This official compilation CD, brought to you by Dark Recollections, boasts an extensive collection of content, featuring a total of 18 songs.
Back in their heyday, Toxodeth garnered considerable attention for their youth, aggressive music, and their unique place in Mexico's lesser-known metal scene. Yet, despite the initial buzz, their memory faded away rather quickly.
One striking aspect of their youthful lineup was the vocalist's growls, a feat that would put many modern growlers to shame. These growls are best described as reminiscent of old Death, with a hint of futuristic, modern death metal vocals. During live performances, they often channeled a fusion of Cronos and Chuck – a vocal prowess that left an indelible impression.
While Toxodeth is appropriately classified as death/thrash, this label only scratches the surface. The band seamlessly transitions between pure death metal and pure thrash metal, providing a dynamic listening experience. Their ability to toggle between songs with distinct leanings – whether more thrash than death or a well-balanced fusion of the two – adds an enjoyable and dynamic dimension to their sound. Their style is reminiscent of bands like Revenant, and it's clear that Black Sabbath had a significant influence on them, as evidenced by their cover of "Rat Salad."
The tempo fluctuates between mid-paced and fast, while the riffs possess a death/thrash heaviness, occasionally veering into a heavy/speed metal territory. The standout feature of Toxodeth is the guitar solos, which infuse the music with compelling, eerie melodies. These solos maintain a mid-paced tempo and exhibit a higher level of technical proficiency than one might expect from an early underground Mexican death metal band. They contribute to the band's distinctive character.
What truly sets Toxodeth apart and adds an intriguing layer to their music is the influence of classical melodies. The band embraces classical elements, particularly evident in tracks like "Graveyard," one of the most profoundly classical-influenced pieces. "Graveyard" is a testament to the band's artistic prowess and further elevates their reputation.
It's unfortunate that the names of these young talents have faded from the metal scene over time. Their unique blend of influences and musical style made them stand out and deserve a place in the annals of metal history.