With the new Chemistry Of Consciousness (Relapse), frontman Joel Grind expands the Toxic Holocaust sound, explodes it with color and textures that seem more vibrant than the none-more-blackness of 2011’s Conjure And Command. The speed and righteous indignation of artists like Discharge and G.B.H. combine with the massive mixdown and mastering by heavy-music maven and Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou, creating a juggernaut of an album, a record that fires on all cylinders all the time. “Awaken The Serpent,” “Mkultra” and “Out Of The Fire” smack the listener upside the head like the wayward boot of an especially surly crowd surfer. Bassist Phil Zeller will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our recent Toxic Holocaust feature.
Zeller: As a former Torontonian, the only way I can remark here is with pure sarcasm. You could imagine my glee when this barrel of fun somehow got elected by suburbanites to be mayor of a city that he and his electorate hate with a passion. One of the first things he did as mayor was remove bike lanes from Toronto streets mainly to prove what a progressive, forward-thinker he is. Now, in the midst of his self-admitted crack-smoking scandal, he continues to make me proud. Every day he seems to get caught in yet another bold-faced lie, and how could you not respect a politician that has such little respect for his constituents. Well, as there is no impeachment process for a mayor in Toronto, he will hang on until at least the next election. At that time, his truly brilliant, bright-light supporters may just re-elect him so they can “stick it to the man.” His platform is a plethora of cliche catch-phrases and his devotion to the “little guy.” This “man of the people” is a millionaire who has repeatedly slashed social programs people rely on, but hey … So proud, Rob. Hope you can continue taking a once great city into your own downward spiral until you take the final spin down the toilet. Nice work.
