I’ve said multiple times thrash is my least favorite metal sub-genre. Shortly after I am reminded of another thrash band I highly enjoy. It’s still perhaps my least favorite sub-genre, but it’s like picking your least favorite child. For most it’s difficult, but for me, it’s simple. It’s Danny.
As for the EP, prepare for nearly 20 minutes of Ghoul, which should have been what you expected. The first track, “The Eyes of the Witch, is roughly 7 minutes, but the intro is included, which is over a minute. The chorus riff is bouncy, and if it weren’t for the vocals, might be surf rock. After about 4 minutes, it’s mostly thrash riffs and an extended solo. It is, however, a killer opener.
The title track, “Noxious Concoctions” is next. It is almost the opposite of the first track. It’s about half the runtime, and is a full-speed crossover track with, of course, a killer solo, then it’s done.
The next two tracks, “Shotgun Gulch,” and “Ratlicker,” are my favorite on the EP. If there’s such a thing (and I believe there is), these are what I would call classic Ghoul. I like the quick bridge leading into the solo around 2 minutes in on the former. As for the latter, it’s tops because of the chorus’ crossover riff, and honestly, it just sounds like Ghoul.
There’s a Funerot cover at the end.
When it comes to EPs, two questions need to be answered. Is it good enough to tide fans over until a new full-length is released? Does it move the band in a new direction? As for the first, I believe so. Regarding the second, not at all. Take those answers for what they are, but at 19 minutes, 5 songs, and one of them taking up 1/3 of the runtime, it’s a fun stopgap that I can’t see existing fans not enjoying.
