Blog

Introduction

Another round of Thrash artists that you possibly never heard of! This time I will be underlining the albums recommended and you can click on the artist link to buy them or download them. If you want more help just PM me and I can list you all the sites I download/buy from.

Past Log

Volume 2 Season

Volume 2.0
Volume 2.1
Volume 2.2
Volume 2.3
Volume 2.4

Volume 2.0

At War, Sadus, Vendetta, Demolition Hammer, Violator, Deathrow, Atrophy, Fueled by Fire, Wehrmacht, Viking


Journal 2.5

Blitzkrieg “Holy Inscription”

Skullbreaker

On their debut album “Total Thrash Terror”, Skullbreaker, performed a sort of old thrash meets groove metal. It starts off with a pounding intro and a screaming maniac which makes you feel very nervous about the whole album. They are kind of annoying but after a few songs they calm down and begin to take a surprising hold of you. The backing is very good and quite technical. The guitars draw you in with a speed thrash sense off catchiness and spontaneous solos. Spread throughout there is tremendous capacity of variety but also room for improvement. The drums show this with the style being very technical with great creative skills with the sticks. Their mid-paced efforts of “Mighty Hunter” and “Why” wind down the album with great measure. At first it seems the singer just ran-out of steam in the studio but then it dawns on you that they were just giving the listener the breather. Overall, a very good one-off band, apparently active but I doubt they actually are.

E-X-E – “Stricken By Might”

Manipulated Slaves – “Burst Into Blue Flame”, “Over The Black Ocean” and “Oath in Black Tears”

Serpent Obscene

The late nineties were pretty affluent with the new school thrash bands and here is one of them. Serpent Obscene, with their self titled album, created a low production thrash influenced that aimed on speed over progression but it perfectly lays down what it is there to do. Other reviewers disliked their debut album because of its low thrash grunts, monotonous riffs with inadequate hooks to keep it a little bit interesting and yes the extremely fast drums that show no recollection of technique other than smashing them to pieces. However, all this leads to the point that thrash is meant to have the same formula, the same speed and the same type of vocals throughout and this band does exactly that. Their debut is a terrific piece of thrash material but later on their career it seems to go a bit down hill.

Obliveon

Extreme progressive thrash metal artists do not often astray too far from the boundaries of progressive metal. However, the band that changed my view on the best progressive band (That of Mekong Delta) came to be Obliveon. At first the name reminds you of a sort of hipster band like Metallica, but idiotic names do tend to do actual good music once in awhile. The vocals are crisp, clean and effective that pays homage to bands like Overkill or Deathwish. This is carried on by the extremely catchy and mid-paced riffs that bind together the technical drumming, from Alain Demers who edges the band to technical thrash metal with his extreme variety, action packed drum work and fills. Overall, the band is more or less an mid-paced Overkill with their ‘fast’ extracts from songs being the mid-paced version of Overkill’s. A very well crafted album and band with a lot of good albums within their solid discography to keep any budding thrash fan’s interest. Other Albums: “Nemesis” and “Cybervoid”

Mace – “Process of Elimination”


Next Volume

Advanced 3.0: The next journal will be in a slightly different format. The thash metal bands i see fit to be in the 'advanced' section will be collected overtime and I will display this list in the journal. Each artist will have an unique rating in which album will be in bold and the score out of 100 will be displayed. This is for after you have seriously checked through all of this section and the beginner section as the advanced section will not have long descriptions, well it will have nothing at all, just ratings and albums Extras: Where can you buy Thrash?, Conclusion, Groups.

Starter Journals

Volume 1.0
Volume 1.1
Volume 1.2
Volume 1.3
Volume 1.4
Volume 1.5
Volume 1.6
Volume 1.7
Volume 1.8
Volume 1.9



Connections

D.A.M, Cerebral Fix, Betrayer, Battered, Avenger Of Blood, Living Death, Mortal Sin, Voivod, Dekapitator, AggressionVulcano, Re-Animator, Wargasm, Acid Drinkers, Dead Horse, Dead Head, Cranium, Overdose, Bywar, BewitchedAnnihilator, Carnivore, D.B.C., Warbringer, Hirax, Accept, Sepultura, Twelfth Gate, Volcano, Metal ChurchHexenhaus, Cryptic Slaughter, Flotsam and Jetsam, Sanctuary, Morbid Saint, Toxic Holocaust, Tankard, Agent Steel, Gama Bomb, Merciless DeathVio-Lence, Toxik, Evildead, Exciter, Sacred Reich, Sacrifice, Artillery, Realm, Blessed Death, Blood FeastS.O.D., Exumer, Razor, Dark Angel, Whiplash, Heathen, Laaz Rockit, Holy Moses, Holy Terror, Blind Illusion
Excel,Exhorder,Suicidal Tendencies ,Death Angel,Iron Angel,D.R.I.,Assassin,SSS (a.k.a Short Sharp Shock), Bonded By Blood, Evile
Believer,Rigor Mortis,Legion of the Damned,Nuclear Assault,Testament ,Coroner,Municipal Waste,Overkill, Forbidden,Exodus Sabbat, Xentrix,OnslaughtDestruction,Anthrax,Kreator,Sodom,Metallica,Megadeth,Slayer
Invocator Stone (FINProtectorSarcófago A.R.GExorcistNasty SavageAbattoir Intruder (US) Destroyer 666

Introduction

Another round of Thrash artists that you possibly never heard of! This time I will be underlining the albums recommended and you can click on the artist link to buy them or download them. If you want more help just PM me and I can list you all the sites I download/buy from.

