Toxik

This article is about the musical group. For the compositing software by Autodesk, see Autodesk Media and Entertainment § Toxik.
Toxik
Origin Peekskill, New York, United States
Genres
Years active
  • 1985–1992
  • 2007
  • 2013–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website Official site
Members Josh Christian
Past members Charlie Sabin
John Donnelly
Lee Erwin
Brian Bonini
Sal Dadabo
Tad Leger
Lou Caldarola
Jason Bittner
Mike Sanders
Bill Bodily

Toxik is an American thrash metal band originally from Peekskill, New York. Initially active from 1985 to 1992, in 2013 it was announced that Toxik would reform again and start work on its third album In Humanity. Toxik has gone through several lineup changes over the years, leaving guitarist Josh Christian as the only constant member.

Biography

Initial formation (1985–1987)

Toxik was formed in 1985 by Joshua Christian and Lee Erwin under the name "Toyko". The band was forced to change its name due to the threat of legal action from a band who had already registered the name.[3] The band's original four-piece lineup which, because it occurred before the name change, was known as the Tokyo line up, consisted of Michael Sanders (vocals), Josh Christian (guitar), Lee Erwin (bass) and Sal Dadabo (drums).[2] However, the line up did not remain stable, plaguing the band with line-up changes into the following year. During the same year, the band's original bassist, Lee Erwin, left Toxik citing personal reasons, to be replaced by Brian Bonini. Additionally, Sal Dadabo, the band's original drummer, was offered a touring contract with Twisted Sister and left Toxik to be replaced by Tad Leger.[2] These new changes would become the band's new line-up.[4]

World Circus (1987–1988)

In 1987, Toxik signed onto Roadrunner Records (previously titled "Roadracer Productions" at the time of signing), debuting their first full-length album, World Circus. The release of the album saw one of the first introductions to the, "progressive thrash metal" genre, charting on College Music Journal's "Best New Metal Album of the Year" for 1987 and were offered a number nine slot on the Metal Blade Records "Metal Massacre" series with the song, "Wasteland".[2] After touring, World Circus, vocalist Mike Sanders left Toxik for unknown reasons, to be replaced by Charlie Sabin.[2]

Think This and disbandment (1989–1992)

Following the received attention for the release of their debut album, Toxik released their second full-length album the following year with Roadrunner Records entitled, Think This.[1] After the album's release, Toxik hired guitarist John Donnelly to perform with them while touring. The success that resulted from Think This led Toxik to tour the album throughout the United States and Europe with Roadrunner Records and partnering band King Diamond. After years of touring, Toxik disbanded in 1992.

First reunion (2007–2010)

During the autumn of 2006, Displeased Records rereleased Toxik's World Circus (1987) and Think This (1989) along with releases of previous releases from Gorguts, Sadus and Disincarnate. The World Circus rerelease included twelve bonus tracks and the Think This rerelease included five bonus tracks.

In January 2007, Metal Mind Productions rereleased limited edition versions of Toxik's World Circus (1987) and Think This (1989). The rereleases are digitally remastered, featuring digipak editions of the albums.[5][6]

During February 2007, Toxik announced their reformation as a band. The announcement consisted of the largely original line-up of Mike Sanders (vocals), Josh Christian (guitar), Brian Bonini (bass) and former Dominion (Bill Rogers-vocals, Joe Cseko-electric guitar, Joe Casatelli- bass) drummer, Lou Caldarola (drums). Tad Leger, one of the band's original drummers, is also in a band called Lucertola, as a guitarist.[5] During August 2007, the band's bassist, Brian Bonini, left the new Toxik line-up, leaving Toxik with only three members. Toxik is currently in search of a new bassist to replace Brian Bonini.[5]

Toxik announced a European tour in November, 2007.[5] The two-week tour was to have included performances at the Keep It True festival and the Ragers Elite festival in Germany.[6] The band was scheduled to perform at the Keep It True Festival on November 3, 2007, when the band canceled the tour due to reasons disclosed by the event organizer, "The reason is that their Polish management booked a three week tour around the festival with eight day-offs in a row, which was [not] financially feasible for the band. Also, bassist Brian Bonini quit the band some weeks ago and they [Toxik] couldn't find a replacement for him until now." [5] Since the November tour cancellation, the band has not made any public appearances. According to the Toxik MySpace page, the band is in the process of writing new material and will not tour until a new bassist is hired.

In December 2007, Displeased Records released Toxik's first live album set, entitled Dynamo Open Air 1988, which includes two live performances from 1988 and a limited CD and DVD package.

In July 2010, Toxik self-released Think Again[7] on DVD. Containing a live set from 1989, a 2010 interview with Tad Leger, Josh Christian and Mike Sanders and a photo/poster gallery.

Second reunion and In Humanity (2013–present)

In January 2013, it was announced that Toxik would reform yet again and as of late February/Early March 2013 have begun recording a new album slated for a spring 2014 release. The current line up consists of original members Josh Christian, Mike Sanders, and the group recently announced the addition of Bill Bodily on bass and Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall sitting in the drummers throne.

States Bittner: "I initially met [former TOXIK drummer] Tad [Leger] at a DEATH ANGEL show back in 1990 shortly after seeing TOXIK for the first time. I recognized him, struck up a conversation and the next thing you know I was at his place taking lessons from him. Over the years, we became very good friends, trading shows with our local bands at the time, etc., and we've stayed close while I traveled the world, building my career with SHADOWS FALL.

"For me, this is a big deal because I get to play in one of my favorite bands from my youth, and I get a chance to help preserve my friend's legacy"

On January 8, 2014, it was revealed on Bittner's Facebook fan page that the name of the third Toxik album is In Humanity. A spring 2014 release was expected.[8] However, the album's release date was pushed back to 2016,[9] before being pushed back to 2017.[10]

It was later announced that Jason Bittner left Toxik and his touring replacement was Jim DeMaria.

In 2016 Mike Sanders and Bill Bodily resigned from Toxik.

Band members

Current members

  • Josh Christian – guitar (1985–1992, 2007, 2013–present)

Former members

  • Charlie Sabin – vocals (1988–1992)
  • John Donnelly – guitar (1988–1992)
  • Lee Ervin – bass (1985–1986)
  • Brian Bonini – bass (1986–1992, 2007)
  • Sal Dadabo – drums (1985–1986)
  • Tad Leger – drums (1986–1992)
  • Lou Caldarola – drums (2007)
  • Jason Bittner – drums (2013–2014)
  • Mike Sanders – vocals (1985–1988, 2007, 2013–2016)
  • Bill Bodily – bass (2013–2016)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

Compilation albums

References

  1. 1 2 3 Genres cited for Toxik on BNR Metal Pages
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Biography, additional formation details on Last.FM
  3. ↑ Toxik formation biography on BestPrices
  4. ↑ Toxik "Progressive thrash metal" terminology on CD Universe
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Metal Underground news for Toxik, reassembly, Displeased Records and Metal Mind Records rereleases
  6. 1 2 Displeased Records announcement for Toxik, performance dates, rereleases
  7. ↑
  8. ↑ Toxik reveal name of first album in 25 years
  9. ↑ "TOXIK ANNOUNCE SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2015". Facebook. June 12, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Toxik - Finishing New Album". MetalStorm.net. August 12, 2016. Retrieved August 12, 2016.

External links

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