From having their first moments rehearsing in a paint store in Geelong, local lads Toxicon are back to launch their debut LP. We had a chat with the band as a collective on what to expect next, fond memories of the BC and crowd surfing to the bar.
Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
We are pumped at the moment, all our hard work over the last year is finally in physical form. We’re really excited to share our music with the world and throw our hat into the ring! We’ve been almost too busy to realise where we are with everything but with the launch knocking on the door, the chooks are coming home to roost. By chooks we mean metalheads. We are PUMPED.
So you recently had a listening party for the new album, how did it go?
The listening party went off!!! It was lots of fun. We’ve had a lot of support from friends and family. Throwing a huge party seemed like the best way to say thanks. It was different not being on stage and partying with everyone before the album played but let’s just say we took full advantage of it. Our drummer Tom doesn’t drink so you could say he’s our designated driver/drummer – I honestly don’t know how he deals with the rest of the maggots in the band sometimes but at least there isn’t any fights over who’s driving! It was a fun night. Also Adam is Swiss.
And we heard this album is actually a concept one and it tells a story, which we know has been kept relatively under wraps. Are you able to let our readers in on what it is? Or perhaps a few hints?
The concept for the album is quite simple. It’s kind of a first person experience of someone getting visions and warnings of an impending Armageddon. The actual story going on is way more sci-fi and we will be releasing clues and storylines later through social media and maybe even a follow up album sometime in the future. We definitely aren’t a concept band, but this sort of just found us while writing and was something we didn’t really plan on doing at first but ran with when it had legs. It has definitely been a longer and harder process getting it right but worth it.
What kind of memories do you have of the BC from your early days as a band?
Supporting awesome bands – King Parrot was a highlight, those dudes are relentless. We remember when we did our first show ever, rough as guts, opening spot. We played like it was a festival spot, it was our job to kick the show off and get everyone moving! Everyone was just like ‘Check these loose units out!!’ Ahhh, sweaty as hell, cheap beers on the rider. That was when we all thought, ‘Yep this is what we wanna do’.
We know you’re lovers of moshpit antics, what would you hope for in the moshpit to your gig?
We really vibe off the energy of a crowd, it’s our mission to uncross those arms and break those necks. If you wanna see us hit 11, incite a pit. Circles and the ol’ long hair mosh line up in the front row always go off. We wanna see more surfing and jumping at our shows! We personally don’t like pits to get too violent and we’re not a fan of karate kicks and that sort of rubbish, but seeing a bunch of metal heads going nuts is seriously why we do it. It’s a real connection when everyone is into it and moving.
And what kind of antics have you got up to in moshpits?
Hi-fives are a must, we actively encourage people to hi-five us during our show! Wayne was once crowd surfed to the bar for a beer and then back to stage. He also likes to pull people on stage to mosh or have a sing! Paul is known to solo from the bar and Jacob might pinch your beer and down it. Adam is Swiss. It’s like while we’re on stage the little switch between brain and actions is left full open and it’s lots of fun.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us, are there any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Be good to everyone! Music is the answer to your question! Never be afraid to windmill on the bus with headphones in. Chances are someone will throw up horns!
Image: Electrum Photography
When & Where: [Album Launch] The Barwon Club, Geelong – April 9