Past Log

Volume 2 Season

Volume 2.0
Volume 2.1
Volume 2.2
Volume 2.3

Volume 2.0

At War, Sadus, Vendetta, Demolition Hammer, Violator, Deathrow, Atrophy, Fueled by Fire, Wehrmacht, Viking

Volume 2.1

Violent Force, Voice of Destruction, Wolf Spider, Hellish Crossfire, Hallows Eve, Hatesphere, Acid Reign, Bitter End, Eliminator, Forced Entry (US)

Volume 2.2

SDI, Gammacide, Watchtower, Meltdown (US), Mega Mosh, Gothic Slam, Grinder, Cyclone, Fuck Off (SPA), Executioner

Volume 2.3

Lich King, Num Skull, Desaster, Dyoxen, Annihilated, Imagika, Negligence, Ripping Corpse, Meliah Rage, Space Eater


Journal 2.4

Ritual Carnage

Born out of the 90’s recession period for thrash, Ritual Carnage has forged a very deserving career. The album “The Highest Law” was their first of this and is reviewed here. The vocals run nicely between a variety of growls and thrash grunts which are rather like Legion of the Damned with a style of an early death metal band accompanying it. The riffs move in the same vain which keeps the songs vibrant, exciting and catchy with excellent song writing to match. The drums are solid and use enough variety to keep you tracked with each and every song. Overall, these guys are very good for what they do, but that is all they are good for. Thrash metal at its most thrash, sticking to the formula and driving on. Other Recommended albums: “I, Infidel”

Ceremony – “The Days Before The Death”

Hypnosia

From the mid-nineties this fast and furious Teutonic thrash influenced band rose and released one of the best earl 21st century albums in the world of thrash. “Extreme Hatred” pounds down with screaming vocals, gut wrenching riff structure and catchy toning with drilling drums all synchronising a truly unstoppable machine. The album contains a lot of influences from the top German 80’s bands such as Sodom and Kreator with a modern touch on Teutonic thrash as well.

Sacrament : “Haunts of Violence”

Accuser/ Accu§er

Like most German 80’s thrash metal bands, Accuser, uses a formula that works and keeps to it. Throughout “The Conviction”, the riffs and drums keep the basis of the song writing, whilst the vocals drive you to shout out the choruses and random phrases as it is so catchy to do so. Their career has spanned over the years and with various break ups and fallen outs a long the way, the band has not have much like with albums after their debut. However, “Repent” forged a incredible footing once more for the band, making incredible reviews. Sadly, the band’s troubles led to inconsistency through the 90’s. The band have made a come back demo called “Remain” which is a return of their debut days.

Temple of Blood – “Prepare For The Judgement Of Mankind”

Asmodis

In the midst of speed thrash, the German metalheads drew the line between good thrash and okay thrash in the 90’s recession. Their only album “Fahr Zur Holle Pfleischmutze” is a hit and miss sort of album but it does a duty for the dying scene. This fast pace piece of art is critical in its structure but tends to fall from focus in places, especially in their more ‘technical’ long tracks like Thee Awakening. Although, a good structural album this lack of focus cost them a future, but gave us a bit of history as it marked the end of old thrash.

Next Journal Includes

Volume 2.5

Blitzkrieg, Skullbreaker, E-X-E, Manipulated, Serpent Obscene, Obliveon, Mace


Starter Journals

Volume 1.0
Volume 1.1
Volume 1.2
Volume 1.3
Volume 1.4
Volume 1.5
Volume 1.6
Volume 1.7
Volume 1.8
Volume 1.9



Connections

D.A.M, Cerebral Fix, Betrayer, Battered, Avenger Of Blood, Living Death, Mortal Sin, Voivod, Dekapitator, AggressionVulcano, Re-Animator, Wargasm, Acid Drinkers, Dead Horse, Dead Head, Cranium, Overdose, Bywar, BewitchedAnnihilator, Carnivore, D.B.C., Warbringer, Hirax, Accept, Sepultura, Twelfth Gate, Volcano, Metal ChurchHexenhaus, Cryptic Slaughter, Flotsam and Jetsam, Sanctuary, Morbid Saint, Toxic Holocaust, Tankard, Agent Steel, Gama Bomb, Merciless DeathVio-Lence, Toxik, Evildead, Exciter, Sacred Reich, Sacrifice, Artillery, Realm, Blessed Death, Blood FeastS.O.D., Exumer, Razor, Dark Angel, Whiplash, Heathen, Laaz Rockit, Holy Moses, Holy Terror, Blind Illusion
Excel,Exhorder,Suicidal Tendencies ,Death Angel,Iron Angel,D.R.I.,Assassin,SSS (a.k.a Short Sharp Shock), Bonded By Blood, Evile
Believer,Rigor Mortis,Legion of the Damned,Nuclear Assault,Testament ,Coroner,Municipal Waste,Overkill, Forbidden,Exodus Sabbat, Xentrix,OnslaughtDestruction,Anthrax,Kreator,Sodom,Metallica,Megadeth,Slayer
Invocator Stone (FINProtectorSarcófago A.R.GExorcistNasty SavageAbattoir Intruder (US) Destroyer 666

