History of thrash metal/Thrash defined...

Here is a little thing I wrote about speed and thrash metal. Sorry about the typos. I have yet to proof it.

THRASH METAL DEFINED
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that generally is credited to
bands like Metallica, Slayer and Exodus. The origins of thrash metal are
traced to the early '80s, when a handful of bands began incorporating the
sound of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene with elements of
punk. Venom, a band who is often mislabeled as black metal, were also one o
the early bands to combine heavy metal with the speed and edge of punk.

Thrash, along with speed metal, are relatively similar in style, but thrash
generally is more aggressive, has more dissonant guitar riffs and sometimes
incorporates harsher vocal styles. Because of this thrash is a bit hard to
categorize. Many bands that were labeled thrash when they began have
explored other terrains or simply have added other influences to their
sound, making the subgenre even more categorized and hard to describe. From
thrash came death metal, crossover, black metal, groove metal, etc. Some
bands have even incorporated non-metal genres such as classical, jazz and
even rap..

For the most part, the musical base of thrash is composed of fast paced time
signatures, fast and sometimes complex guitar riffs, often times layered
with guitar solos. The speed and pacing of the songs is usually what defines
basic thrash metal, along with the aggressive vocals and intense drum work.
Frantic bass drum use is also common.

SPEED METAL DEFINED
Speed metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that is similar to thrash
metal and has many of the same roots. Speed metal tends to be more melodic
and many times has less harsh vocals, although not always.

'Speed' metal came about several years before thrash in the early 80s. In
the late 70s and early 80s, there was a wave of bands like Motorhead, Raven
and Savage who had incorporated punk and metal and were considered to be
speed metal. Also, bands such as Judas Priest, Exciter and Accept are also
credited with helping start the genre. In a very loose sense, Speed Metal
can be seen as Heavy Metal played at a much faster pace.

One of the earliest speed metal songs is arguably Deep Purple's "Speed King"
(from the 1970 In Rock LP) or "Highway Star", from the 1972 LP Machine Head.
Many consider Helloween's "Walls of Jerico" to be one of the defining albums
of the genre. Some other notable bands would be Helstar, Powermad, Agent
Steel and Reverend, who featured ex-Metal Church vocalist David Wayne. Many
bands now incorporate speed metal and mix it with classic metal. Many of
these bands are now labled power metal. Even in the mid-80's bands who were
generally referred to as speed metal would also be called power metal. Such
is the case with Metal Church.

Distinguishing between thrash metal and speed metal is often difficult
because often bands cross over to each genre. While Metallica were
considered one of the first 'thrash' bands, many consider Metallica to be
speed metal.

HISTORY OF SPEED AND THRASH METAL
It is impossible to say exactly when thrash metal began. Some say it began
with the punk influenced metal of Motorhead, whose self-titled album (1977)
and "Overkill" (1979) albums were hugely influencial to many thrash bands.
Others site Venom's "Welcome to Hell" (1981), Raven's "Rock Until You Drop"
(1981) or even earlier metal classics
like Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe" (1975). Venom would be a huge
influence on the development of thrash metal as well as black metal and
death metal. Still others list Accept's "Fast as a Shark" (1982) as one of
the first true thrash metal songs with it's steady double bass assault. Of
course just about any speed or thrash metal band is indebted to Judas Priest
who gave us such early speed metal classics as "Tyrant" (1976) and
"Exciter" (1978) . (The seminal version of "Tyrant" was later released on
1979's "Unleashed in the East" with an uptempo drum delivery and a vicious
guitar sound).

Motörhead's "Overkill" LP (1979) would give the name to a New York band that
would write what some consider the first thrash metal song in 1981, "Unleash
the Beast Within". Also the short-lived Southern California garage band
Leather Charm would write "Hit the Lights". Of course, this band would give
way to Metallica with guitarist/vocalist/songwriter James Hetfield, soon
joined by guitarist/songwriter Dave Mustaine. The band Metal Church recorded
a few rehearsal tapes in 1980-81, which were similar to the early Metallica,
though not quite as thrashy. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was offered a
spot in Metal Church in 1980 but then later kicked out again. Also on the
scene at the time packing local clubs in California was a band called
Exodus, whose live show would influence another local California band called
Dragon Slayer to shorten their name and begin playing faster songs.

