Flotsam And Jetsam - Doomsday For The Deceive 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Thrash metal debut that unleashed Jason Newsted and defined 1986 with ferocious riffs and iconic artwork

large album front cover photo of: FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Doomsday For The Deceiver

  This album "FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Doomsday For The Deceiver" is the debut album by Flotsam and Jetsam. It was released on 4 July 1986. This is the only album by Flotsam and Jetsam with Jason Newsted before his departure for Metallica. Most lyrics were written by Newsted.

  "Flotsam and Jetsam" originally started in 1981 as "Paradox", in 1983 "Paradox" transformed into "Dredlox". Around 1983-1984 "Dredlox" evolved into "Dohz" and at the end of 1984 or early 1985 the band became "Flotsam and Jetsam". Band-member remaining together during this period are Edward Carlson, Eric A.K. and Kelly David-Smith.

"Doomsday For The Deceive" Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, there are albums that stand as defining moments, forever etched in the collective memory of fans and musicians alike. Flotsam and Jetsam's debut album, "Doomsday For The Deceiver", released on July 4, 1986, is undeniably one such record. This iconic 12" LP vinyl album not only introduced the world to the ferocious sound of the band but also marked the brief but influential tenure of Jason Newsted, who would later join the ranks of Metallica. With its blistering thrash metal anthems, thought-provoking lyrics, and captivating cover art, "Doomsday For The Deceiver" remains an enduring testament to the raw power of the genre.

A Thrash Metal Thunderstorm

"Doomsday For The Deceiver" emerges from the mid-80s thrash metal explosion that was taking place across the globe. Flotsam and Jetsam, hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, were a force to be reckoned with, combining intricate guitar work, thundering bass lines, pounding drums, and Newsted's visceral vocals to create an aggressive and intense musical landscape. The album is a relentless assault of high-speed riffs, crushing breakdowns, and adrenaline-pumping solos, showcasing the technical prowess and songwriting dexterity of the band.

The Presence of Jason Newsted

Jason Newsted's contribution to "Doomsday For The Deceiver" is pivotal, as this would be the only album featuring his bass-playing and songwriting talents before his departure to join Metallica. Newsted's lyrical depth and emotional resonance shine through on tracks like "Hammerhead", "No Place for Disgrace", and the title track "Doomsday For The Deceiver". His departure from Flotsam and Jetsam marked the end of an era for the band, but it was also the beginning of a new chapter that would significantly impact the landscape of heavy metal.

Production and Recording

The album's impressive production quality is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Brian Slagel, Flotsam and Jetsam themselves. Recorded at multiple renowned studios in Hollywood, including Music Grinder Studios, Eldorado Studios, and Track Recording Studios, the album showcases a polished yet gritty sound that captures the raw energy of the band's live performances. The meticulous attention to detail in the recording process ensures that each instrument cuts through the mix with clarity and power.

Album Artwork: A Visual Assault

The visual impact of "Doomsday For The Deceiver" is not to be underestimated. The album cover design, crafted by Kevin Tyler of Aggressive Graphics, exudes a sense of impending doom. The artwork, featuring a desolate landscape and a skull emerging from the wreckage, perfectly encapsulates the apocalyptic themes present in the music. Photographs by Michael Richard and Tina Menten further enhance the eerie and haunting atmosphere, drawing listeners deeper into the world that Flotsam and Jetsam have created.

Legacy and Influence

"Doomsday For The Deceiver" has left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre, influencing countless bands and artists that followed in its wake. The album's combination of technical prowess, emotional depth, and unbridled aggression paved the way for the evolution of thrash metal and beyond. Songs like "Der Fuhrer" and "Iron Tears" remain anthems of rebellion and resistance, transcending time and resonating with audiences across generations.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Metal Blade Records / RoadrunneR RR 9683

Album Packaging

Standard sleeve with custom cover artwork by Aggresive Graphics.

Includes photography inserts by Michael Richard and Tina Menten.

