Toxic Holocaust - 'An Overdose Of Death'

It's been nearly three years since their last full-length CD, but Portland thrashers Toxic Holocaust have been releasing plenty of other material. Since 2005's Hell On Earth they've put out a live CD, a few splits, a couple EPs and a DVD. The studio version of the band is all Joel Grind. He does vocals and plays every instrument.

With the recent resurgence of thrash metal and the waves of new bands, there's a danger groups like Toxic Holocaust will get lost in the shuffle. Their latest effort An Overdose Of Death makes it evident that is not going to happen. It's old school thrash played fast and loose with ripping riffs and frequent solos.

Toxic Holocaust has a more ominous edge than a lot of thrash bands. Slayer is an obvious influence, along with other Bay Area groups like Exodus, Testament and early Metallica. There's also traces of punk in their sound. The songs on An Overdose Of Death are typical thrash, but very well played with really catchy riffs.

They also inject some variety, going from lightning speed down to a mid tempo groove before taking off again. Grind's vocals are harsh barks and growls, delivering lyrics about war, death and destruction. An Overdose Of Death is a CD fans of old school thrash can sink their teeth into.

(released September 2, 2008 on Relapse Records)