An Overdose of Death...

Just take a gander at their name, their logo, and the album cover art of their 2008 release, Overdose of Death. Yep, Portland, OR's Toxic Holocaust certainly have a soft spot for vintage '80- era thrash metal. And although thrash bands are usually comprised of several members, Toxic Holocaust is one of the few (only?) thrash bands that is led by a single, multi-instrumental gentleman, who "pulls a Prince," and supplies everything but the drums -- Joel Grind. Overseen by renowned producer Jack Endino, Overdose of Death is custom-made for the cut-off denim jacket/white high top/mullet-wearing set, as it's loaded with speedy riffs, shouted/growled vocals, and lyrically, all the prerequisite topics for '80s thrash are touched upon (armageddon, nuclear holocaust, death, etc.). As with all great thrash bands, just pick the most "colorful" song titles, and be prepared to get throttled -- "Nuke the Cross," "In the Name of Science," and "Feedback, Blood, and Distortion" are all rapid-fire screecher-keepers. ~ Greg Prato