Toxik

Established in New York during 1985 by guitarist Josh Christian, the group initially operated under the name Tokyo before another band that had already secured the moniker issued legal threats. Throughout those early days the outfit’s intricate strain of heavy metal remained unsettled, yet by the close of the decade a deal with Roadrunner Records had been secured and the sound had coalesced into a blend of speed, thrash, and progressive metal reminiscent of New Jersey’s Hades and Texas innovators Watchtower. Two demanding, politically charged albums appeared in quick succession: World Circus in 1987, which showcased Christian’s flamboyantly shredding guitar alongside vocalist Mike Sanders, bassist Brian Bonini, and drummer Tad Leger; and Think This in 1989, on which the more accomplished John Sabin took over vocal duties while additional guitarist John Donnelly was brought in to handle the mounting complexity of the dual six-string arrangements. Despite these efforts the releases failed to reach past dedicated heavy-metal listeners, and after the label parted ways the band dissolved in 1992. Activity resumed in the 2010s, yielding III Works in 2018 followed by Wasteland in 2019.