TOXIK — World Circus (review)

Album · 1987 · Thrash Metal

4/5 · 2015-02-23
UMUR

"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 progressive 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 in most tracks.

"World Circus" is simply through and through 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.

more than 2 years ago
Permalink
Report #306711

Share this review

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer

Please login to post a shout

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Well they certainly made a couple of really great albums, so I understand the hype for a new release.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Couldn't find a release date yet either. Lots of hype about it but no details as of yet

adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

You can just put TBA for now (so long as you remember to update once the tracklist is available). The minimum to add is the following: title, cover artwork and release date.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Their new album "In Humanity" is going to hit the market soon. I was gonna add this here but can't find any track listing yet so will have to wait :)

http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/e75feb89c2dea7a5f927d737b528c1c4/5075586.jpg