Tyto kapely jsem si užil naživo!
1349
Atheist
Anaal Nathrakh
Atrox
Arakain - 3x
Amorphis
Aborted
All Shall Perish
Asmodeus - 3x
Azaghal
Amon Amarth
As I Lay Dying
Artas
Action
Ador Dorath
Beneath the Massacre
Brutal Truth
Behemoth
By Night
Born From Pain - 2x
Belphegor
Between the Buried and Me
Brujeria
Cruachan
Children of Bodom
COBALTO
Control Human Delete
Cephalic Carnage - 2x
Cynic - 2x
Carnival in Coal
Carnal Forge
Dark Funeral
Dodheimsgard
Darkspace
Dimmu Borgir - 2x
Dievision - 2x
Dismember
Despised Icon
Dark Tranquillity - 2x
Dagoba
Dying Fetus
Evile - 2x
Ensiferum
E-Force
Enslaved
Ephel Duath
Exodus
Entombed
Emancer
Fear Factory
Finntroll - 2x
Fleret
Gama Bomb
Grave - 2x
Gorgoroth
Gloomy Grim
General Surgery
Gojira
Gorath
Galadriel
Gamma Ray
Helloween
Hatebreed
Hevein - 2x
Hate
Hacride
Heiden
Hromovlad
Harmony Bay
Hatesphere
Immortal
Inhume
Isacaarum
Ingrowing
Infer
In Flames
Joe Satriani
JIG-AI
Kreator
Korpiklaani - 2x
Keep of Kalessin
KromleK
Killswitch Engage
Le Srawl
Megadeth
Marduk
Marty Friedman
Mastodon
Meshuggah
Mayhem
Masterplan
Mnemic
Mindwork
Nile
Napalm Death - 2x
Norther - 2X
Orphaned Land
Otargos
Overkill
Onslaught
Obtest
Obscura
Opeth
Pestilence
Pain
pentagon
Psycroptic - 2x
Panychida - 3x
Queen + Paul Rodgers
Rasta - 2x
Red Harvest
Rage - 2x
Soulfly
Sadist
Sadus
Satyricon - 2x
Soilwork - 2x
Sonic Syndicate
Samael
Stratovarius
Stíny Plamenů
Solfernus
Sear Bliss
Slayer
Sodom
Sylosis
Suffocation - 2x
Testament
Trivium
Torture Squad
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Faceless
The Stone
The Black Dahlia Murder
tleskač
Tři Sestry
Turisas - 2x
Týr
Thunder
Trepalium
Trollech
Textures
Tisíc let od ráje
Uprise
Ulver
Uriah Heep
Vendetta
Walls of Jericho
Whitesnake
Warbringer - 2x
Zyklon
Žrec

Introduction

Another round of Thrash artists that you possibly never heard of! This time I will be underlining the albums recommended and you can click on the artist link to buy them or download them. If you want more help just PM me and I can list you all the sites I download/buy from.

Past Log

Volume 2 Season

Volume 2.0
Volume 2.1
Volume 2.2


Volume 2.0

At War, Sadus, Vendetta, Demolition Hammer, Violator, Deathrow, Atrophy, Fueled by Fire, Wehrmacht, Viking

Volume 2.1

Violent Force, Voice of Destruction, Wolf Spider, Hellish Crossfire, Hallows Eve, Hatesphere, Acid Reign, Bitter End, Eliminator, Forced Entry (US)

Volume 2.2

SDI, Gammacide, Watchtower, Meltdown (US), Mega Mosh, Gothic Slam, Grinder, Cyclone, Fuck Off (SPA), Executioner

Journal 2.3

Lich King – Necromantic Maelstrom

Num Skull – Ritually Abused

Desaster - Hellfire's Dominion and Angelwhore

Dyoxen – First Among Equals

Annihilated

From the east of England in sunny Ipswich a wonderful band was spawned year 81. The band released a few quite remarkable releases and they were Created in Hate which was a like Accuser (i would say) affair, and the progressed The Ultimate Desecration which is lesser known of the two but still pretty good on thrashing. If you like the British sort of punky style this band does it to a bone with a few hints towards our German friends on the mainland.

Imagika – Imagika and And So It Burns

Negligence – Options of a Trapped Mind

Ripping Corpse

This unknown cult following band from the USA played very fast style of thrash in the vain of Slayer and any deaththrash band you can name really. The band released a couple of promising demos and eventually released their debut and only album in 1991 called Dreaming with the Dead which with its horror themed lyrics, harsh vocals and American style backing was a hit with the following. However, due to circumstances and labels they split up around 1993. They are apparently back again since 2008 and are apparently releasing a new album in 2009 or 2010.

Meliah Rage

These retro thrash giants forming in 1987 and quickly signing to Atlantic Records. The band quickly put out their debut Kill to Survive in 1988 which released their unique vocal structure, soloing and rhythm based thrash which was like Metal Church and Razor of the day. However, this brought something new to the table a new fresh idea. However, the label had other plans and the band struggled to get another deal for any major release until Solitary Solitude in 1990 which brought melodic backing vocals and the old aggressive backing shouts into the mix blending the Anthrax-like vocals. Gain, they ran into trouble with the label and it was not until 1996 with their Death Valley Dream that they produced a follow-up which progressed further their musical direction going to a more groove-orientated thrash band. I got out of them then but their last three albums have been (from reviews) good aswell. They are also releasing a new album in the spring of this year.

