Joel Grind

Toxic Holocaust

Joel Grind is the undisputed king of the underground Thrash Metal scene, though signed to legendary label Relapse Records he is one of the most genuine musicians you could meet. Combining his love of Thrash and grind to create one massive Metal explosion it's the only way TOXIC HOLOCAUST could of banded together, creating some of the most iconic grind songs of the past 14 years the band have no intentions of stopping their way of life. Emily Coulter talked with the Joel on touring, anti-technical Metal and guitars. 
By Emily Coulter
March 20, 2014
Interview - Joel Grind (Toxic Holocaust) interview
You've been touring all over the world since January 22nd, how has it been so far?

So far so good! Was a little rough at the beginning but it's calmed down now, we were all jet lagged as we had to fly then drive for ages then play at night which you can tell it's horrible but we have settled in now.

How are you enjoying the European tour with EXHUMED?

I love it! Those guys are awesome to tour with as we toured in the U.S with them, had a break then came here.

Any memorable moments from this year's touring so far?

So many that we can't really say but it's been amazing! full of debauchery, we wake up every morning with hangovers then starting back again the next day.

What other tours and festivals will you be doing this year?

We are touring with SKELETONWITCH in Australia after this tour but not much else after, We're doing Hellfest in France too.

What are the best and worst things about touring?

The block of time that you're on stage goes so fast it's unreal which is the best part but the lead up to it is really boring! Travelling sucks but you cheer up due to the show and what happens after that, hanging out with bands and fans from all over the world makes it all the worth while.

If you could tour with any band, who would it be?

I'd love to do a tour with VENOM as I'm a huge fan.

You released ''Chemistry Of Consciousness'' last year, do you think you received a good response to it?

It's the best response of every record we've made actually which was very shocking, the previous one to it was mixed but the latest was very positive.

What inspired the lyrics of the album?

The lyrics are very conspiracy theory inspired, it's more of a punk record as it's very socially aware and angry.

Any favourite songs from the album?

I really like the song ''MKUltra'' and how it turned out, the lyrics are about the government experiments and it's really fun to play live too.

What are your favourite songs to play live?

I really enjoy playing ''Lord Of The Wasteland'' because of the tempo change, it's more rock n roll than our usual fast stuff so it's a great change.

Do you have any plans for a new album?

Nope! I've thought of nothing so far, I'm just doing these tours and see what happens afterwards I guess.

What is your favourite album you created with TOXIC HOLOCAUST?

It took a long time to decide this but I feel that everything came into place with ''Chemistry Of Consciousness'' as it was what every member wanted it to sound like.

For people who have never listened to TOXIC HOLOCAUST, how would you describe your sound?

A mixture of punk and metal, it's anti-technical metal as it get's straight to the point but always has something catchy within the song.

TOXIC HOLOCAUST has been together since 1999, what has kept you together?

My passion for music has never changed and the only way I'd stop playing with the band is if it became a chore and no one wants music to be boring.

What guitar gear do you play?

I have a Marshall amp and cab, I got a flying V also. I like to keep my gear as simple as possible as so much can go wrong and you get loads of kids getting on stage with you so the less stuff to break, the better.

How long have you been playing guitar?

Since around 2000 so about 14 years which surprises me!

Who are your favourite guitarists?

I like Ted Nugent and Joe Perry, not really what you'd expect from a thrash metal musician but they both have such unique sound.

What made you start playing guitar rather than any other instrument?

I used to play drums when I was younger but when the band started I began playing which lead me to where I am now.

Who are TOXIC HOLOCAUST's inspirations?

GBH, VENOM, SODOM and BLACK FLAG are huge inspirations for the band.

Thanks a lot Joel, have a good one tonight, cheers!

Cheers Emily, thanks a lot 

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