Toxic Holocaust

Heavy metal is hardly known as a breeding ground for solo projects, which makes the ’80s thrash metal throwback act, Toxic Holocaust, somewhat of a rarity. Multi-instrumentalist Joel Grind started out writing, playing, and recording the band’s albums himself and recruited his metalhead peers to back him up when playing live. Grind pays tribute to the halcyon days of Metallica and Slayer, tearing through songs with titles like “March From Hell” and “Feedback, Blood & Distortion.” The band’s latest full-length release, Conjure And Command, is its first studio album that features a full band, adding Phil Zeller and Nick Bellmore to the lineup. Those let down by late-period releases by washed-up former metal gods can easily find something in Grind’s apocalyptic vision on which to hang their hats (or denim jackets).

Updated 10/25/2011