Here are some reviews of our demo for the forthcoming Primal CD:
"The band is only a step away from the threatening levels of Slayer, yet without nearly the amount of work needed to get the same effect. Where
some use machine gun rhythms to invoke testosterone rage, Holocaust lays down marching orders and methodically decimates, as on the determined Colossus. Oh sure, they shred too! Just get in the groove of They Colonize, but make sure you jump out before the tank squashes your puny ass."
-- Brian Coles, Electric Basement (US)
"You should insure your stereo system and prepare for them 911 calls from thy neighbor(s). Three tunes of Colossus heaviness that will hit you deep in the wallet and pay them hefty neighbor fines. Iron Will is something for all them Black Sabbath fans and wanna bees, Colossus is just like Iron Will but slower and thicker but meant for those real Black Sabbath fans (no wimps allowed on this track) who like their mother nature with a dose of classic metal. That's right all you 'tokers' out there, this one TOKES for you!!! They Colonize brings things to where they should be. Certified insane thrashing warning!! Mmmmmm, in case you are not following from the beginning, this is where them neck-breakers come out. So bear with me when I say, and don’t take it personally, NO FRIGGIN' PUSSIES should listen to this material. And if you do, well, Holocaust and Monster's World Of Metal will not and can not be held responsible for your stupidity.
--Monster's World of Metal
Kicks major f*cking ass! What is hailed as the revered act of NWOBHM, Holocaust has returned with purest sense of HEAVY METAL. This is a band that helped to outline what is best known as Bay Area Thrash. Bands like Metallica, Exodus and Megadeth to name a few were highly impacted by Holocaust. It is well known that John Mortimer is a god-father of this scene and has influenced many in the METAL genre. His amazingly unique throat is second to none. With a back catalog to boot, Holocaust is returning bringing their very best to light. Friday The 13th is a demo in every sense of the word but it contains 3 of the most neck snapping, fist pumping tunes that I have heard in a very long time. The song listing is Iron Will, Colossus, and They Colonize. These are songs which provoke thought and create attitude not to mention just musically rule! Guitarist John McCullim is in every sense of the word a guitar god. His unique playing style is unmatched today. This is an amazing prelude for what is to come in the future from Holocaust.
Is THRASH on the comeback? If the return of Holocaust is any indication then I welcome it with open arms. The scene has been dead in this area for many years and it's about time we get the real bands BACK in the limelight to represent true THRASH and HEAVY METAL. This is a veteran band that is utterly brilliant and responsible for so much in the world of METAL. Holocaust is riveting with fury and taking on the world by storm, destroying everything in their path and I for one love it! A++
--Bill Chavis, Metal Vault
"You wouldn't believe how beefy and thick these guitars sound...the music staggers on like a dying, heartless man on the verge of killing somebody. Emotions of pure hatred spew forth as each riff crushes the senses.
--Erik Chrupalyk, Unstoppable Force
Some reviews of recent material, taken from our press kit:
"The Courage To Be proves to be a very worthy release, confirming that Holocaust have lost none of their intelligence and power since their early days.
This heavy metal is rooted in the old school; powerful guitars that express true melodies, as well as slamming the listener with some head shaking riffs, backed by a rhythm section that supplies just that -- honest rhythms that anchor and guide the flow of sounds. What also becomes clear is that Holocaust have not sacrificed their progressive edge for contemporary HM popularity.
--Powerplay
"Starting with The Sound Of Souls, the band has become more eclectic, with a style that marries the best of their early NWOBHM energy with progressive and non-metal influences, creating one of the most original sounds in metal. Really a brilliant band, and highly recommended to those looking for something different and unique."
--Brian Russ, BNR Metal Pages (US)
"[Y]ou will definitely want to watch for Holocaust's new release, Primal."
--Dave Palmer, Heavy Metal Resource (US)
"The Courage to Be could rip your head off in a matter of seconds. . .wholesale destruction at its absolute finest!"
--Vinnie Apicella, Electric Basement (US)
"Holocaust have lost none of their intelligence and power. . .highly impressive."
--Powerplay magazine (UK)
"The Courage To Be is absolutely awesome!! The opening track, The Collective starts out with some fast-paced acoustic guitar and then plays into John Mortimer's roaring scream while changing time signature and adding heavy electric guitar. WOW!!! Deep, intellectual lyrics make up most of this album, [which] comes together as a total working unit. . .see for yourself. Recommended!"
--Anthony DeLuca, Unstoppable Force (US)