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1986 – Netherlands

Producers:
  • Brian Slagel – Producer
    Brian Slagel is a pioneering figure in heavy metal, best known as the founder of Metal Blade Records in 1982. His label launched the careers of legendary bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Mercyful Fate, shaping the genre’s evolution. As a producer, he worked with Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble, leaving a lasting impact. Learn more about Brian Slagel.
  • Flotsam and Jetsam – Co-Producer
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Casey McMackin – Sound Engineer
    Casey McMackin is an acclaimed sound engineer, producer, and musician whose innovative work in the 1980s helped define the sound of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Known for shaping legendary albums by Megadeth, Slayer, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Van Halen, his legacy continues to inspire music lovers worldwide. Read Casey's Biography
  • Ken Paulakovich – Recording Engineer
Recording Location:

Music Grinder Studios, Eldorado Recording Studio, and Track Recording Studios – Hollywood, CA

Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Kevin Tyler – Cover Design (Aggresive Graphics)
Photography:
  • Michael Richard – Photography
  • Tina Menten – Photography

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Eric A.K. – Lead Vocals
  • Edward Carlson – Guitars, Vocals
  • Jason Newsted – Bass Guitar, Vocals
  • Michael Gilbert – Guitars, Vocals
  • Kelly David-Smith – Drums, Vocals

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Hammerhead
  2. Iron Tears
  3. Fade To Black
  4. Doomsday For The Deceiver
Video: Flotsam and Jetsam - Hammerhead (OFFICIAL)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Metalshock
  2. She Took An Axe
  3. U.L.S.W.
  4. Der Führer
Video: Flotsam and Jetsam - Metalshock
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of the album Doomsday For The Deceiver by Flotsam and Jetsam. The artwork shows a monstrous green-scaled creature with glowing yellow eyes, sharp fangs, and a long red tongue. It crouches menacingly, pinning down a bright red demon-like figure beneath its claws. Behind them, a burning orange sky glows above a ruined city skyline filled with bones and skulls. A broken street sign with the words Flotsam and Jetsam stands at the left side, tilted and eerie. The band name is written in silver letters across the top, while the album title Doomsday For The Deceiver is emblazoned at the bottom in bold white and blue lettering.

The album cover of Doomsday For The Deceiver presents a striking fantasy-horror scene dominated by a hulking green monster. Its scaly skin, protruding claws, and piercing yellow eyes give it a ferocious, almost reptilian presence.

The beast crouches over a crimson demon, whose face is twisted in pain as it is crushed beneath the creature’s weight. The monster’s long red tongue hangs between jagged teeth, enhancing the image of menace and brutality.

In the background, an apocalyptic landscape burns with fiery orange tones, while a city skyline dissolves into skeletal remains and skulls littering the ground. A broken street sign on the left eerily reads Flotsam Jetsam, tying the destruction to the band’s name.

The band’s logo, in bold metallic lettering, stretches across the top, while the title Doomsday For The Deceiver is emblazoned at the bottom, completing the dramatic and menacing imagery that reflects the intensity of the music within.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of the album Doomsday For The Deceiver by Flotsam and Jetsam. The design features the full tracklist in bold red letters on a black background, split into two columns with titles such as Iron Tears, Fade To Black, Doomsday For The Deceiver, Metalshock, and Der Führer. Centered is a rectangular band photo of five members posing outdoors on stone steps: two seated in front and three standing behind. The credits below name producers Brian Slagel and Flotsam and Jetsam, engineer Bill Metoyer, mastering at Capitol Records by Eddy Schreyer, and cover art by Kevin Tyler (Aggressive Graphics). The Roadrunner Records logo with catalog number RR 9683 appears in the top right corner.

The back cover of Doomsday For The Deceiver displays the album’s complete tracklist in bold red lettering against a black backdrop, divided neatly into two columns. Each title stands out vividly, with songs like Iron Tears, Hammerhead, and Der Führer creating an immediate sense of intensity.

At the center is a rectangular band portrait. The five musicians pose on weathered stone steps: two are seated at the front, while three stand tall behind them, clad in denim, leather, and sneakers, reflecting the mid-80s thrash aesthetic. Their youthful energy contrasts with the dark and fiery tones framing the cover.

Below the photo, production credits are printed in white: produced by Brian Slagel and the band, engineered by Bill Metoyer, mastered at Capitol Records by Eddy Schreyer, with cover art by Kevin Tyler of Aggressive Graphics. In the upper right corner, the Roadrunner Records logo and catalog number RR 9683 are prominently displayed.

The border of the sleeve continues the apocalyptic artwork motif, with hints of orange flames and silhouetted ruins blending into skeletal imagery at the bottom edge, visually connecting the back cover to the dramatic front artwork.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Original custom inner sleeve of the album Doomsday For The Deceiver by Flotsam and Jetsam. The white paper sleeve is filled with printed black text arranged in columns. Lyrics for all songs are presented, including Doomsday For The Deceiver, Metalshock, U.L.S.W., Fade To Black, Iron Tears, She Took An Axe, Hammerhead, Flotzilla, Desecrator, and Der Führer. At the bottom right corner is a printed box with the band's thanks list, acknowledging friends, fans, and industry supporters. Beneath it is a contact address: Flotsam and Jetsam, P.O. Box 27399, Phoenix, Arizona 85061, U.S.A. The overall layout is functional, serving as both a lyric sheet and a message to fans.

