Reviewer: M. J.

Taiwan’s Bazöoka (yes, with the curiously assigned umlaut) are all old school THRASH to their vicious rotten core and I love it. On Toxic Warriors they seemingly exist and thrash in a time when Venom and Kreator were hammering out their rudimentary metal templates and Discharge was the only hardcore act that mattered. Fast, furious and unrelenting for almost thirty seven minutes, the band is intent on making you a believer in their brand of punky / hardcore / blackened thrash (yeah, just go with that).

Having nailed down the sound solidly, the question ultimately is whether the band can write great songs like their heroes. Let me state right off that my favorite track “Raw Noise Attack”, stays with you for days, mostly due to the repetitious chorus; it certainly rivals any old school anthem. There are a few other standout tracks here (“Toxic Warriors” and “March of the Dead” come to mind), but the band still lacks maturity and vision when it comes to creating memorable thrashy metal anthems. Don’t let that discourage you from checking out Toxic Warriors because the boys are all heart and make up for most of their shortcomings with enthusiasm and raw talent. They manage to keep it relatively loose and fresh throughout by keeping the songs short. I can’t help but think of a more rudimentary Death Angel here in the making. The production value is on the low side with a pretty muddy mix which adds to some of its charm. Now signed to Metal Inquisition Records, I would be curious to see the band get a strong mentor producer and modern day mix.

Given some time and more work in the songwriting department, I think we will see some really promising albums from Bazöoka in the near future. Bazöoka may not have it all together yet but they sure know how to have fun.

Release Date: November, 2009
Label: Metal Inquisition Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  March of the Dead
2.  Hell Commando
3.  The Airborne Troops of Death
4.  Toxic Warriors
5.  Blitzkrieg
6.  Barrage
7.  Burning Villages
8.  88mm Cannon
9.  Dawn of the Assault
10.  Raw Noise Attack
11.  Combat Warfare
12.  Inferno Ammo

Total playing time:  36:42

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Bazöoka - Toxic Warriors

April 6, 2010