Toxins
Toxins is a punk/hardcore band from San Diego, known for fusing breakneck energy with sharp hooks and raw, reflective lyrics. Still riding the momentum of their 2023 LP Existential Dread, the band continues to deliver high-intensity performances and is currently writing new material for release later this year.
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Full Biography
Toxins formed in late 2020 out of San Diego, California, quickly carving out a presence with their tightly honed sound and emotionally raw songwriting. Their music fuses the urgency of melodic hardcore and '90s skate punk with the grit and emotional weight reminiscent of the early 2000s underground punk scene. Combining fast-paced drums, riff-heavy guitars, and vocals that oscillate between shouts and hooks, Toxins inject personal and existential themes into an unrelenting sonic barrage.
The band features Matt Watkins (vocals), Branson Fivas (guitar), Sam Peterson (guitar), Ricky Martinez (bass), and Gui Santana (drums). They've earned a reputation for gripping live shows that emphasize sweat, sincerity, and unfiltered energy. Their presence has become familiar on the stages of influential San Diego venues such as The Tower Bar, Casbah, and Soda Bar—spaces known for spotlighting emerging voices in the city's independent music scene.
Following a series of well-received EPs, their 2023 full-length Existential Dread cemented their place in the Southern California melodic punk/hardcore landscape. The album showcases their growth in both composition and lyrical introspection, with tracks that speak to personal struggle, societal pressure, and the catharsis of resistance.
Looking ahead, Toxins is channeling their momentum into new creative work. The band is currently writing and recording fresh material, with plans to unveil their next release later this year. They are also booking shows in support of Existential Dread, continuing to bring their live energy to new and familiar audiences.
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Music & Discography
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Existential Dread2023 LP12" Vinyl, Streaming Independent -
Split Series Vol. 22022 Compilation12" Vinyl, Streaming Coffin Curse Records -
The Black Edition2022 EP7" Lathe Cut, Streaming Independent -
Recovery Room2021 EP8" Lathe Cut, Cassette, Streaming Independent -
Toxins2021 EP7" Lathe Cut, Cassette, Streaming Independent
Press Quotes
"Existential Dread is a thrilling ride that blends aggression and melody into a sound that is uniquely their own."
— Thoughts Words Action
"It's a huge relief that bands like Toxins are pushing powerful new music without chasing trends or watering down their sound."
— Punk Rock Mag
"It's a rip-roaring ride of skate punk and melodic punk rock."
— Rebel Noise