The first thrash metal demo may very well be Metal Church's "Red Skies" from
late 1981. An instrumental demo that combined thrash, speed, and power
metal. It was soon overshadowed by their October 1982 "Four Hymns" demo.
Metallica were second on with their "Power Metal" demo (April 1982), then
"No Life 'til Leather" (July 1982) and the first with a studio LP (Kill 'Em
All, July 1983). Their sound was heavily influenced by some of the NWOBHM
bands at the time, especially Motorhead and Diamond Head of which Metallica
would later pay homage to. The "No Life 'til Leather" demo, whose name
influenced the name of this site, would also influence a band rising up in
New York called Anthrax. Of course in the years to follow, Anthrax,
Metallica, Slayer and another band called Megadeth would gain mainstream
success and would be labeled the Big Four of Thrash. Also released in 1982
was the second album by Canadian metal band Anvil titled "Metal on Metal"
with several songs that leaned in a thrashier direction and would be a huge
influence on both the NWOBHM scene as well as the growing thrash and speed
metal genres.

In Europe, Artillery recorded a demo in November, 1983. Their "We Are the
Dead" took a Black Sabbath inspired direction, resulting in a thrash metal
form that was not quite as fast as that of Metallica but had similar riff
ideas. Also released in 1993 was the debut album from Canada's Exciter
("Heavy Metal Maniac"). In the U.S., Slayer released their first studio
album "Show No Mercy". Slayer became a huge influence on the growing thrash
scene in Europe with bands like Sodom, Destruction and Kreator following
their example.

Thrash metal took off in 1984 or so, with Overkill releasing their second
demo "Feel the Fire", and Slayer's seminal "Haunting the Chapel" EP, which
featured the song "Chemical Warfare" which had a darker and heavier sound.
1984 marked the year that thrash pioneers Exodus finally released a full
length album titled "Bonded by Blood". The following year Slayer's "Hell
Awaits" and Overkill's "Feel the Firew" would be released and outside of the
U.S., the German band Kreator released their debut album ("Endless Pain"),
as did Destruction ("Sentence of Death "). That same year Brazilian band
Sepultura released their EP "Bestial Devastation". Also Megadeth, formed by
canned Metallica axeman Dave Mustaine, debuted with the release of "Killing
Is My Business...And Business Is Good!", another hugely influencial thrash
metal album. Anthrax's debut "Fistful of Metal" was released this year, as
was Metallica's seminal "Ride the Lightning," which coincidentally also
featured co-writing credits by Medgadeth's Dave Mustaine. The fued between
Mustaine and his former Metallica bandmates would be one of the most well
publicised fueds in metal history.

In Germany, Running Wild would release their speed metal debut "Gates of
Purgatory" and Grave Digger released their debut "Heavy Metal Breakdown".
While neither of these could be considered thrash, both we important to the
history of speed metal and power metal.

One big force in presenting new thrash bands to the masses in the early 80's
were the Metal Massacre albums put out by Metal Blade Records. These albums
would introduce the world to bands like Metallica, Overkill, Slayer,
Abbatoir, Viovod, Possessed, Nasty Savage, Hirax and Hellhammer.

1985 saw debut releases from Germany's Helloween and Avenger, who would
later rename themselves Rage. Both bands were important to the ever growing
speed metal scene. Helloween in particular would go on to influence an
entire movement of European power metal bands. Just like America had their
"big four" of thrash, Europe had their "big four" of 80's German power metal
which included Rage, Helloween, Grave Digger and Running Wild.

1986 was a landmark year for thrash, with some of the greatest thrash albums
of all time being released in this year. Metallica signed to a major label
(Elektra) and put out what many consider to be their finest recording
"Master of Puppets". Dark Angel put out "Darkness Descends", which is one of
the heaviest and fastest thrash albums at the time. Slayer's "Reign in
Blood" is universally acclaimed as the bands finest, and also German band
Kreator released the highly influencial "Pleasure to Kill", which set new
standards for brutality and would be a heavy influence on the death metal
genre. Megadeth also signed to a major label and released "Peace Sells...
But Who's Buying?", featuring a video that would take off on the new and
popular music video format MTV. Nuclear Assault, featuring an ex-member of
Anthrax debuted with the punkish "Game Over". Hobbs' Angel Of Death emerged
from Australia, playing a brand of thrash metal drawing heavily on early
Slayer, yet geared towards the European market. Cacaphony released their
"Speed Metal Symphony" this same year and featured guitarist Marty Friedman
who would soon join the ranks of Megadeth.

In 1987 Anthrax released their renowned "Among the Living" album. While
Anthrax's own music, was considerably more melodic than other more
progressive thrash bands, they were nonetheless labled thrash, as opposed to
punk, probably due to the prevalent punk influence.

