TOXIKULL The Nightraiser CD

The 2018 EP The Nightraiser by the Portuguese speed metal band Toxikull, released as a collaborative effort between Firecum Records and Mosher Records, is a high-octane celebration of traditional heavy and speed metal. Marking a significant evolution from their debut full-length, this release saw the band from Cascais embrace a more aggressive and polished sound, characterized by the impressive vocal range of Lex Thunder and a twin-guitar attack that pays homage to the icons of the 1980s. The professional digipak edition became a definitive artifact for the Portuguese scene, capturing a band reaching their peak energy and technical proficiency. The EP is comprised of six tracks that maintain a relentless pace, beginning with the explosive title track Nightraiser and following through with anthems of speed such as Surrender or Die, Hellmaster, Freedom to Kill, and the occult-tinged Satan Bloody Satan. A notable addition to the tracklist is the final song, a high-energy cover of Rocker by the pre-Guns N' Roses project Hollywood Rose, which the band reinterpreted through their own heavy metal lens. Recorded and mastered at Ultrasound Studios, the EP features the core lineup of Lex Thunder, Michael Blade, Antim The Viking, and The Lorke. This release was pivotal in establishing Toxikull as one of the most prominent names in the European New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal, serving as the perfect bridge to their subsequent international success.