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: Haha, head-scratcher, huh? Well, I love them, and I don’t really care who does not. Haters, be gone! I’ve been a fan of these boys since I was a kid. I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing them win a Stanley Cup because the last time it happened was in 1967. Does not mean that I don’t watch with blind optimism every year! Constant disappointment can be difficult to deal with, but the wins are fun and make it all worth it. I equate the intensity of NHL hockey with a lot of metal and punk music. They really do go hand in hand with the speed and aggression I enjoy in both worlds. It makes perfect sense why many of the NHL’s players are big metal and punk fans. Currently, I hope the Leafs can up their speed and intensity, as I would love to see some more playoff hockey in the spring. Last season was their first playoff appearance in nine years! Blind optimism and devotion? Sure I guess, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Video after the jump.