Thrash metal developed in the mid 1980s to split into many subgenres and
influenced a lot of bands like Death and Possessed. Many still argue which
of these two bands were the first death-metal bands. Some bands combined
speed metal and thrash metal, like the aforementioned Megadeth, and also
Helstar, Testament, and Heathen. Watchtower's Energetic Disassembly (1985)
was an underground favorite and set new standards in technical, jazzy
songwriting, as did bands like Coroner and Annihilator, which would lead way
for technical death metal bands like Atheist and Cynic, as well as later
efforts by the aforementioned Death.

By 1987 and '88 or so the genre was quite saturated with new bands with
major labels like Atlantic and Epic jumping on the thrash metal bandwagaon.
Many classic albums would emerge from this time from bands such Testament
and Vio-lence. Another band out of California would buck the system and
present a whole new take on thrash metal. Vengeance, later renamed Vengeance
Rising, released their first demo in 1987 and soon after the seminal "Human
Sacrifice" CD which matched the intensity of many of the the already
established thrash bands but had lyrics that were based out of the Bible,
rather than the darker lyrics generally associated with the movement.
Several bands followed soon after including Believer ("Extraction from
Mortality" 1989) and Deliverance (1989). Bands like Metallica and Megadeth
began expanding their sound. "Rust in Peace" (1990) by Megadeth is sometimes
thought to be the band's last classic thrash metal album, and to this day it
is still thought to be one of Megadeth's finest works. Also Metallica
released their fourth album "...And Justice For All" (1988) , after the
death of original bassist Cliff Burton. This album included longer songs,
more progressive songwriting and what at the time was considered James
Hetfields' best guitar riffs. The album also has the bands' first video, the
World War 1 themed song, "One."

The early 90's would see an virtual sea of new bands putting out thrash
metal with major labels and independent labels alike releasing albums.
Labels like Combat and Roadrunner were known for their roster of thrash
bands, while labels that helped start the scene in the early 80's like
Megaforce were soon snapped up by the majors. Even punk bands like Suicidal
Tendencies and D.R.I. had crossed over to a thrash direction. By the
mid-1990's thrash was at a stale mate and many of the popular bands
including Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer were moving in different
directions, while many other bands were forced to quit altogether. Grunge
and alternative became the flavor of the day. Metallica released two albums,
Load (1996), and Re-Load (1997), that had more rock and alternative songs.
Despite their massive success, many of their core fan base felt the band was
selling out and catering to trends. Anthrax as well, departed with longtime
vocalist Joey Belladonna and released an album that moved away from the
thrash sound with former Armored Saint vocalist John Bush. Megadeth were
also experimenting with more radio friendly sounds in the late 1990s.

Thrash metal has made something of a comeback in the late 1990s. Many bands
like Overkill and Slayer were still forging on, while some of the bands who
had given up were reforming and have released new albums. Bands like
Kreator, Exodus, Death Angel, Destruction, Sodom and Nuclear Assault have
all seen new releases that are usually critically acclaimed by thrash fans.
Even Megadeth returned with a 'comeback' album, The System Has Failed which
while not 'true' thrash, was a hybrid of thrash and power metal.

I can see this starting a whole debate over who is what?

megadeth are speed metal i would say

metallica were actually quite progressive on their second third albums but were not viewed as being progressive when compared to and justice for all which at the time was probably the most progressive metal album ever made and i am almost inclined to call them a progressive band - almost

slayer - pure thrash no doubts there

anthrax - i only have one anthrax album so i am unfamiliar with there later works but spreading the disease seems to have elements of thrash and traditional heavy metal in it and also have a more melodic vocal (remiscient of bruce dickinson)

Well don't forget that thrash's main beat is the downbeat.

Exciter released Heavy Metal Maniac in 1983, not 1993.

Required Fields wrote:

Exciter released Heavy Metal Maniac in 1983, not 1993.

Thanks. Typo.

i'm always wary when people try to define something that can be open to interpretation in some cases.

not that i disagree with anything you've written.

I wrote that for myself several years ago actually. However, I've used
it several times when people have asked me what the difference between
thrash and speed metal is, or who the first thrash band was, etc.

I'd say that definition is about 95% right on.

I agree with Lurideath with thrash's main beat being the downbeat.

stepcousin wrote:

I'd say that definition is about 95% right on.

I agree with Lurideath with thrash's main beat being the downbeat.

What is the 5% that is wrong?

Quote :

What is the 5% that is wrong?

Slayer being labeled thrash :lol:

To me Slayer was speed metal but that is just me. Good article though Ult!