Space Eater – Merciful Angel

Next Journal Includes

Volume 2.4

Ritual Carnage, Ceremony, Hypnosia, Sacrament, Acusser, Temple of Blood, Asmodis

Starter Journals

Volume 1.0
Volume 1.1
Volume 1.2
Volume 1.3
Volume 1.4
Volume 1.5
Volume 1.6
Volume 1.7
Volume 1.8
Volume 1.9

Connections

D.A.M, Cerebral Fix, Betrayer, Battered, Avenger Of Blood, Living Death, Mortal Sin, Voivod, Dekapitator, AggressionVulcano, Re-Animator, Wargasm, Acid Drinkers, Dead Horse, Dead Head, Cranium, Overdose, Bywar, BewitchedAnnihilator, Carnivore, D.B.C., Warbringer, Hirax, Accept, Sepultura, Twelfth Gate, Volcano, Metal ChurchHexenhaus, Cryptic Slaughter, Flotsam and Jetsam, Sanctuary, Morbid Saint, Toxic Holocaust, Tankard, Agent Steel, Gama Bomb, Merciless DeathVio-Lence, Toxik, Evildead, Exciter, Sacred Reich, Sacrifice, Artillery, Realm, Blessed Death, Blood FeastS.O.D., Exumer, Razor, Dark Angel, Whiplash, Heathen, Laaz Rockit, Holy Moses, Holy Terror, Blind Illusion
Excel,Exhorder,Suicidal Tendencies ,Death Angel,Iron Angel,D.R.I.,Assassin,SSS (a.k.a Short Sharp Shock), Bonded By Blood, Evile
Believer,Rigor Mortis,Legion of the Damned,Nuclear Assault,Testament ,Coroner,Municipal Waste,Overkill, Forbidden,Exodus Sabbat, Xentrix,OnslaughtDestruction,Anthrax,Kreator,Sodom,Metallica,Megadeth,Slayer
Invocator Stone (FINProtectorSarcófago A.R.GExorcistNasty SavageAbattoir Intruder (US) Destroyer 666

Introduction

Another round of Thrash artists that you possibly never heard of! This time I will be underlining the albums recommended and you can click on the artist link to buy them or download them. If you want more help just PM me and I can list you all the sites I download/buy from.

Past Log

Volume 2.0

At War, Sadus, Vendetta, Demolition Hammer, Violator, Deathrow, Atrophy, Fueled by Fire, Wehrmacht, Viking

Links

Volume 2.0

Journal 2.1


Violent Force

A German Thrash metal band here again and they do it perfectly. A shame about the time they were in as the band of the moment was a thrash band and labels were filling up, just like the inns in the Bible. (if only the donkey had cocaine before the journey lol) Anyway, this band released four demos from 1984 to 1986 and finally getting attention from a young label of the day Roadrunner Records who loved all this thrash and were picking up all of them it seemed. So, in 1987 they released their only album Malevolent Assault of Tomorrow which is a pretty good solid album back in the day. The music is a little on the speed metal side along the lines of Motorhead but has a thrashy standard attack which are amazingly produced and written. The bands has appeared again and are looking for a label again to release a new album in 2009 or 2010 sometime and also reissue that classic of theirs.

Voice of Destruction – Bloedrivier

Wolf Spider – Wilczy Paj±k, Kingdom of Paranoia

Hellish Crossfire

This German band in vain of Iron Angel take their name from one of their albums. The band is safely stuck into the 80’s here and more the late than early 80’s. They have more blackened influences than their idols Iron Angel. They have longer songs that range over 5 minutes each and have fantastic writing abilities. Their first album Slaves Of The Burning Pentagram released in 2006 is a pretty good rendition of this. Their music is near blastbeat style drumming, vicious guitar attacks, shattering high screaming vocals on the aggressive side and a very good lyric catchy base to it. They have recently produced a split with Violent Attack and are planning a new album later in 2009.

Hallows Eve –

An Atlanta American base band here which have catchy riffs, shredding guitars and awesome vocals/lyrics. This band released a very good stream of albums in the 80’s called Tales of Terror, Death & Insanity and Monument which put a Bay Area kind of sound to it mixed with a Canadian trendy look like Exciter to their music. They then had trouble and split up as they normally did back then. However, it wasn’t the end of their thrashing days, they picked off where they left in 2004 and in 2005 released Evil Never Dies which just now brings in influences from the NY scene namely Overkill and more European influence aswell, some melodic riffs in there. They have recently released another album called The Never-Ending Sleep which is meant to be awesome like their old stuff (and most of the reviews I have read say it is the best thrash album of that year)

Hatesphere – Bloodred Hatred

Acid Reign – The Fear

Bitter End – Harsh realities

Eliminator – Breaking The Wheel

also a German one that is quite promising to.

Forced Entry (US) – As Above, So Below


Next Journal Includes

Volume 2.2

SDI, Gammacide, Watchtower, Meltdown (US), Mega Mosh, Gothic Slam, Grinder, Cyclone, Fuck Off (SPA), Executioner


Starter Journals

Volume 1.0
Volume 1.1
Volume 1.2
Volume 1.3
Volume 1.4
Volume 1.5
Volume 1.6
Volume 1.7
Volume 1.8
Volume 1.9


Connections

D.A.M, Cerebral Fix, Betrayer, Battered, Avenger Of Blood, Living Death, Mortal Sin, Voivod, Dekapitator, AggressionVulcano, Re-Animator, Wargasm, Acid Drinkers, Dead Horse, Dead Head, Cranium, Overdose, Bywar, BewitchedAnnihilator, Carnivore, D.B.C., Warbringer, Hirax, Accept, Sepultura, Twelfth Gate, Volcano, Metal ChurchHexenhaus, Cryptic Slaughter, Flotsam and Jetsam, Sanctuary, Morbid Saint, Toxic Holocaust, Tankard, Agent Steel, Gama Bomb, Merciless DeathVio-Lence, Toxik, Evildead, Exciter, Sacred Reich, Sacrifice, Artillery, Realm, Blessed Death, Blood FeastS.O.D., Exumer, Razor, Dark Angel, Whiplash, Heathen, Laaz Rockit, Holy Moses, Holy Terror, Blind Illusion
Excel,Exhorder,Suicidal Tendencies ,Death Angel,Iron Angel,D.R.I.,Assassin,SSS (a.k.a Short Sharp Shock), Bonded By Blood, Evile
Believer,Rigor Mortis,Legion of the Damned,Nuclear Assault,Testament ,Coroner,Municipal Waste,Overkill, Forbidden,Exodus Sabbat, Xentrix,OnslaughtDestruction,Anthrax,Kreator,Sodom,Metallica,Megadeth,Slayer
Invocator Stone (FINProtectorSarcófago A.R.GExorcistNasty SavageAbattoir Intruder (US) Destroyer 666

