Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
40 years later, are Flotsam and Jetsam stronger than ever?
In this video, I take a deep dive into I Am the Weapon, the latest chapter in Flotsam and Jetsam’s remarkable late-career resurgence. After Blood in the Water, the band faced a major challenge: how do you follow what you believe is your best album?
We look at the writing and recording process behind I Am the Weapon, including the collaborative songwriting partnership between Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley, Eric A.K. Knutson’s vocal and lyrical contributions, and the massive role drummer and producer Ken Mary plays in shaping the modern Flotsam and Jetsam sound.
I also break down the key tracks, including “A New Kind of Hero,” “I Am the Weapon,” “Primal,” “Black Wings,” “Beneath the Shadows,” “Cold Steel Lights,” and “Running Through the Fire,” plus the superhero-inspired concept behind the “A New Kind of Hero” video.
Finally, we look at Flotsam and Jetsam’s current “new era,” their recent touring, and why the band is increasingly prioritizing their newer material in their live sets.
Is I Am the Weapon proof that Flotsam and Jetsam are experiencing one of the strongest periods of their entire career?
Let me know what you think in the comments.
If you enjoy deep dives into the history of rock and metal albums, don't forget to like, subscribe, and check out the rest of my Flotsam and Jetsam series!
#FlotsamAndJetsam #IAmTheWeapon #ThrashMetal #HeavyMetal #MetalHistory #MetalReview #EricAKnutson #MichaelGilbert #KenMary #JCRockAndMetalReviews
Hey everyone! I just released my new e-book called How to Start a YouTube Channel for Introverts. It’s a quick and easy 42-page read where I share the full story behind my channel, JC Rock and Metal Reviews—how I got started, the struggles I faced, and the lessons I learned along the way.
jc-rock-and-metal-reviews-shop.fourthwall.com/products/how-to-start-a-youtube-channel-as-an-introvert-e-book
Please consider becoming a member of this channel. The first tier is 0.99 and this gives you early access to my videos as I always post them as members first before going public. Sometimes I post up to a week in advance. The second tier is 2.99 and this one gives you early access plus the benefit of making video requests. You can request album reviews or any other video provided it is within the scope of this channel’s content.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCRPx4Iygm4SnMn4D7Getgtg/join
If you want to help support the channel. I have merch, including t-shirts, coffee mugs and stickers.
Check out the new Merch Store:
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FACEBOOK:
facebook.com/JCrockandmetalreviews
TikTok:
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CONTACT INFORMATION
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**FAIR USE**
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
40 years later, are Flotsam and Jetsam stronger than ever?
In this video, I take a deep dive into I Am the Weapon, the latest chapter in Flotsam and Jetsam’s remarkable late-career resurgence. After Blood in the Water, the band faced a major challenge: how do you follow what you believe is your best album?
We look at the writing and recording process behind I Am the Weapon, including the collaborative songwriting partnership between Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley, Eric A.K. Knutson’s vocal and lyrical contributions, and the massive role drummer and producer Ken Mary plays in shaping the modern Flotsam and Jetsam sound.
I also break down the key tracks, including “A New Kind of Hero,” “I Am the Weapon,” “Primal,” “Black Wings,” “Beneath the Shadows,” “Cold Steel Lights,” and “Running Through the Fire,” plus the superhero-inspired concept behind the “A New Kind of Hero” video.
Finally, we look at Flotsam and Jetsam’s current “new era,” their recent touring, and why the band is increasingly prioritizing their newer material in their live sets.
Is I Am the Weapon proof that Flotsam and Jetsam are experiencing one of the strongest periods of their entire career?
Let me know what you think in the comments.
If you enjoy deep dives into the history of rock and metal albums, don't forget to like, subscribe, and check out the rest of my Flotsam and Jetsam series!
#FlotsamAndJetsam #IAmTheWeapon #ThrashMetal #HeavyMetal #MetalHistory #MetalReview #EricAKnutson #MichaelGilbert #KenMary #JCRockAndMetalReviews
Hey everyone! I just released my new e-book called How to Start a YouTube Channel for Introverts. It’s a quick and easy 42-page read where I share the full story behind my channel, JC Rock and Metal Reviews—how I got started, the struggles I faced, and the lessons I learned along the way.
jc-rock-and-metal-reviews-shop.fourthwall.com/products/how-to-start-a-youtube-channel-as-an-introvert-e-book
Please consider becoming a member of this channel. The first tier is 0.99 and this gives you early access to my videos as I always post them as members first before going public. Sometimes I post up to a week in advance. The second tier is 2.99 and this one gives you early access plus the benefit of making video requests. You can request album reviews or any other video provided it is within the scope of this channel’s content.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCRPx4Iygm4SnMn4D7Getgtg/join
If you want to help support the channel. I have merch, including t-shirts, coffee mugs and stickers.
Check out the new Merch Store:
jc-rock-and-metal-reviews-shop.fourthwall.com/?source=dashboard
FACEBOOK:
facebook.com/JCrockandmetalreviews
TikTok:
vm.tiktok.com/ZMNNq83XD
CONTACT INFORMATION
jpc522@yahoo.com
**FAIR USE**
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
