Review TOXIC HAZARD “Divisions of Hate”

Founded in 2020, Toxic Hazard is enriching the metal scene in Hamburg. After launching two singles in early 2025, the five-piece released their debut album, “Divisions of Hate” in June of this year.

David Von Pirch (g) started the band Toxic Hazard and found four partners in crime: Finn Schwerdhöfer (b), Fabio Grimberg (d), Sebastian Rohde (g) and Michi (v). These five musicians recorded ten songs, one of which is an outro that closes the album.

The debut album opens with the up-tempo song “Sniper”. The band quickly unveil their source of inspiration. It is the raging Bay Area metal that has had a significant impact on the sound of Toxic Hazard. Bands like Exodus provided a blueprint for the young band, which can be heard in the grooving riff power and Michi’s vocals.

It may take some time to become comfortable with his style of singing and shouting. He has his own style of intonation and is reminiscent of guys like Zetro Souza. By the second song, “Cold Death”, you will have become more familiar with his vocals and will be able to enjoy this energetic thrash metal album.

The moderately paced title track grooves along before the band changes gears. “Pub Brawl Ball” is a fast, smashing thrash metal song that unleashes its full power in under three minutes.

Alongside these blasting metal songs, the band also offers some longer tracks on their debut album. “Paratroopers” is one of those songs that demonstrate the band’s versatility. “Paratroopers” is a heavily pounding mid-tempo headbanger that puts the groove firmly in focus. Another song that follows a similar formula is “Switchblade Blues” — a sinister thrash metal song with some well-placed twists. The throbbing metal part with its massive riff is sure to delight headbangers!

With “Toxic Hazard” we slowly but surely approach the end of the album. The song opens with a calm intro. A certain dystopian vibe is added to the start of this thrash metal anthem, which reveals its full power after a minute or so.

“Divisions of Hate” is an album that showcases the greatness of thrash metal. While it may not offer a jaw-dropping new concept, the pure energy and passion echoing in each note of this debut album is undeniable. With its great sound, “Divisions of Hate” is fun from start to finish, and fans of old-school thrash metal with roots in the Bay Area should check out this debut from Toxic Hazard.