Intoxicated Credit: Jimmy Marino

Innovation matters only to academics and casual fans. For the true believers, tinkering with a touchstone isn’t artistic; it’s heresy.

Formed in 1993, devout Altamonte Springs band Intoxicated were forged in the orthodox fire of classic Florida death metal. In fact, one of their early mentors was none other than death-metal OG Chuck Schuldiner of Death. During their 1990s run, Intoxicated cut their teeth and ripped out a string of EPs. But the band was shelved in 1999 when bandleader Erik Payne joined the touring lineup for party-metal legend Andrew W.K. alongside contemporaries Donald Tardy and Ken Andrews of Obituary. 

For almost 20 years, Intoxicated remained on ice while Payne trotted the globe in Andrew W.K.’s road band. Finally, in 2019, he returned to reawaken his original monster. Ever since, Intoxicated have been not just reformed but refreshed and on a noteworthy creative clip with an EP (2020’s Walled) and finally a debut full-length (2022’s Watch You Burn). Now, they come with sophomore album The Dome.

Released on Redefining Darkness Records, The Dome is proudly and ferociously free of evolution or experimentation. It’s a 10-track fusillade of Florida death metal par excellence. It’s as fierce and unrelenting in its attack as it is in its traditionalism. You want invention? Go spin Neurosis. But if you want time-honored perfection, then drop the needle anywhere on The Dome because this is what feeds the need when you want death metal in its truest state.

Opening track “Carved in Stone” blasts out the gate in a battle stampede of gunning guitars and jackhammer beats. From there, it’s a campaign of velocity and ruthlessness across 10 sorties. No foggy effects, psychedelic breakdowns or droning digressions, just pummeling death thrash carved of hard bone and built to lay waste. The Dome was born to sharpen the blade, not reinvent the wheel. It’s textbook Florida death metal — pure, simple and lethal.

The Dome is a work of deep tradition done with faith, force and integrity by masters. It now streams everywhere and is also available on vinyl and CD. After a recent tour with Obituary, Intoxicated are back in town for a hometown show this week with Gatecreeper, Eternal and Dying Remains. (7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Conduit, $25)

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This article appears in April 22-28, 2026.

Music columnist.