Toxic Holocaust is an American thrash metal band from Portland, Oregon.

History

Joel Grind founded Toxic Holocaust in 1999. He wrote and recorded all of the band's music himself. After the demos Radiation Sickness in 1999 and Critical Mass in 2002, he released Toxic Holocaust's debut album, Evil Never Dies (2003).

Two years later, after touring with a hired backing band, Grind released the second Toxic Holocaust album, Hell on Earth (2005), which he wrote and recorded himself. The album features cover art by Ed Repka, known for creating covers for albums by Megadeth, Death and others. Extensive touring followed, along with signing to Relapse Records.

In addition to the third Toxic Holocaust album, An Overdose of Death... (2008), Relapse reissued Evil Never Dies and Hell on Earth. Toxic Holocaust recorded and released Gravelord (2009, EP), Conjure and Command (2011), and Chemistry of Consciousness (2013).

In 2019, Joel Grind signed to Entertainment One and released Primal Future: 2019 later that year. Planned tours were halted due to COVID-19.

The band was scheduled to perform at Hell's Heroes music festival in Houston in March 2026.

Musical style and influences Toxic Holocaust plays thrash metal that is heavily influenced by punk rock, and has been compared to bands such as Venom, Discharge, Motörhead, D.R.I., The Exploited and Slayer. They also take influence from first-wave black metal.

Other projects Grind now works as a music producer, and has been involved in side projects other than Toxic Holocaust. He has released synth tracks, as well as metal albums for his solo projects War Ripper and the Yellowgoat Sessions. Grind is known for being social with his fans and can often be seen at the merchandise table before a Toxic Holocaust show.

Personal life

Joel Grind is the frontman and main songwriter of Toxic Holocaust. He now lives in Oregon. Grind began his musical career at a young age, first playing drums. His musical influences included bands such as Metallica, Bathory, Venom, and Sodom. As a teen, he ran a home recording and mixing business for local bands. In 1999, he started Toxic Holocaust. Around this time, he picked up guitar.

Members Current members Joel Grind – lead vocals (1999–present), bass (1999–2008, 2015–present), guitars (1999–2015), drums (1999–2008) Tyler Becker – drums (2018–present) Rob Gray – guitars, backing vocals (2019–present)

Past members Donny Paycheck – drums (2008) Al Positions – drums (2008–2009) Phil Zeller – bass, backing vocals (2008–2015) Nick Bellmore – drums (2009–2018) Charlie Bellmore – guitars, backing vocals (2015–2018) Eric Eisenhauer – guitars, backing vocals (2018–2019)

Timeline

Discography Studio albums Evil Never Dies (2003) Hell on Earth (2005) An Overdose of Death... (2008) Conjure and Command (2011) Chemistry of Consciousness (2013) Primal Future: 2019 (2019)

EPs Death Master (2003, Gloom Records) Power from Hell (2004) Reaper's Grave (2006, Gloom Records) Gravelord (2009)

Demos Radiation Sickness (1999) Critical Mass (2002) Promo 2004 (2004) Demo 2007 (2008)

Live and video albums Only Deaf Is Real (2007, live album) Brazilian Slaughter 2006 (2008, video album)

Compilations Toxic Thrash Metal (2004, CD) From the Ashes of Nuclear Destruction (2013, CD)

Splits Toxic Holocaust / Oprichniki (2001, CD) Implements of Mass Destruction / Nuclear Apocalypse:666 (2002, CD) Outbreak of Evil (2004, CD) Thrashbeast from Hell (2004, tape) Blasphemy, Mayhem, War (2005, CD) Don't Burn the Witch... (2006, 10-inch) Speed n' Spikes Volume 1 (2008, 7-inch) Toxic Holocaust / Inepsy (2010, 12-inch) Toxic Holocaust / Midnight (2011, 7-inch to benefit the Japanese tsunami victims) Toxic Waste (with Municipal Waste) (2012, 12-inch)

Contributions Thrashing Like a Maniac (2007, CD) In the Sign of Sodom – Sodomaniac Tribute (2008, 12-inch) Power Trip – Nightmare Logic (2017, CD) [mastering]

Videography "Wild Dogs" "Nuke the Cross" "Lord of the Wasteland" "Judgement Awaits" "666" "Agony of the Damned" "Acid Fuzz" "New World Beyond"

References

External links