The custom inner sleeve for Doomsday For The Deceiver is printed on white stock with dense black text arranged in neat columns. It serves as both a lyric sheet and a message to the fans.

Each song’s lyrics are carefully displayed, from epics like Doomsday For The Deceiver to shorter blasts such as Iron Tears and She Took An Axe. Titles are bolded above the verses and choruses, with songwriting credits noted beneath each track.

On the right-hand side, a large rectangular box highlights the band’s acknowledgments. Here Flotsam and Jetsam express gratitude to friends, family, fellow musicians, and the community that supported the album’s creation.

At the bottom corner, contact information is clearly printed: Flotsam and Jetsam, P.O. Box 27399, Phoenix, Arizona 85061, U.S.A., giving the inner sleeve the dual role of personal connection and promotional tool.

Second Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Original custom inner sleeve of the album Doomsday For The Deceiver by Flotsam and Jetsam. The white paper sleeve displays four black and white band photos: Michael Gilbert on guitar, Eric A.K. singing on stage, Edward Carlson on guitar, Jason Newsted on bass, and Kelly David-Smith on drums. The Flotsam and Jetsam logo is printed near the top, and credits below list production by Brian Slagel and the band, engineering by Bill Metoyer, mastering at Capitol Records by Eddy Schreyer, and recording locations including Music Grinder Studios, Eldorado Recording Studios, and Track Recording Studios in Hollywood, California. The bottom includes acknowledgments and visual design credits.

This side of the custom inner sleeve for Doomsday For The Deceiver features a collage of striking black and white photographs of the band members in action.

At the top left, Michael Gilbert is captured mid-performance, guitar in hand, wearing a sleeveless denim vest. Center stage shows Eric A.K., microphone raised high as he commands the crowd, exuding raw vocal energy. To the top right, Edward Carlson plays his guitar with an intense expression.

The bottom row includes Jason Newsted, hair obscuring his face as he attacks the bass with focus, and Kelly David-Smith behind the drums, shirtless and caught in a moment of fierce motion.

Beside the photos, the sleeve reprints full production credits: music written and performed by Flotsam and Jetsam, produced with Brian Slagel, engineered by Bill Metoyer, and mastered by Eddy Schreyer at Capitol Records. Recording locations include Hollywood’s Music Grinder, Eldorado, and Track Recording Studios. At the bottom, acknowledgments and cover art credits to Kevin Tyler (Aggressive Graphics) complete the detailed documentation.

Close up of Record Label
Close-up of the Side 1 record label of Flotsam and Jetsam's album Doomsday For The Deceiver, released in 1986 on Metal Blade Records and Roadrunner Productions. The white label features the Metal Blade Records logo at the top: a black battle axe dripping red blood drops. Around the outer rim is a chain-like graphic border. The text includes 'SIDE 1 STEMRA,' catalog number RR 9683, stereo 33 rpm, and the tracklisting: Hamer Head 6:11, Iron Tears 3:51, Descecrator 3:46, Fade To Black 2:03, Dooms Day 9:07. Credits at the bottom state Flotsam and Jetsam as the performers, produced by Bill Metoyer, published by Bloody Skull Music, with ©1986 Metal Blade Records and Roadrunner Productions B.V.

This enlarged view of the Side One record label for Doomsday For The Deceiver highlights the stark white background and bold black lettering, framed by a chain-link style border design.

At the top, the Metal Blade Records logo stands out dramatically: a black battle axe tilted diagonally, dripping vivid red blood drops onto the white label. This striking visual emphasizes the raw power and imagery of the thrash metal genre.

The label lists the catalog number RR 9683, the stereo format, and speed of 33 rpm. The five tracks of Side One are clearly printed: Hamer Head, Iron Tears, Descecrator, Fade To Black, and the epic Dooms Day, each with precise running times.

Credits at the bottom attribute production to Bill Metoyer, publishing to Bloody Skull Music, and all compositions to Flotsam and Jetsam. The imprint concludes with ©1986 notices for Metal Blade Records and Roadrunner Productions B.V., grounding the release in its mid-80s thrash heritage.