Volume 2.0


Introduction

Welcome to another series of mind-boggling thrash! This will explain, in my opinion, the waves of which thrash came and a few explanations of sub-genres in this genre aswell. However, this is not be all end all information. My opinion is just the opinion made from various books I have read on this subject and demos/EPs I have got from that time. I was not born in the era when it started and was not even in my mother’s womb when it ended. So this is just a historic account which may be written like I was there as I do, do that sometimes. Enjoy.

Waves of Thrash Metal
(main)

The waves of thrash metal first started in the rush of NWOBHM artists which were producing faster, more original material in the late 70’s. Iron Maiden were just getting their footing with a couple of demos in 1976 and 1977 producing ‘Iron Copycat’ syndrome (Term coined by Gary Sharpe) which span into the first wave of Thrash Metal. This wave was not known and still not accepted to be the first wave because effectively it was not. However, it was a milestone to the onslaught of the future scene.

This wave cost no artists but the formation of a few ideas came wondering past. It was not until Metal Chruch came out with their demo Red Skies that some variation of thrash was to be made public. The term ‘Thrash’ was (source: Silver-Dragon website) first used on the 1971 album Into The Void and with Black Sabbath notably doing the ‘first’ thrash riff in their first album. This lead to the second (or the first music wave) in the 80’s. The combining power metal from Dio and others and NWOBHM riffs from Iron Maiden etc, artists from the Bay Area appeared in the United States of America, creating the first ‘hustle’ scene. Artists like Metallica, Slayer, Exodus and others released their debut albums after a spell on newly formed label Metal Blade’s collection of unsigned bands in 1983. This prompted more speed metal influenced bands from Europe to combine the influences from the upcoming Bay Area scene to create ‘Speed Thrash’. This emerged bands like Celtic Frost which went on to new boundaries and created Blackened Thrash. Whilst this was happening, Kreator, Destruction and Sodom were starting up, again, creating a different scene, this time the Teutonic Scene or German Scene. These were not the only ones, of course, artists like Iron Angel were coming up into the underground focusing on their idols careers closely. This deemed the first ‘crowding’ situation in 1985-1987 the height of thrash was seen.

The third (or second musically) wave in the 80’s came between 1985 and 1987 where artists kept on coming with the same idea and creating a little spurge of joy and disappearing again. Collections like Metal Maniac, Heavy Metal Attack and Metal Blade’s collections were being produced, all giving artists with this style (more so than others) in the spotlight. Some of them even just signing for one or two albums and then disappearing again like Grinder and others. This created a new form of wave a ‘popular copycat wave’ (From: Gary Sharpe) which based on the next wave.

The fourth (third musically) and final wave would be the differentiation of hardcore punk and thrash metal. First, coined by D.R.I. was crossover in 1987. This spurted a whole new effect in to thrash and delved thrash into the 1990’s. The 1990’s spewed out a groove thrash reign and thrash metal become extinct in some places with artists just were getting less and less action from the labels. The new scene of Floridian Death Metal was taken over the Bay Area Thrash Scene and the Teutonic Scene in Europe was taken over the height of popular glam and Punk era. However, thrash struggled on with some artists notably changing their style to fit the trend, seemingly Metallica and Pantera, who changed for fanbase and to continue because of the scaremongering by small local bands splitting up over ‘signing issues’. The groove scene took off and bands like Assorted Heap had their glory. Death Thrash, Blackened Thrash and crossover were still on a high but by 1995-1996 thrash seemed dead.

Until Now – In 2007 the New Wave of Retro Thrash Metal appeared on the scene in the United Kingdom. In experience, I do not know whether the UK started this new infatuation or if anyone else did. All I know is (as sources do not go this far in history) that its dam good old thrash. Evile, Municipal Waste and other bands that have been in these journals have come through this retro wave. There has even been some public interest again (same as the 80’s) with a local factory near me putting up a notice board with all the new retro wave thrash bands in our area listed and they are releasing a collection called ‘The Factory of Retro Thrash’ in 2009, so as I say, History always repeats itself. (Also that war never changing)

[Written for my new book “Thrash Waves and their consequences on UK culture”]

Journal 2.0

At War

1983 founded speed thrash band from America sees the thrash height era come alive. They featured on ‘Speed Metal Hell’ compilation and were then noticed, after their well received demo, by New Renaissance Records and released ‘Order to Kill’ which deemed up on the speed thrash scene with the war-like themes and tremendous riff coverage. They released their best album in their follow up “Retaliatory Strike” which progresses the former sound and increased the production to lend a hand in an extremely well written and executed album. They soon after departed from the scene, however, they reformed in 2001 and released a split album, they are now apparently doing a new album in 2009 but this has been rumored for awhile now (since 2007).

