Time Signature Obsession to thrash...

Genre: thrash metal

The band is called Toxic Waltz, so you pretty much already know the name of the game: thrash metal madness. Despite their name, however, these Germans are not mere Exodus rip-offs. Give "Decades of Pain" a listen, and you will realize that their ambition is to encompass a much broader part of the thrash metal universe, while marking it with their own stamp. And they do this extremely well.

After a melodic acoustic intro, the title track kicks in, combining groove and thrashy aggression with elements from melodeath, which also applies to 'Morbid Symphony'. 'World of Hate' is a midtempo mosh-friendly thrasher with nods to Slayer, Exodus, and Kreator. In the heavier department is 'Suicide Squad', while there are traces of NWoBHM in Green'. All tracks on the album are potent and aggressive energy emanates from them, as there are virtually no weak tracks to be found on the album.

Toxic Waltz is definitely an excellent thrash metal band, and the musicianship is top notch across the board. Exodus should definitely be proud to have this band name themselves after one of their songs. Toxic Waltz' main strength is their riffs which are crushingly tight and rival Iced Earth in speed and precision (just check out 'Toxic Hell' and the faster parts of 'Suicide Squad'). Angelo's vocals are angry and slightly guttural, at times reminding me of "Arise"-era Max Cavalera. I quite like the production, which is crushingly heavy and unpolished, yet well defined and suits the aggressive music very well.

Thrash metal fans of old and new should definitely check this album out, as it captures many of those elements that define good thrash metal. "Decades of Pain" is a mighty celebration of thrash metal!