Evildead – Toxic Grace – CD Review

When I heard Evildeads debut Annihilation Of Civilization way back in 1989, they were always going to be a thrash band that would forever be on my radar. The follow up The Underworld. was simply brilliant. and  I thought the band was on their way to being one of the brightest and best thrash acts in recent history. Sadly this wasn’t to be. As they disappeared after that album.

The next album wasn’t until 2020 which was absurdly good so I was very excited when I heard there was to be a follow-up.

As soon as the record arrived. I couldn’t wait to hear it. As soon as the first track FAFO started, it sounded just like the breakdown for the classic Slayer track Angel Of Death.

So I was initially a little disappointed straight from the off. Although the album improved, there was a lot of other Slayer moments. There were hints of Dead Skin Mask as well as Behind The Crooked Cross. It sounds like I’m being negative about this record and I really don’t mean to be.. It’s a solid thrash album and I do like it. But Evildead have released better albums and this feels a little lazy.

Having said all that, the album has some cracking tracks. Subjugated Souls comes to mind.. A fantastic riff before exploding into an in-your-face old skool thrasher. Another smasher is the slow tempo but heavy as fuck Bathe In Fire.  If Black Sabbath did thrash, this would be it.

Toxic Grace is an alrite album but it’s nothing to write home about. 

Score 4/10
Track List

1. F.A.F.O. * (3:30)
2. Reverie * (4:15)
3. Raising Fresh Hell * (3:29)
4. Stupid On Parade ** (4:18)
5. Subjugated Souls ** (4:26)
6. Bathe In Fire ** (5:24)
7. Poetic Omen * (4:49)
8. World ov Rats * (1:56)
9. Fear Porn * (3:29)
10. The Death & Resurrection Show 2024 ** (5:04)

(bonus track for vinyl and digital)

Label – SPV/Steamhammer
Release – 24th May

For all things Evildead, click HERE, and to purchase the album, click HERE