Toxik - Breaking Class (EP 2017)

Toxik is an American thrash metal band hailing from New York. Initially active from 1985 -92, the band announced in 2013 that they'd reformed for both touring and recording. They released two now-classic albums, World Circus (1987) and Think This (1989) on RoadRacer, (now known as Roadrunner Records). Both received heavy praise by fans and critics alike and are considered Thrashterpieces of the genre. Toxik completed several tours, sharing stages with bands like King Diamond, Testament, Dream Theater, Exodus, Pantera, Candlemass and many more, with a notable performance at the historic Dynamo Open Air Festival (in 1988). This performance was released on DVD in 2007, along with remastered versions of World Circus and Think This. The band released a second live DVD in 2010 entitled Think Again, which contained never-before-seen club and theater footage, interviews, and more. In 2014 - 2015, attendance was strong throughout Europe and South America as the band toured for the first time in over a decade, proving their longtime fan base had not only stayed loyal but had grown over the years. 

A pioneering force in the genre, the band is ready to bring their sound to a whole new generation of metal fans.  Toxik Is releasing a 3-song EP Entitled "Breaking Class" on August 4th 2017 and plans to release their third full length LP by the end of 2017. "We've got the right combination of players for the record now" says Josh Christian, the band's founder. 2015's South American headline tour saw the addition of James D'Maria of Generation Kill, replacing Jason Bittner behind the kit. "James is an incredible drummer...he couldn't be a better fit," says Josh.  After returning from South America, original vocalist Mike Sanders decided he no longer wanted to tour, making way for the return of blogosphere favorite, Charles Sabin (from the band's second album, Think This). “Josh and I have stayed in contact over the years, sharing projects and bouncing ideas off each other. There's a visceral connection when we're in the studio and the new material reflects that," Says Sabin. The latest member to join  is Shane Boulos on bass. Shane’s background is in the heart of the NY/NJ hardcore and metal scenes, playing in bands like Sicks Deep, Slam One Down and Swear On Your Life. "Shane's right and left hand techniques are a perfect complement to our riff structure, bringing a fullness to the bottom end while maintaining the lockstep rhythms with James.”

2017 is shaping up to be a breakout year for Toxik, with a new lineup, record, and European tour (including a return to the Dynamo Open Air Festival).  Josh Christian is pleased with the developments.  “We're tighter than ever and I think we're going to surprise people with the direction and intensity featured by the new line-up," he says. 

Thrash band TOXIK returns with their new EP Breaking Class. The EP is three tracks of classic thrash/metal that is highly recommended for old school metalheads.

Breaking Class will be released on August 4th 2017.

TOXIK TOUR DATES:

Sep 09 Fall Of Summer Torcy, France

Sep 10 Little Devil Tilburg, Netherlands

Sep 13 Viper Room Wien, Austria

Sep 15 PMK Innsbruck, Austria

Sep 16 Storm Crusher Festival Puchersreuth, Germany