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Decades of Pain is the debut full-length from German Thrash band Toxic Waltz, a name that surprised me by only showing up twice on Metal-Archives. I would have thought it would have been used many times by now. Regardless, a Thrashy name begs Thrashy music and that is certainly what Toxic Waltz delivers. The drums provide a sonic bombardment that can be felt as much as heard while the guitars are played with savage precision. The riffs are more Bay Area than anything else (and the fact the band sports Exodus and Testament shirts in their promo shots underscores that allegiance) though they are akin to the modern version of that classic sound. The vocals are a harsh shout in the mold of Max Cavalera or Phil Anselmo. It all sounds good but, ultimately, Toxic Waltz fall into the same pattern as so many other Thrash bands today; they sound almost exactly like everyone else. If there is a sub-genre of Metal that is more prone to stagnation, even as it enjoys resurgence, it is Thrash. There is absolutely nothing original on Decades of Pain. And let's be honest, if this stuff is your thing you're going to enjoy the hell out of this album. However, if Thrash is a few notches down on your list of favorite styles, Decades of Pain isn't going to replace the standards you already own.