Out NOW
Via Redefining Darkness
Words by: Liam Hedges
Intoxicated return in 2026 with their sophomore album The Dome. Formed in Florida in 1993, and initially releasing several EPs, Intoxicated did not release their debut album titled Watch You Burn until 2022. Luckily enough for us, we didn’t have to wait another 29 years for their next record!
Intoxicated exhibit the vital sounds of Florida death-thrash, influenced by arguably the most legendary band in metal, Death and other Florida greats such as Obituary. Another distinct influence in my opinion is Kreator, out of Germany. If you like pulverising drums, thrashy riffs and venomous screamed vocals, I would certainly be throwing this album on.
Tracks such as War Club feature the classic death-thrash style fast riffage rampant across this whole album, however also exhibits an interesting swapping of guitar leads to vocal delivery. Song structures like this with so many catchy thrash riffs create a gripping release.
Track seven It’s Dead is notable for the continuous thundering double kicks from Colin Vaccaro, similar passages are used across the tracks and really provide so much energy to the tracks. Mixed in with some ride-bell action and there’s absolutely nothing to complain about.
The final track Drowning the Weak has a more cross-over thrash feel with some definite party-style thrash riffs. The song lengths on this record are something to note, which also aids to the cross-over feel of this particular track. The majority of tracks are short, mostly coming in at under three minutes and delivered straight to the point. This 10 song release clocks in at just over 27 minutes total. This is my preferred form of thrash metal, which, in my opinion, can otherwise get a somewhat repetitive and stagnant feeling at times. Intoxicated, however, do not allow any sense of boredom and just deliver unrelenting death-thrash deliciousness.
Guitars are performed by vocalist Erik Payne and John Sutton, and bass and backing vocals by Shawn Clarson. The mix has an old-school feel with the vocals a little more buried which suits this release perfectly. I particularly enjoyed the drum sound as previously mentioned, but also the bass, which when it cuts through in particular passages is a real treat and provides a bouncy feel in various parts of the album that just demands you to headbang.
My favourite track of this release: War Club
Hope all you out there are thrashing out to some tasty riffs. Off for now,
Metal Cult 666
