Fifth album from these Oregon blackened thrashers, Toxic follow along the lines of Skeletonwitch’s approach to mixing a black metal wicked vocal, leaning more on the death metal side of the music mixed with thrash. Less melodic names like 80s pioneers Sodom, Dark Angel, and even a little Cancer, just not as musically challenging. Over the course of eleven songs the delivery is pretty one dimensional, lacking variety and dynamics.

First two tracks ‘Awaken The Serpent’ and ‘Silence’ are full throttle and dirty in sound, with a little punk rock attitude, and set the tone for the album. Still, Toxic do find a place to add a change here and there, slow things down for the excellent ‘Rat Eater’ which takes its time, opens with a catchy riff and haunting complimenting lead. Good job, but here on out there’s no letting up…’Salvation Is Waiting’, ‘Out Of The Fire’ (which does have a great riff and beat change mid way), and ‘Acid Fuzz’, until the hardcorish ‘Deny The Truth’. Title track closes out the album fast with a solid tight rhythm and an old school drum and riffing.

Look no further for your daily dose of retro style black/thrash metal.