This aggressive new style ushered in one of metal’s greatest and biggest sub-genres: thrash metal.
Their 1981 album,Welcome to Hell, came out at the tail end of the NWOBH.
As the band gained credibility,crowds went from critical of their speed to awe-struck by it.
“Venom is an inspiration to so many of the best thrash metal bands of the American scene.
The documentary,Anvil!
While some critics discount the impact of Anvil, I believe that their role in thrash is relevant.
The unrelenting fast tempo of the drums doesn’t sacrifice the precision and intricacy of riffs.
Not only is it the first thrash metal album, it is one of the greatest ever released.
Metallica proved that they were not just another NWOBHM-inspired band, but visionaries in their own right.
This album is fast, but maybe too fast.
Show No Mercyis one of Slayer’s rougher albums purely becauseit was an entirely self-made effort.
Slayer toured this album with their friends and family supporting them.
Despite this,Slayer’s songs were faster and more sinister than Metallica’s.
Slayer tested the limits of the genre: How fast is too fast and is satanism too evil?
6Speak English or Die - S.O.D.
They gathered a group of friends to record an album in under a week.
The result is considered a pioneer of crossover thrash, a mix between hardcore punk and thrash metal.
Whether you love it or hate it, this album changed metal.
Without Exodus, it is arguable that Metallica may not have reached the unimaginable heights it did.
Regardless of their Metallica connection, Exodus is a legendary thrash metal band in their own right.
Exodus had to pick up the pieces when Hammett abruptly left to join Metallica.
Rick Honult, Hammett’s replacement, worked well with Gary Holt.
Feel The Fireis brutal, punk, but also surprisingly melodic.
“There’s No Tomorrow” puts the band’s ability to blend beauty and brutality on full display.
9Peace Sells…
But Who’s Buying?
Megadeth is a vital ingredient in the creation of the thrash genre.
He formed Megadeth, andis the heart and soul of the band,being the sole consistent member.
However, includingKilling Is My Business… And Business Is Good!in this list didn’t feel right.
Controversially,I firmly believePeace Sells…
But Who’s Buying?is a better introduction to the band and their sound than their debut album.
I don’t hate that album, but their sophomore album shows the heights the band is capable of.
Scalding political commentary is Megadeth’s hallmark.
The band makes political lyricism a common feature of thrash as a whole.
This album features long heavy songs that are perfectly arranged and imbued with social commentary.
The band had grown up with thrash from its inception, as they matured, the music did too.
This is the last record he appeared on before his tragic death in a tour bus accident.
From gorgeous acoustic harmonies to breakneck speeds,Master of Puppetsis as captivating as it is punishing.
