Album Review: Toxic Holocaust - 'Chemistry of Consciousness'

Toxic Holocaust return with aims to relive the best of 80's inspired punk and thrash metal. It's a history lesson if nothing else here, with the band borrowing (but not being derivative) from classic and respected predecessor bands.

'Awaken The Serpent' is a straight up assault of intense thrash with Joel Grind's guitar and vocal work getting straight to the point. Toxic Holocaust waste no time with introductions. 'Chemistry of Consciousness' is as assertive as it is expected. 

'Silence' is doesn't take a breather, while 'Rat Eater' is filled with chugging guitars, which creates a build up of anticipation. It keeps the pace, but demands the listener keep attentive. 'Salvation is Waiting' is a musical onslaught. That's the long and the short of it.

It's a consistent journey from start to finish. Sure, there are no surprises, but this style of music doesn't really demand them. Songs such as 'Out Of The Fire' show that Toxic Holocaust have tried to mix something a little new in with the old while other tracks such as 'I Serve…' bring the classic thrash sounds that they are known and loved for.

This is Toxic Holocaust in a comfortable setting. The intent is clear and the execution precise. The album ends in a manner, which is every bit as enticing as its beginning. Metalheads know what they want and 'Chemistry of Consciousness' is a fitting representation.

'Chemistry of Consciousness' is another great work from Toxic Holocaust that could be pulled straight out of the 80's thrash scene. It's a little different yet it still packs all the solid thrash elements that will make every fan satisfied. 

1. Silence

2. Awaken the Serpent

3. Rat Eater

4. Salvation is Waiting

5. Out of the Fire

6. Acid Fuzz

7. Deny the Truth

8. Mkultra

9. I Serve…

10. International Conspiracy

11. Chemistry of Consciousness