TOXIK — World Circus / Think This (review)

TOXIK — World Circus / Think This album cover

Boxset / Compilation · 2022 · Technical Thrash Metal

4/5 · 2022-08-22
UMUR

"World Circus / Think This" is a 2-disc compilation album release by US power/thrash metal act Toxik. The compilation was released through Dissonance Productions in June 2022, probably in time to promote (or take advantage of) the release of "Dis Morta" from August 2022, which is the band´s first studio album featuring solely new material in 30 years. "World Circus / Think This" is a straight up compilation album featuring the material from the band´s two 1980s full-length studio albums "World Circus" (1987) and "Think This" (1989). No bonus tracks, rarites, demo tracks, or additional live tracks in sight.

Instead you get two high quality US power/thrash metal releases, which are considered by many to be classics in the genre. Stylistically "World Circus" (1987) features a few more raw speed metal influences, but it´s still high quality technical US power/thrash metal, while "Think This" (1989) is an even more technical and even slightly progressive thrash metal release. Reviews of both releases are below:

"World Circus":

"World Circus" is the debut full-length studio album by US power/thrash metal act Toxik. The album was released through Roadracer Records in 1987. "World Circus" was recorded in the now legendary Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida with Jim- and Tom Morris handling the production. Toxik was founded in 1985 and released two albums before disbanding in 1992. Despite generally good reviews and positive fan reactions, the band never broke through in their homeland, but had a decent following in both Europe and Japan.

The music on "World Circus" is technically well played US power/thrash metal with occasional speed metal leanings. The riffs are intricate, sharp and fast-played. There is no doubt that guitarist Josh Christian is a brilliant guitar player and that his contributions to the music is what elevates it to a higher level. The rhythm section is very skilled too. The production leaves much room for the bass, so it´s very audible in the mix. Lead vocalist Mike Sanders is incredibly skilled too, but pretty surely an aquired taste. His extremely high pitched screaming vocal style is probably hard to appreciate for some while others will praise his vocal acrobatics.

Musically it´s artists like Target, Realm and Watchtower that are references although I also hear nods toward early Annihilator (check out the riff in "Heart Attack" that sounds like the riff from "Human Insecticide"), Fates Warning and King Diamond in the music. Quality wise Toxik are also on the same high level as the mentioned artists. While most tracks are energetic, fast-paced and thrashy, the band do occasionally venture into more progressive territories. "47 Seconds Of Sanity/Count Your Blessings" is the best example of this, but there are intriguing ideas featured on most tracks.

"World Circus" is through and through simply a quality technical US power/thrash metal release. The vocals might challenge some people beyond their limit, but if you are able to enjoy them, "World Circus" is a near brilliant release. The sound production could have been slightly better, but it´s a minor issue and overall a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is fully deserved.

"Think This":

"Think This" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US power/thrash metal act Toxik. The album was released through Roadrunner Records in October 1989. Since the release of "World Circus" lead vocalist Mike Sanders has been replaced by Charles Sabin and the band have added a second guitarist to the lineup in John Donnelly.

The music on "Think This" is technically well played US power/thrash metal with occasional progressive metal leanings. Actually the weight has shifted a bit more towards progressive metal than the thrash/US power metal sound of the debut album although thrash metal is still the dominant "core" sound. Tracks like "Black and White", "Technical Arrogance", and "Machine Dream" are however full blown progressive metal tracks to my ears and it is sometimes a bit difficult to tag the music correctly because of the combination of stylistic elements. The two former mentioned tracks both feature obvious Voivod references, but acts like late eighties Fates Warning and especially Realm are also valid references.

The shift on the lead vocalist spot has resulted in the band´s sound becoming slightly more accessible in that department, but the music is overall more challenging and varied than the case was on the "World Circus (1987)". What hasn´t changed is the extremely high level of musicianship on the album. These guys are incredibly skilled and pull off playing some very technically challenging sections and make it sound easy in the process. The sound production is powerful, but it is in this department that "Think This" could have been slightly better. I could have done without the cover of "Out on the Tiles" by Led Zeppelin too, but it´s not downright horrible, just a bit unnecessary. "Think This" is still enjoyable as it is though and a 4 star (80%) rating is fully deserved.

If you already own the two albums, this compilation may be a bit redundant, but to new fans or those who haven´t been able to find the two original albums (although both have seen quite a few reissued through the years), this is a welcome opportunity to get them both in one purchase. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.