🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: F.A.F.O.
Track 2: Reverie
Track 3: Raising Fresh Hell
Track 4: Stupid on Parade
Track 5: Subjugated Souls
Track 6: Bathe in Fire
Track 7: Poetic Omen
Track 8: World ov Rats
Track 9: Fear Porn
Track 10: The Death & Resurrection Show 2024 (Killing Joke cover)
🎸 Album Review:
Evildead, the thrash metal veterans hailing from the iconic Bay Area scene, have returned with a vengeance on their latest studio album “Toxic Grace”. Released in 2022, this album marks the band’s first full-length release in over 30 years, since their last album “The Underworld” in 1991. With a lineup featuring original members like vocalist Steve Nelson and guitarist Juan Garcia, along with newer additions, Evildead delivers a powerful and intense musical experience that stays true to their roots while also showcasing a modern edge.
“Toxic Grace” kicks off with a bang with the track “F.A.F.O.”, setting the tone for the rest of the album with its blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and aggressive vocals. The album as a whole is a relentless onslaught of thrash metal goodness, filled with crushing guitar work, tight rhythms, and intense energy. Evildead’s sound on this album is a perfect blend of old-school thrash metal aggression and a contemporary production polish, creating a sonic landscape that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Thematically, “Toxic Grace” explores a range of dark and intense subjects, from societal decay and corruption to personal struggles and inner demons. The lyrics are confrontational and thought-provoking, reflecting on the chaos and madness of the world we live in while also offering moments of introspection and self-reflection. The album’s title itself, “Toxic Grace”, encapsulates the duality of the band’s music – a lethal combination of aggression and beauty, darkness and light.
Standout tracks on the album include “Raising Fresh Hell”, a relentless and ferocious track that showcases Evildead at the top of their game. The song features blistering guitar solos, thunderous drumming, and intense vocals that will leave listeners headbanging in approval. “Subjugated Souls” is another highlight, with its crushing riffs and haunting atmosphere creating a sense of unease and tension that is both exhilarating and captivating.
One of the most interesting tracks on the album is “The Death & Resurrection Show 2024”, a cover of the classic Killing Joke song. Evildead puts their own spin on the track, infusing it with their signature thrash metal sound while still paying homage to the original. The band’s ability to take a well-known song and make it their own is a testament to their creativity and musical prowess.
In comparison to their previous albums, “Toxic Grace” feels like a natural progression for Evildead. While still retaining the raw energy and aggression that defined their earlier work, the band has evolved and matured, crafting a more sophisticated and nuanced sound. The production on this album is top-notch, allowing each instrument to shine while still maintaining that gritty and intense thrash metal edge that fans have come to love.
Overall, “Toxic Grace” is a stellar return for Evildead, showcasing a band that has not lost an ounce of their intensity or passion over the years. From the blistering riffs to the powerful vocals, every aspect of this album is a testament to the band’s skill and dedication to their craft. Fans of thrash metal will find plenty to love on this album, while newcomers will be drawn in by the sheer power and energy of Evildead’s music. “Toxic Grace” is a triumph for the band and a must-listen for any metal enthusiast craving a dose of pure, unadulterated thrash metal mayhem.