Sadus – Illusions (Chemical Exposure), Swallowed in Black

Vendetta

A respected German Thrash band from Schweinfurt, started playing around 1985 and released a few albums in the 80’s. Their first offering was Go And Live... Stay And Die which was fuelled by the German Teutonic Scene at that time, think of Kreator mixed with fast-paced attacks influenced possibly from the likes of Destruction and the vocals liking to Iron Angel. The second was more diverse a bit more and Brain Damage has made this band a widely known band to a lot of metalheads over the years. This fused more groovy riffs and included some new influences that would take the thrash metal scene to the 1990’s. They split up over a falling out with their record company a year later. However, they are back again in 2002 and released a new album called Hate.Apparently they were writing over the years and have come up with at least 5 albums worth of material, whether or not they are going to use it and release an album every year or two is unknown but you know they are back in business!

Demolition Hammer – Tortured Existence, Epidemic of Violence

Violator – Chemical Assault

Deathrow

A German Teutonic band that formed in 1985, playing simple, effective thrash metal on their debut Satan’s Gift which were like their countrymen in a lot of ways. This however, moved on to better things, the band went more towards the technical thrash side by the end of their career with Raging Steel and Deception Ignored being masterpieces in the technical thrash scene. The band however, split up in 1992, apparently over personnel issues.

Atrophy – Socialized Hate, Violent By Nature

Fueled by Fire – Spread the Fire

Wehrmacht – Shark Attack

Viking – Do or Die

Next Journal Includes

Volume 2.1

Violent Force, Voice of Destruction, Wolf Spider, Hellish Crossfire, Hallows Eve, Hatesphere, Acid Reign, Bitter End, Eliminator, Forced Entry (US)


Starter Journals

Volume 1.0
Volume 1.1
Volume 1.2
Volume 1.3
Volume 1.4
Volume 1.5
Volume 1.6
Volume 1.7
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D.A.M, Cerebral Fix, Betrayer, Battered, Avenger Of Blood, Living Death, Mortal Sin, Voivod, Dekapitator, AggressionVulcano, Re-Animator, Wargasm, Acid Drinkers, Dead Horse, Dead Head, Cranium, Overdose, Bywar, BewitchedAnnihilator, Carnivore, D.B.C., Warbringer, Hirax, Accept, Sepultura, Twelfth Gate, Volcano, Metal ChurchHexenhaus, Cryptic Slaughter, Flotsam and Jetsam, Sanctuary, Morbid Saint, Toxic Holocaust, Tankard, Agent Steel, Gama Bomb, Merciless DeathVio-Lence, Toxik, Evildead, Exciter, Sacred Reich, Sacrifice, Artillery, Realm, Blessed Death, Blood FeastS.O.D., Exumer, Razor, Dark Angel, Whiplash, Heathen, Laaz Rockit, Holy Moses, Holy Terror, Blind Illusion
Excel,Exhorder,Suicidal Tendencies ,Death Angel,Iron Angel,D.R.I.,Assassin,SSS (a.k.a Short Sharp Shock), Bonded By Blood, Evile
Believer,Rigor Mortis,Legion of the Damned,Nuclear Assault,Testament ,Coroner,Municipal Waste,Overkill, Forbidden,Exodus Sabbat, Xentrix,OnslaughtDestruction,Anthrax,Kreator,Sodom,Metallica,Megadeth,Slayer
Invocator Stone (FINProtectorSarcófago A.R.GExorcistNasty SavageAbattoir Intruder (US) Destroyer 666

It's based on a combination of historical relevance and my own personal judgments. But in any case, all the albums found on this list are vouchsafed as Grade A neck-breaking thrashy goodness. There's a lot of great thrash out there, and it's damn hard to fit it all in a list of 50 (but I'm too lazy to do 100), so here's the best I can come up with. (Great bands and albums have been excluded simply for the lack of space. )

50. Rammer - Incinerator/Krusher

49. Sepultura – Beneath the Remains

48. havoc mass - Killing the Future

47. Hypnosia - Extreme Hatred

46. Celtic Frost - To Mega Therion

45. Destruction - Infernal Overkill

44. Seventh Angel – Lament for the Weary

43. Overkill - W.F.O.

42. Intruder – A Higher Form of Killing

41. Indestroy – Senseless Theories EP

40. Exhorder - Slaughter at the Vatican

39. Ulysses Siren - Above the Ashes

38. Overkill - Feel the Fire

37. Necrosis - The Search

36. Infernal Majesty – None Shall Defy

35. Master – With Noose Around the Neck

34. Darkness – Death Squad

33. Destruction – Mad Butcher EP

32. Aura Noir - The Merciless

31. Atrophy - Socialized Hate

30. Annihilator – Alice in Hell

29. Hellhammer - Apocalyptic Raids

28. Mekong Delta - Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows)

27. Flotsam and Jetsam - Doomsday for the Deceiver

26. Deceased - Supernatural Addiction

25. Slaughter - Strappado

24. Venom - Black Metal

23. Death Angel – The Ultra Violence

22. Holy Terror - Terror and Submission

21. Exumer – Possessed by Fire

20. Sabbat - History of Time to Come

Martin Walkyier is a vocalist god. He went down a very folksy route later on, but this is the album that marks that perfect medium between the thrashy folk metal to come with early Skyclad and straight-up conventional thrash. It’s bouncy and focused on the rhythmical, lispy vocals of Walkyier. The riffage is straightforward, but composed perfectly to induce total neck-breaking headbanging.

19. Infernal Majesty - Unholier than Thou

It’s the best mid-to-late-90s thrash out there. This is where thrash should have went instead of reducing itself to the simplicity of groove metal. Crisp, clear production with a very high bee-like buzz for guitar tone. Lot’s of rhythm changes with very thin sounding riffage, but damnit if it doesn’t work—it’s one of the most interesting pieces of thrash out there.

