Self​-​Destruction

In a time where thrash metal is less relevant in the mainstream world, there are always bands like Toxina lurking under the rocks. Self Destruction is a noisy EP of thrashy screeches and roars that don't slow down for a second. While a lot of the newer thrash acts may try something experimental, Toxina get straight to the point.

Very similar to the likes of Toxic Holocaust in style and writing, this EP is loaded with speed and aggression the whole way through, without a single slow riff on the entire sixteen or so minutes. The intensity of the guitar and bass are essential for all of this to be driven home, and with that being said, the bass is extremely audible on this release. Solo work is clearly going to take the same route as far as speed, to seal up most of the tracks. The raw production on here makes for a very crunchy overall sound, and the vocals somewhat help out with that, as they are very screechy and shrieked in a unique way. I would compare it to the vocals on Destruction's The Antichrist. The speedy drums are set in a tone that sounds like the snares are made of metal, on top of powerful bass kicks overlaying every track. Toxina obviously want to give off a very aggressive and pissed off message here.

Although noisy production is often good, as it gives a raw and authentic feeling, the main downfall with this is that none of the tracks standout from one another, and the production makes that worse. They're all just as I described; fast and noisy, basically following a template with little variation at all. Yes, musically it can be enjoyable when in the right mood, but the lack of offered variety is its main downfall. If there weren't a decent gap between songs, I wouldn't have a clue that the song changed.

Toxina is an Argentinean band that plays a brand of agressive and ear-screeching thrash metal in the likes of early Sadus, mashing the classic mosh-inducing mid tempo moments with some early deathrashy nuances coming from bands such as Possessed. This little EP is packed with good riffs and catchy sections during its 17 minutes run. There is also space for some Nuclear Assault fun in the relentless tittle track.

I really enjoyed the production, I like my metal to be raw and distorted, with an audible and energetic bass, especially young and fast bands like Toxina. There is a transcendental thing about a violent riff recorded in the rough way, it adds a whole extra level of power and sheer adrenaline. For example Keeping the Oxidized Grudge has this very violent verse riff that just evokes really interesting and devastating sound textures due to the LO FI/DIY production of the rythm guitars. Also, bass drums that actually sound bassy and not like a bigger snare drum.

There are some cool lead guitar attacks coloring the songs (especially in Descent into Madness) but the focus is always kept on the riffs and their sinergy with the vocals, wich are screechy and high pitched almost the entire time. There are also a few cleaner and high pitched screams here and there, like the ending scream on KTOG.

Overall, Self-Destruction is a very pleasant, straight-to-the-bone EP packed with cool riffs. Toxina is a really promising band and I hope there is more material on their future. Go check/get in on their bandcamp page!