Fear of God - Toxic Voodoo flac album

TOXIC VOODOO is a disappointing follow up to the amazing WITHIN THE VEIL album. After an aborted attempt to record an album with original collaborator (and boyfriend) Michael Carlino, Dawn reformed Fear Of God from scratch with some younger musicians. The new lineup (including Randy Bozien, Chris Kalandras, Rob Michael & John Grden) went on a grueling van tour of various U. S. clubs before completing this album. TOXIC VOODOO hearkens back to Dawn's earlier speed metal days with Detente, for better and worse. The Alternative & Goth Rock textures of WITHIN THE VEIL aren't found here, as her new band is pretty much set upon playing straight out thrash for the most part. Unfortunately, their song ideas are comprised of a fairly unmemorable barrage of speed picked pedal notes or sludgy doom riffs. The production is obviously low budget, murky and places Dawn's layered vocals too low. Therefore, it's a bit difficult to know what she's spewing venom about since you can't decipher her words without a lyric sheet handy. And without knowing the words, gone is the emotional depth that made her prior record such a potent and interesting offering.The opener "Beyond The Veil" easily stands out as the best track. I would be hard pressed to choose another highlight, although the slow riffing of "Santismo" is worth a listen. The only reason I seem to pull out this CD nowadays is to remind myself why I didn't enjoy it all that much when I first bought it. This opinion remains unchanged 20 years after its release.