18. Assassin – The Upcoming Terror

Aggressive speed/thrash that will smack you upside the head over and over, leaving a helluva fucking mark. Oh and fuck me, but if it isn’t melodic as well! Melodic, fast, aggressive speed/thrash with harsh vocals and lead guitarwork that impresses even non-thrashers. Catchy too! How the fuck is all of that possible in one single band? I don’t know how they did it, but this kicks utter ass.

17. Exodus - Fabulous Disaster

Exodus you say? Bonded by Blood sure was a good album! Yeah, yeah. See Fabulous Disaster. Yeah the one with the ridiculous album cover. If an album can overcome that terrible outward appearance, it's gotta be a good album (see Rainbow's Rising and Accept's Balls to the Wall for more hideous-looking albums overcoming adversity and rocking the fuck out). And it does thrash awesomely. See, unlike Bonded By Blood, the production on FD was tweaked to give it a thick dose of venom to each riff and lyric. Unforgetably catchy with a new-found heaviness that gives the genre a subtle extra kick. I've yet to hear a thrash album that does the same thing.


16. Grinder – Dawn for the Living

See now this is German thrash for people who like their thrash without the death metal and black metal influences. Who needs to be raw and brutal when you can shred the fuck out of an ear canal with lead guitarwork suited for prog-rock, speed of speed metal, and riffs galore. Fast speed metalesque thrash with a bite.

15. Poltergeist – Depression

Bouncy, speedy thrash stuffed down your throat. It’s catchy yet varied, with solos to blow you the fuck away. The vocals just lead you along an album that’s got the spirit of crossover, but is pure fucking thrash. A Lawnmower Deth spliced with Reign in Blood and with the distortion turned up a bit and a shit-ton of neo-classicism.


14. Metal Church - Metal Church

Sometimes there comes along a band that is defined by one man to such a degree that it becomes acceptable for that man to completely rip off the logo and cover-art of the main band for his solo project. In this case, that man is of course David Wayne. No disrespect to the rest of the guys of Metal Church, but David Wayne's insane shrieks have propelled this particular album towards the apex of my list. And trust me, I don't listen for vocals when I put on a thrash record, but damnit if David Wayne didn't lead the band's thrash songs into a clear and compelling compositional structure. Without him, none of their songs ever demanded the same attention from me. Rest in peace, Wayne, you were truly one of the best thrash vocalists out there.

13. Shah - Beware

Soviet thrash metal? How more badass can you get? Well I'll tell you just listen to Shah's guitar texture and tell me it's not one of the most refreshingly unique chainsaw sounds to ever rock the fuck out of thrash metal in '89. That's one thing, but the fact that each song on this album is perfectly composed in every feasible way makes this album a must own for all thrash fans. Just listen to the guitar lead on "Threashold of Pain" at around the 2 minute mark and tell me it's not the most perfectly timed musical device possible. It makes me cry tears of molten lead every time I hear it.

12. Bulldozer – Day of Wrath

One of the pioneers of blackened thrash metal, but fuck that. Just listen to this album from a straight-up thrash perspective. It’s got everything—a raw production, distortion all over the place, but riffs that are so jagged that they cut straight through that. And the solos coming out of nowhere very much in the tradition of early Slayer. Catchy as fuck.

11. Heathen - Victims of Deception

From the get-go this album gets a million extra-credit points, for one of the best intros to an album in the history of music. Jim Jones giving one of his rabble-rousing speeches and then DUM DUM. A perfect segueway into mid-paced thrash. As for the music itself, two words: The solos. Good God the solos! Not that the riffs aren't solid-as-fuck, but the melodic aspect of this band just dominates this record. But see they know what it is to keep things within reason. No guitar-wankery. A disciplined, strictly compositional approach yields blazing solos that resist the temptation of ever becoming solos for solos sake. Their solos work with the song and lift what would be just a solid thrash band to the level of musical godliness.












10. Vendetta – Brain Damage

I’m not sure what it is these guys got. Their playing style seems largely middle-of-the-road, but they can damn well make songs. Every goddamn note, every goddamn riff fits perfectly. They know what a thrash metal aesthetic is and they are going to pummel it into your brain. If you want to know what a fucking thrash instrumental is supposed to sound like, go no further than Fade to Insanity. It’s nearly seven minutes long and never are you ever bored. A shit-ton of riffs, but not too many. Just enough to make you want to put this track on repeat to catch each unique riff anew. Bloody fucking brilliant album.

9. Slayer- Show No Mercy

You could say all you want about your Hell Awaits and Haunting the Chapel, but it's all about Show No Mercy. Why? Because it's early thrash in a second-to-finish sort of way. If Metallica never existed, this would have been the album that would have been at number one on my list. One of the most satisfying shifts from speed metal into full-blown unrelenting thrash.

8. Metal Church - The Dark

I like to think of the first three Metal Church albums as the Godfather trilogy. Their debut was Part 1. The Dark was part 2. And part 3 was... well you see why Blessing in Disguise is missing from this list. Anyways, I know I've tended to put debuts ahead of later albums, but The Dark is just a more mature, more badass version of the s/t. There's really little that differentiates the two albums musically wise. They may as well have been one album, but The Dark was just a little catchier and just a little louder. Metal Church was playing at 10, The Dark was turned up to 11, in a metaphorical sort of way. The Dark was the only follow-up to a balls-out killer debut that didn't disappoint me, which means it's that much better.

7. Overkill - The Years of Decay

So many good Overkill albums, so little time (and space). I think no one disagrees that Overkill has probably the best track record as far as thrash metal bands that have survived into the 90s go. I think that may be one of the reasons why I chose Years of Decay, specifically. '89 and no signs of waning. Longstanding champions of thrash were beginning to decay--a pun ha!--in influence and quality. But not fucking Overkill! Besides, I just think it's their best album by a close margin--chaotic speed all over the place and D.D. Verni's kickass bass-work twanging louder than most of their thrash contemporaries. Unforgetable riffs and a completely headbangable sense of rhythm. Definitely a solid contender for the top 5, but just missing out because I can't have ties or else my top 50 list would have at least a hundred albums on here.

