Originally known as the lead singer/guitarist of the Ancient Egyptian technical death metal group Nile, Dallas Toller-Wade has decided to embark on a new journey with his project Narcotic Wasteland. Parting away from the historical foundation of his previous band, Wade has decided to focus on one of the most dangerous epidemics in America today: drug addiction.
Appropriately titled, the bands lyrical content revolves around the growing drug epidemic in their hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina and in the wider American field. Their debut album, Delirium Tremens makes a statement with it’s combination of gritty, aggressive and meaningful messages. Dallas Toler-Wade (guitar/vocals), Ed Rhone (guitar/vocals), Chris Dupre (bass/vocals) and Phil Cancilla (drums) put on a perfectly in-synch show at Blackthorn 51 in Queens, New York City on December 2nd, 2017.
Toler-Wade has not abandoned his distinct technical guitar skills and had the small audience banging their head along to the rhythm of his melodic guitar shredding. Although Toler-Wade is known for his history with Nile, the venue was sadly empty by the time Narcotic Wasteland hit the stage. With five bands on the bill and a show stretching four hours, the perfect time slot for the band to play would have been ten o’clock. Local tri-state area bands Last Rites, Ashes of Your Enemy, Dead City Crown and Extinction Level Event were the first bands to play, many of whom stayed around for Narcotic Wasteland.
Although the show had a small attendance, the fans who did stick around until the end of the show at 1am, made the band feel welcomed and appreciated. Most of the fans in attendance were fans of Toler-Wade’s work with Nile, and while Narcotic Wasteland is still a relatively new project, I’m hoping the band develops a larger following. They are one of the most gifted musicians in the metal scene and one that is opening the discussion for a very important topic Americans should be concerned about. To keep up with Narcotic Wasteland, follow them on Facebook and purchase Delirium Tremens on their main website.
Dead City Crown: 
Extinction Level Event:
Narcotic Wasteland:
