Toxikull – Turbulence (Mountainous Heavy Speed Metal)
I’ve received promos from Portugal’s Toxikull a few times if memory serves me right, and I hated every single minute of it. Obviously, this has all changed with their latest full-length, Turbulence. In fact I didn’t even remember it was the same band I had passed on more than once until I checked out earlier releases for context. I was like, oh, shit, these guys? They made this? Something changed, clearly, and I’ll do my best to explain how a relatively mid heavy metal band went pro.
The first thing to note is they aren’t mimicking style, they’ve found it. I’ve found this is often key with bands of this type. If they can’t find themselves, they won’t find a following. But Toxikull has absolutely nailed it here. The vocals are proud and assured the music they’re leading is totally awesome, which, yeah, let me tell you about that. The shit you’ll find in Turbulence is a soundtrack for medieval warfare, of Gods against men, of steel against steel, fantasy, darkness, all of the classic themes of the genre that towers above the usual like a goddamn mountain. Each track carries its own weight, and with it its own resonance that fills the valleys below. I’d name a standout track, but honestly it wasn’t easy with this one, it’s a full listen front to back. Celebrate these guys just in case this is all they got left.
Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls
Toxikull – Turbulence
Dying Victims Productions
Cover Art: Mario López
4.7 / 5
