(CROSSOVER THRASH) Alright folks, the five legendary thrashers from Antwerp are back on the European crossover scene with a massive mosh soundtrack! A full nine years after 20 Last Century, “Future Is Calling” hits harder, more straightforward and more aggressive than ever – I know, that’s something you read about every new record, but this time it’s actually true. Seriously, the new material doesn’t sound dusty or like it’s been reheated for the hundredth time – quite the opposite: the break over the past few years has obviously done Toxic Shock good, and they’ve clearly poured some serious fuel into the engine.
Everything falls into place here – the guitars are perfectly locked in, the drumming is tight, and above all Wally, the vocalist, has made a huge leap into the premier league of shouters.
Sure, Toxic Shock aren’t reinventing the crossover thrash game – on the contrary, they pay tribute to the greats of the genre. Excel, Suicidal Tendencies, Testament – those are the obvious references. At the same time, you can clearly hear the band’s hardcore/punk roots – not least in their extremely fitting and well-executed cover of The Gun Club.
What really sets “Future Is Calling” apart, though, is its raw, unrestrained energy that never tips over into chaos. The songs are compact, get straight to the point, and still pack enough hooks to stick in your head. No unnecessary gimmicks, no self-indulgent noodling – just honest, hard-hitting crossover with attitude. This is exactly how 2020s thrash revival should sound. Moshpit guaranteed.
