Full Length Review: TOXIC HOLOCAUST "Primal Future: 2019" (eOne) by Sarah McKellar

Band: Toxic Holocaust

Location: Portland, Oregon

Country: USA

Genre: Speed/thrash/black metal

Full Length: Primal Future: 2019

Format: Vinyl, Digital, CD

Label: eOne

Release date: October 4, 2019

Toxic Holocaust is a classic thrash/speed metal project from Portland, Oregon founded in 1999. “Primal Future: 2019” is their sixth full-length release through eOne.

“Chemical Warlords” is a thrashing, punk track featuring the distinct gravelly vocals Toxic Holocaust is known for. A hard rock element is seen is the blistering riffs and “balls to the wall” attitude which instantly commands your attention. Hard-hitting, musically tight and lyrically leaning towards a strong dystopian aspect- Toxic Holocaust has successfully bridged the gap between all their prior releases while still remaining true to their distinctive sound. Another lyrical theme that is consistent throughout this release is a focus on the evil of man and this dystopian feel reflects in Toxic Holocaust’s aggressive and unrelenting attitude towards “Primal Future: 2019.” Speed metal elements are also reflected throughout this release in Toxic Holocaust’s musically unrelenting attitude which adds a more aggressive and brutal tone. “Primal Future”, the namesake track of this release, starts with a more eerie approach focusing more on the heavy metal aspect of Toxic Holocaust and is a welcome and refreshing change after so many brutal and technically soundtracks. I will admit to personally enjoying every track on this release- Toxic Holocaust’s brutal and diverse musical approach has not changed or diminished within the many years they have been active as a band and “Primal Future: 2019” is no exception. I genuinely look forward to seeing what Toxic Holocaust will continue to release in the future and the musical direction in which they continue as a project. -Sarah McKellar

Track list:
1. Chemical Warlords
2. Black Out the Code
3. New World Beyond
4. Deafened by the Roar
5. Time's Edge
6. Primal Future
7. Iron Cage
8. Controlled by Fear
9. Aftermath
10. Cybernetic War