere”
“Last Rites”
“A Taste for War”
“Her Blood your Pain”
“Anthem for the Broken”
“Not Going down that Way”
FORMATS
2-LP Gatefold (White Label Edition) including LP-sized booklet (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
2-LP Gatefold (Splattered Vinyl) including LP-sized booklet (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
2-LP Gatefold (Black)
1-CD Digisleeve
Digital Album
Across nearly four decades, Flotsam and Jetsam have remained one of the longest-running names connected to American thrash metal’s original generation.
The band emerged during the mid-1980s Arizona metal scene and became internationally recognized through releases blending technical riff work, melodic arrangements, and the distinctive vocal approach of Eric A.K. Knutson.
Recent releases including “The End of Chaos” and “I Am the Weapon” introduced a renewed period of activity for the band, reconnecting elements of its earlier thrash identity with modern production and songwriting approaches.
LINEUP
Eric A.K. Knutson — vocals
Michael Gilbert — guitars
Steve Conley — guitars
William Bodily — bass
Ken Mary — drums
Beyond “Rats In The Temple,” Flotsam and Jetsam continue reinforcing the balance between classic American thrash foundations and the sharper production approach that has defined the band’s recent studio era.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo Credit: Shane Eckart
Watch the official video for Suffer The Masses. (C) 1990 Geffen Records
