I have to admit that when I first heard Toxic Pub’s debut, I didn’t expect it to “stick” with me so much. I’m one of those who have heard countless thrash albums, but this trio from Athens (formed in 2020) managed to give me something fresh and authentic at the same time.
“To Not Die Blind” (May 2024) is exactly what their slogan says: Beers, Thrash and Satan. And they mean it literally. From the first note to the last, the record smells of a sweaty pub, old thrash fans and that purely aggressive energy that’s missing from many modern releases.
What impressed me most is how well they balance the elements. It’s not just “fast thrash”. They have heavy, South American groove lines that recall Pantera and Sepultura, sharp death touches, but also moments where they get more refined (for me “Still Unformed” is the “smartest” track on the record – almost Coroner vibes). “Panic Attack” is the song that pulled me in from the first listen: its intro is menacing, almost Annihilator-ian, and when the riff hits… you just can’t stay still.
Personally I single out “Stoned To Death” as my favorite – it has a heavy metal grandeur inside its thrash base. And the closing with “Delusions?” is truly epic: heavy, stoner/doom, paranoid, and it fits the band’s DNA perfectly. Like they’re saying “we finish strong and leave you with your mouth open”.
The best part though? The whole production is their own. Mixing, mastering, everything. And it sounds professional, clean and powerful – something rare for a debut. There are no “small mistakes” that are easily forgiven on first works. Here everything is in place.
If you like old school thrash (Megadeth, Slayer, Sepultura) but with modern production and groove that breaks necks, “To Not Die Blind” is a must. our scene still has teeth.
My rating: good
🔗 Full band profile: Toxic Pub on Encyclopaedia Metallum
The album is already on all digital platforms. If you haven’t heard it yet… go now. You won’t regret it. 🤘
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