Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
After years of lineup changes, label problems, and a dramatic shift in the metal landscape, Flotsam and Jetsam returned to where it all began.
In this episode of the Flotsam and Jetsam series, we take a deep dive into High, the band's sixth studio album and their first release on Metal Blade Records since the legendary Doomsday for the Deceiver.
Released in 1997, High was also the third and final album featuring the same lineup of Eric A.K., Ed Carlson, Michael Gilbert, Jason Ward, and Kelly David-Smith. But beneath the surface, the band was entering another period of change.
We'll look at:
• Flotsam and Jetsam's return to Metal Blade Records
• How High continued the band's evolution away from their early thrash sound
• The darker political and personal themes behind the album
• "Monster" and the album's other standout tracks and singles
• The story behind their cover of Lard's "Forkboy"
• Why the song was dedicated to Jason Ward's brother, drummer Jeff Ward
• The fan and critical reaction to High
• The album's performance and place in the band's career
• Michael Gilbert and Kelly David-Smith leaving the band
• How those departures set the stage for another major lineup change
High wasn't a return to 1986. It was Flotsam and Jetsam trying to find their place in a completely different metal world.
And with two members leaving after the album, another chapter was about to begin.
In the next episode, we'll move into Unnatural Selection and the arrival of two new members who would help shape the next version of Flotsam and Jetsam.
If you're a fan of Flotsam and Jetsam, thrash metal, or the history of 1990s metal, subscribe and follow the series as we continue through the band's entire story.
#FlotsamAndJetsam #High #ThrashMetal #MetalBladeRecords #DoomsdayForTheDeceiver #UnnaturalSelection #MetalHistory #90sMetal #HeavyMetal #ericakirk
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:
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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.
After years of lineup changes, label problems, and a dramatic shift in the metal landscape, Flotsam and Jetsam returned to where it all began.
In this episode of the Flotsam and Jetsam series, we take a deep dive into High, the band's sixth studio album and their first release on Metal Blade Records since the legendary Doomsday for the Deceiver.
Released in 1997, High was also the third and final album featuring the same lineup of Eric A.K., Ed Carlson, Michael Gilbert, Jason Ward, and Kelly David-Smith. But beneath the surface, the band was entering another period of change.
We'll look at:
• Flotsam and Jetsam's return to Metal Blade Records
• How High continued the band's evolution away from their early thrash sound
• The darker political and personal themes behind the album
• "Monster" and the album's other standout tracks and singles
• The story behind their cover of Lard's "Forkboy"
• Why the song was dedicated to Jason Ward's brother, drummer Jeff Ward
• The fan and critical reaction to High
• The album's performance and place in the band's career
• Michael Gilbert and Kelly David-Smith leaving the band
• How those departures set the stage for another major lineup change
High wasn't a return to 1986. It was Flotsam and Jetsam trying to find their place in a completely different metal world.
And with two members leaving after the album, another chapter was about to begin.
In the next episode, we'll move into Unnatural Selection and the arrival of two new members who would help shape the next version of Flotsam and Jetsam.
If you're a fan of Flotsam and Jetsam, thrash metal, or the history of 1990s metal, subscribe and follow the series as we continue through the band's entire story.
#FlotsamAndJetsam #High #ThrashMetal #MetalBladeRecords #DoomsdayForTheDeceiver #UnnaturalSelection #MetalHistory #90sMetal #HeavyMetal #ericakirk
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.
