Though a little rough in the production department, Flotsam & Jetsam's first album, Doomsday for the Deceiver, attempts both short bursts of thrashing intensity ("Desecrator," "Iron Tears") as well as extended, multi-part epics ("Metalshock" and the title track). Bassist and lyricist Jason Newsted occasionally attempts to squeeze too many words into some songs, but also displays a refreshing sense of humor (a rarity in this genre) on "Hammerhead" and "She Took an Axe." "U.S.L.W." is rather good but the nine-minute-plus title track is the best cut on the album, largely due to guitarist Michael Gilbert's very tasteful acoustic guitar intro. Overall, this is an important record for fans of early thrash metal.