Toxic Spill Leads to Hazardous Mutations

RICHMOND — What started as an innocent rock concert has become the scene of one of the worst disasters since Chernobyl, authorities say. Local thrash metal group Municipal Waste were mid-song when a truck carrying 1000 gallons of radioactive waste spun out of control and crashed into the venue. Concertgoers were executing a dance move called the “circle pit,” a counter-clockwise human whirlpool, when the radioactive waste poured into the club. This whirlpool effect quickly spread the hazardous materials to all corners. Unphased fans, now mutating into horribly deformed creatures, continued dancing knee-deep in toxic sludge. Municipal Waste, not missing a beat, handed out boogie boards to eager stage-divers ready to “surf” this horrific wave of contaminated mosh.

Oddly enough, this scenario isn’t far from a typical Municipal Waste show. After building a huge underground following with their retro thrash, this Richmond four-piece looks to reach larger audiences with a release on metal giant Earache Records, entitled Hazardous Mutation.

Musically, Municipal Waste is the model of precision. Guitarist Ryan Waste spits out rapid-fire technical riffs in the vein of Nuclear Assault and D.R.I. that absolutely shred, but still maintain melody. Legendary drummer Dave Witte makes his recorded debut with the Waste, adding over-the-top intensity behind the kit. Bassist Land Phil completes the rhythm section while Tony Foresta leads the ensemble with shouted hardcore vocals about everything from drinking binges to detention to wizards.

What truly sets Municipal Waste apart from their contemporaries is their dedication to fun above all else. While many metal bands take themselves too seriously, at a Municipal Waste show it is common to see springboards and boogie boards, beer bongs and unicorns all on stage at any given time. This carries through in Foresta’s lyrics. For instance, Hazardous Mutation boasts songs such as “Abusement Park,” “Thrashin’ of the Christ,” “Guilty of Being Tight” and “Bangover” (the end result of too much headbanging).

Anyone who misses the late 80s crossover era of metal or those searching for fun-loving heavy music need to check out Hazardous Mutation. One listen, and you’ll instantly join their ranks of radioactive zombies searching for the next good pit.