Is it just me or when you see Thrash fans, or any subgenre fans for that matter in single genre patch jackets you see some underground similarities. However, you often never bother to check those bands out despite seeing the logo everywhere. I think Evildead are one of those bands. Formed in 1987 their debut Annihilation Of Civilization wasn’t released until 1989 making it perhaps quite late to the initial scene. Nonetheless it’s an album that has retained underground praise and whilst the bands albums are few and far between a new release is surely exciting for any budding Thrash fanatics. Thus we welcome Toxic Grace the bands fourth full length album, put out through Steamhammer.
That opening riff of F.A.F.O. just lets you know you’re in for a wild old school Thrashing time before the clean yet gruff vocals of Phil Flores come in. The lack of vocal range is something that so often reminds me of this style of back to basics Thrash and that’s absolutely not defamation. The song also has a good catchy chorus, like all Thrash should, so incredibly good start it has to be said. The second track might not be quite as exciting or riff heavy (nice solo though) but Reverie is still an undisputed banger and not in the least bit boring. Luckily Raising Fresh Hell gives off more purist Thrash mayhem including an all-important anthemic and catchy chorus. The kind of track that makes you realise Thrash is the successor to more traditional Heavy Metal. Stupid On Parade is a bit like Reverie, in that it isn’t bad, it’s actually pretty entertaining but it certainly isn’t the maniacal Thrash of others on the release.
Flipping back into more traditional Thrash as appears to be the theme is Subjugated Souls. This is one of those old Thrash band exuding boomer style ‘damn young people energy’, to give you a taste here is the opening lyric to the chorus ‘The Subjugated Souls from generation Z’. I have to say though it absolutely rips as a Thrash song, and despite the bands apparent disdain for memes is exactly the sort of song I could see becoming a meme between me and my friends, and I mean that with praise. In fact it might be the best song on the album. Bathe In Fire follows on, and guess what, it flops back into a less Thrash sound, but again is decent. I will say from the less Thrashing mad songs this is one that packs a bigger punch, it’s also devastatingly memorable. Giving us a slower one is Poetic Omen, which hilariously almost appears to give drummer Rob Alaniz some sort of break here and there, honestly his performance on this record shouldn’t go unmentioned. I promise this next song isn’t a Behemoth song, that song is World Ov Rats, anyway, it’s a super snappy, yet sadly utterly pointless instrumental segue into the album closer, please don’t put instrumentals in Thrash albums, with the exception of The Call Of Ktulu. Let me not get bogged down in the rant however, let’s talk about Fear Porn, wow that would sound weird out of context. Anyway It’s atypical ‘the government are coming to take our money!’ Thrash fair, and I love it. Super memorable, tons of fun. I can see the sun shining in the sky, midday at a festival, perfect.
If you can look past the hypocrisy of the song Subjugated Souls, hating social media but promoting the album on it, I’m even reviewing the album digitally and so on then you’re going to have a good time. A lot of this kind of Thrash tends to carry some sort of message but it’s a lot more basic than say the modern underground Punk scene and honestly it’s fine. I love Thrash for its catchy yet heavier nature, it’s great fun festival style music in my mind. I’m really riding a Thrash hype train at the moment and this album just reminded me why I find the genre so much fun, so thanks Evildead!
(8/10 George Caley)
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