This article was automatically translated by AI.
First of all, I have to say that I didn’t expect another album from the band with Wally, even though rumors had been circulating recently that a new album would be released. Now it’s out, and of course, it has to be compared in many ways. First, there’s the comparison to the old records by TOXOPLASMA, and then the comparison to the contemporary Deutschpunk records.
The band was founded in 1980 and has an appropriate historical background. You can tell that from the band. The recording is thick, but not exaggerated; rather, it can be described as powerful. The grinding guitars, Wally’s aggressive, slightly screeching vocals, and the driving drums give the songs the hardness they need. And finally, Wally personally produced the album. He knows how the band should sound. The result is impressive.
The vocals could perhaps have been a bit clearer, but that would likely have come at the cost of aggression. Ultimately, that would have been counterproductive. Punk lives off aggression.
The lyrics of the band are just as one would expect from TOXOPLASMA. Hard, direct, not denouncing the grievances but screaming them out, and not showing the wounds of society but tearing them open. Rhythmically, the lyrics are like those of the old albums. Nothing has changed there. The themes also don’t cover anything new; they deal with topics that many Deutschpunk bands have already sung about. However, it’s the interpretation of these themes that still makes one sit up and take notice. Everything has actually been said before, just not by everyone. And sometimes that’s a good thing, as everyone brings the grievances to light in a slightly different way. The language of TOXOPLASMA is a worthwhile and important addition!
What looms over the album is the socialization of the band. This took place at a time when the wall was still standing, the '68ers were trying to change society, the squatter movements were at their peak, and the old Nazis still had something to say. Forgive me, but I feel that the band has, in a certain way, remained stuck in the '80s and '90s. This is evident in the design of the cover, the color choices, and of course, the band’s lyrics.
Yes, of course, TOXOPLASMA comes from that era, and it would be strange if they sounded like a young punk band whose members are just 20 years old. Therefore, I do not wish for my remark to be understood as criticism but rather as an observation.
TOXOPLASMA releases “Köter,” an album that, like their previous records, will certainly still present universally valid lyrics in 20 years.
TOXOPLASMA releases “Köter,” a record that says a lot, is even more, and will also be something in the future.
I bow to Wally and his band members.
The release is also available as limited colored vinyl, and the first CD edition comes with an exclusive neon sticker (Hell Yeah!).