6. Slayer - Reign in Blood

This marvelous bastard of an album defines the boundary between speed metal and thrash metal for me. Maybe because a short song like Necrophobic blazes through with clear leads rather than the crunchy riffs, but I've always considered this album more speed than thrash. Either way, this album surges forward with fucking percision. No mindless guitar wankery here; it feels composed and whole despite its unrelenting fury.

5. Holy Terror - Mind Wars

In 1988, someone stole the soul of punk and shoved into a thrash band. And this isn't even crossover! None of that smug mocking cynicism--just the most heartfelt balls-to-the-wall desperation possible. Fast. Complex. If this was the last stand of thrash it'd be a battle to the fucking death with the most hyperactive little beast you've ever seen. It'll claw your eyes out before you kill it.

4. Torture - Storm Alert

(I keep listening to this album and it still sounds as kickass as the first time I heard it.) This is a fucking monster of an album. Completely underrated, often overlooked, but now that they rereleased Storm Alert almost two years ago, you should have no excuse of not having heard it. This is brutality incarnate and no eardrum shall be left unraped. Imagine the bite of Sadus packaged in Kill Em All with the brutal heaviness of Sodom but still with the musical intricacy of Mekong Delta. All that and faster, heavier, and more complex. Fucking bass solos out of nowhere, instrumental tracks, and the most memorable riffs since Kill Em All! Hell yeah, it's that good!

3. Grinder – The 1st EP

This little speedy bastard of an album starts of on a kinda odd quirky note—a bit of a funky riff leading a song into some truly orgasmic guitarwork. You don’t even know this is a straight-up thrash outfit until Adrian Hahn sings “as long as I am standing in the pit” and the best fucking solo possible follows, guiding your ungrateful ears to a paradise of riffage unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. Goddamn and this album just doesn’t let go. Every song just keeps on hammering with beautiful riff after beautiful riff. Balls-out-attitude, speedy, intricate—like Heathen, but with the ear for experimentation of later Death Angel—it’s everything that Act III should have been, but wasn’t. Goddamn this album rocks

2. Artillery - We Are the Dead Demo

I have a good mind to make this number one, but it's only about 15 minutes long. I have listened to this demo over and over again and I have become completely convinced that this is truly the first stage of high quality thrash. I consider this to be one of the first fully thrash demo out there. Now I don't usually include demos on here, but this is the exception of exceptions. Nothing Artillery ever did afterward sounds as remotely as epic as this short bastard. Satanic, diabolical, raw as fuck, and completely evolving the hell out of speed metal into (rather simple) thrash riffage. I should also mention that the vocals have no resemblance to their operatic technicality in later albums. Here they're sloppy, amateurish, and with a strong accent. But they just work with the raw, catchy feel of this amazing piece of music.


1. Metallica - Kill Em All

I hate Metallica, personally. And by that I mean, I think they are wretched human beings. But that doesn't mean that their achievements in the early days of thrash deserve to be marginalized. Kill Em All was the first pure thrash metal album, in that it comprehensively included all the necessary musical elements that defined the burgeoning genre. Most people can concede that fact, but far too many people seem to forget how fucking amazing the record is. Catchy, but not overly-simple. It stands the test of time even today. The naysayers will say that the best thrash metal album is possibly some obscure album that's VERY out of print today (Deathrow and Morbid Saint I'm looking at you)... And hell musically they might indeed be better! (Personally, I'd put Torture's Storm Alert into number one, if it was purely personal preference.) But these naysayers forget the sheer amount of influence Kill Em All had on the thrash metal scene. When the album came out, it was fucking revolutionary. Kill Em All is still thrashy as fuck today and will be for years to come. This is the album that defines what thrash stands for (despite any personal qualms one has towards the douchebags that comrpise the band today).

Abattoir * Accuser * Allegiance * Anacrusis * Annihilator * Anthrax * Anvil * Artillery * Atrophy * Avenger * Baphomet * Believer * Belladonna * Bitter End * Blessed Death * Blind Illusion * Blood * Bolt Thrower * Cacophony * Carnivore * Celtic Frost * Coroner * Corrosion of Conformity * Cryptic Slaughter * Dark Angel * Deadly Blessing * Death Angel * Defiance * Deliverence * Destruction * Devastation * Dissection * D.R.I. * Dyslesia * Exhorder * Exodus * Flotsam & Jetsam * Forbidden * Forced Entry * GWAR * Hallow's Eve * Heart Attack * Hellhammer * Helloween * Helstar * Hirax * Imperator * Intruder * King Diamond * Kreator * Laaz Rockit * Machine Head * Megadeth * Mekong Delta * Merciful Fate * Meshuggah * Metal Church * Metallica * Motorhead * Nausea * Necronomicon * Nevermore * Nuclear Assault * Nuclear Death * Onslaught * Outrage * Overkill * Panic * Pantera * Piledriver * Possessed * Powermad * Prong * Rage * Raven * Realm * Sabbat * Sacrifice * Sanctuary * Scared Reich * Sepultura * Slayer * Sodom * Solstice * Suicidal Tendencies * Tankard * Testament * The Accused * The Great Kat * The Mentors * Toxic * Ultimatium * Ultimatum * Vendetta * Vio-Lence * Vision of Disorder * Voivod * Watchtower * Whiplash