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TOXIC HAZARD
Divisions Of Hate

Self-released (2025)
Rating: 7/10

A slice of German thrash is on your plate here with the debut full-length outing from Hamburg act Toxic Hazard. Divisions Of Hate is quite an enjoyable romp which strings together Teutonic steel and American crunch. A band such as classic Exodus immediately sprang to mind as opener ‘Sniper’ hits. The riffs are crisp with the vocals boasting a raspy fragility. Sprigs of Overkill and Lȧȧz Rockit toy with a contemporary Destruction-style of menace and aggression, resulting in sharp riffs and catchy melodies.

‘Cold Death’ could have easily existed in 1986 with its serrated axe work and vocalist Warp Michi’s tone. This is solid thrash that’s more than happy to sit in its comfort zone, although the debris caused by the guitars and drums suggests this is more of a battle zone. The title track is punchy and mid-paced where the riffs aren’t too far removed from an Anthrax-style of moshing melody, and even when the sprint comes there’s still that infectious clarity.

Divisions Of Hate doesn’t require your full attention because its rhythms are immediately addictive. ‘King Of The Pit’ could easily be the bastard offspring of Exodus’s ‘The Toxic Waltz’ and Testament’s ‘Into The Pit’, an anthem for the new generation of thrashers. Meanwhile, ‘Switchblade Blues’ brings more mid-tempo savagery where you can envisage the sweaty heads bobbing and banging away at the gig – as long as they put their phones down!

Yep, this is standard thrash that 40 years ago wouldn’t have got a look in, but when it comes to keeping the thrash flag flying, Toxic Hazard are on the ball.

Neil Arnold

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