Maybe I'm a bit more out of the loop but wouldn't you say 'kill'em all' is the first complete Thrash metal lp? I just remember when it first came out it seemed like it was the total package.... I've often thought that it also had a European sound to it. Perhaps the NWOBHM influence eh? they did tour with raven 'Kill'em All For One Tour'....

I thought the article was well developed. Having grown up in that time frame I remember always seeing the 'import' racks. Maybe something to be mentioned about that in more detail, labels such Combat, Megaforce, Metal Blade. you know what I mean.... you touched on it.... I remember reading how Johnny Z would go into some big execs office and build the label up and put on 'Deathrider' by Anthrax.... too no avail...

Good Job Ult...

zombiewalkin wrote:

Quote :

What is the 5% that is wrong?

Slayer being labeled thrash

To me Slayer was speed metal but that is just me. Good article though Ult!

So if Slayer is speed metal, who would you say are thrash?

Thats a great definition you got there, very interesting. When i think of the differences between Thrash and Speed, i usually think of Thrash as having a rougher more lose sound to it while speed has a cleaner more melodic sound. But when i have genres in my ipod i class speed and thrash under the Thrash moniker. I also like the part about pre speed and thrash when you mention songs by bands like Sabbath and Purple, other songs that i think are proto speed metal are Aerosmith - Rats In The Cellar (1976), Queen - Modern Times Rock N' Roll (1973), Queen - Stone Cold Crazy (1974), Queen - Sheer Heart Attack (1977) and Sweet - Set Me Free (1974).

rattpoison wrote:

other songs that i think are proto speed metal are
Aerosmith - Rats In The Cellar (1976), Queen - Modern Times Rock N'
Roll (1973), Queen - Stone Cold Crazy (1974), Queen - Sheer Heart
Attack (1977) and Sweet - Set Me Free (1974).

Right on. I agree.

How would we define.... 'Screaming For Vengeance' song
and 'Rapid Fire'....(one of my favorite priest tunes)

Speed Metal or just metal songs that are fast....?

Rapid has a brutal drum guitar attack.... Screaming is total speed...

zombiewalkin wrote:

Quote :

What is the 5% that is wrong?

Slayer being labeled thrash :lol:

To me Slayer was speed metal but that is just me. Good article though Ult!

On another board I post at, a commonly used phrase is "SLAYER IS SPEED METAL YOU C*NT!" (with a U in place of the *, of course)

However, it's still a better fit for them than death metal (which, for whatever reason, they get branded as by some idiots).

i always considered Slayer thrash, not speed. alot of people call Megadeth a speed metal band as well, but i always considered them thrash as well. same with the other 2 "big 4" thrash bands.

i always considered speed more like early Helloween, Realm, etc.

mc666 wrote:

i always considered Slayer thrash, not speed. alot of
people call Megadeth a speed metal band as well, but i always
considered them thrash as well. same with the other 2 "big 4" thrash bands.

i always considered speed more like early Helloween, Realm, etc.

Same here.



For me, Slayer defined thrash, like Skynyrd defined Southern Rock, Judas Priest defined heavy metal, etcl.

Well down. A very good and informative read. I just don't get the Deep Purple tie in. I certainly think of them as an influence to thrash and speed metal but not speed metal themselves.

journeyman wrote:

Well down. A very good and informative read. I just
don't get the Deep Purple tie in. I certainly think of them as an
influence to thrash and speed metal but not speed metal
themselves.

Deep Purple is not a speed metal band. They were a influence on speed
metal and indeed wrote a song that was an proto-speed metal song.

ultmetal wrote:

zombiewalkin wrote:

Quote :

What is the 5% that is wrong?

Slayer being labeled thrash

To me Slayer was speed metal but that is just me. Good article though Ult!

So if Slayer is speed metal, who would you say are thrash?

Slayer's lyrics were very different to Metallica's. Also, the lyrics
were very long, although the songs were usually short, which is again
contrary to Metallica. The solos were also a lot moro "direct" than
Metallica's or let's say Heathen's. Among many other differences. Yet
they're still in the same league,

ultmetal wrote:

stepcousin wrote:

I'd say that definition is about 95% right on.

I agree with Lurideath with thrash's main beat being the downbeat.

What is the 5% that is wrong?

ya know after reading it again, I'd say you were pretty much right on. I guess my interpretation of thrash and speed metal involves bands that play fast with the speedy guitar picking and I was thrown for a loop when I saw bands like Helstar and Raven and a few others in there just simply dont play raging fast, which to me is thrash and speed metal. But after reading the context of it, you said alot of those bands helped to SHAPE the sound, then I understood it a bit better what you were gettting at.