TOXIC HOLOCAUST Interview with Joel Grind

XM: You recently released a new album this year titled, “Conjure and Command.” From your perspective, what’s different about this new album in comparison to Toxic Holocaust’s previous albums?
Joel: I feel this record is different from previous ones because it is a bit more varied, has some slower more evil songs and some of the fastest ones we've ever recorded. I think this record really benefited from being a "Full band" as a opposed to just me doing everything.

XM: You’ve written all of Toxic Holocaust’s albums by yourself in the past. Did you write all the parts for this album as well? What challenges did you come across when creating “Conjure and Command”?
Joel: Yes, I wrote all the music again on this one. I think my biggest challenge for making this record was finding the time to do it. We toured for 3 years on Overdose of Death and there wasn't much time in between for me to write new songs.

XM: What’s your process when it comes to recording an album? In other words, how does a Toxic Holocaust song come together?
Joel: I usually start with a riff on guitar and it builds from there. Before I even sit down with a guitar though I usually have a clear idea what the gist of the song will be.

XM: You’re going on a huge European tour to promote the new album. Are you looking forward to it? Are there any particular shows that you’re really excited for this tour?
Joel: Yes I really am looking forward to it, we havent been there since 2009. I love touring in Europe, the metal fans over there are crazy! Im really looking forward to the shows in Germany and the Scandinavian shows.

XM: Is there any particular songs from “Conjure and Command” that you’re really proud of?
Joel: Hmm, I mean I try not to write songs I hate ya know ( haha) So I kinda like all of them for different reasons. It seems people are really liking the song "Bitch".

XM: With 50,000 fans on Facebook, and your show in London sold out, did you ever think that Toxic Holocaust would have this much of an impact in the metal underground?
Joel: Absolutely not. When I started out I never had these aspirations, I just wanted to write songs and play. I think too many people get wrapped up in trying to "make it".

XM: Could you give us the story as to how Toxic Holocaust was founded, and what challenges you faced starting up?
Joel: Well the short version is that I started the band in 1999 when I was still in high school. I just wanted to play some heavy metal with some friends, unfortunately those people kinda lost interest rather quickly, and due to where I was living at the time couldn't find others interested in this stuff. Keep in mind I was living in the middle of nowhere and at that point Thrash Metal was not a popular thing to want to play. So I taught myself to play all the instruments and decided to forge on alone.

XM: Before creating Toxic Holocaust you played in two punk bands (The Rapists and Discharge). What made you turn to heavy metal?
Joel: Haha, I definitely was not in Discharge, although I wish I was. I played in punk bands growing up because there were no Metal fans in my area at the time that I was in contact with. I've always loved Punk as much as Metal anyway.

XM: A lot of our readers - not to mention fans of you and Toxic Holocaust - are musicians. Could you explain how you first started as a musician? Any advice you could give to fellow musicians out there?
Joel: I kinda explained how I started above, but my advice is to not get hung up on getting signed, or making it, whatever that means. Just focus on writing good original songs. Do what you believe in even if it's not popular and be true to your self.

XM: Any ideas for the next Toxic Holocaust album?
Joel: Lots!

XM: Now onto the questions that really matter (for Canadians). What’s your favourite Beer?
Joel: Depends really, I usually drink the cheap shit because well...I'm cheap. But lately if I wanna drink something decent I drink Tsingtsao

XM: What is your favourite Canadian city to play a show in and why?
Joel: I like both Edmonton and Calgary a lot. Those shows always go off! Not to kiss ass, but honestly Canada rules all over. I love coming up there to play.

XM: Do you follow hockey, and if so what team do you support?
Joel: Our bass player does, he'd be pissed if I didn't mention that he loves the Maple Leafs. He is from Toronto after all.

XM: What is the best show you have ever played?
Joel: Too hard of a question! It would have probably been a show in Mexico or Germany.

XM: Favourite heavy metal album of all time?
Joel: Venom - Welcome to Hell

XM: Is there any guitar in your collection that you just love to play?
Joel: My tried and true black Gibson flying V. It's been on everyone of the albums and I've toured with it since the beginning. It isn't my main live guitar anymore because it's just getting too fucked up, basically everything has been replaced on it at some point.

XM: If you could pick one band to tour with, who would it be?
Joel: Hands down: Slayer

XM: On behalf of X-Plosive Metal thank you for taking the time to talk.
Joel: Thanks for the interview!!