The big 4 of new thrash bands?

Ok now that there was a gig including the big 4 thrash bands from the 80's, who do you think are the big 4 of new thrash bands today?

Wargod51

Warbringer
Toxic Holocaust
Lazarus A.D.
Municipal Waste

Vektor
Havok
Bonded by Blood
Municipal Waste

Bonded By Blood
Warbringer
Savage Messiah
Havok

Wargod51

I have yet to hear Savage Messiah.

Though I think they are a bit more generic than some of the one's already listed, Fueled by Fire seem really popular right now, so they might be contenders as well.

Lazarus A.D.

Warbringer
Bonded by Blood
Evile
Municipal Waste


They seem to be pretty popular. I would also consider Gama Bomb.

Ohhh, forgot Evile! Good choice.

I don't think the term is applicable to any of the current thrash bands. The Big 4 label, to me, is about four bands that became highly influential in the thrash scene. Whether or not other bands deserved to be in that group (e.g. Exodus, Testament, Overkill, Forbidden etc.) will forever be up for debate. But in terms of thrash bands that are instantly recognisable, have influenced many musicians around them, and have the numbers to show for it (both in album and concert sales): Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax are the big four.

The same cannot be said about any other thrash bands from the 80s or today. While all good (and I don't think quality is up for debate here) their overall impact on the scene and on metal is marginal at best.

The most I can say is that currently there are some good thrash bands like Evile, Municipal Waste, Gama Bomb, Bonded By Blood, Vektor, Toxic Holocaust which sound similar to 1980s thrash bands. I don't want to call them nostalgia acts but at the same time they are not reinventing anything either. They are all nevertheless very enjoyable bands.

As I see it, it would take a lot more for the next group of thrash bands to be branded as the next generation of The Big Four than merely playing thrash metal in the style of 1980s thrash bands.

Well, Alex said pretty much said exactly what I was thinking. The 'Big Four' is not an applicable term for modern thrash. No current thrash band is ever going to be as successful or influential as the 80s Big four.

I think you guys are both stating the obvious. I took the question (and I think the others did, too) as more along the lines of popularity. I definitely don't think these bands are "re-inventing the wheel," but just starting to have a decent sized fanbase.

I also agree with Alex's take on things but the four newer bands that I think have the ability to stay around longer and have a steady fanbase (popularity) are:
Lazarus AD
Evile
Havok
Savage Messiah

Bonded By Blood
Lazarus AD
Havok
Warbringer

And way to overthink it you guys.

I'd probably say:

Toxic Holocaust
Municipal Waste
Evile
Bonded By Blood

These bands definitely seem the four biggest.

Personally I think Vektor are pretty original compared to other new thrash bands.

It's not Rocket science either you have a big 4 or you don't geez why do you have to explain in detail why there aren't a big 4?

Either you have 4 or you don't.

Wargod51

adrian wrote:

I'd probably say:

Toxic Holocaust
Municipal Waste
Evile
Bonded By Blood

These bands definitely seem the four biggest.

Personally I think Vektor are pretty original compared to other new thrash bands.

I agree with this, the original big 4 was all about the 4 most popular and bestselling thrash bands. I think these 4 pretty much fit that bill.

Joe wrote:

I think you guys are both stating the obvious. I took the question (and I think the others did, too) as more along the lines of popularity. I definitely don't think these bands are "re-inventing the wheel," but just starting to have a decent sized fanbase.

Yeah, I know it is stating the obvious to an extent and ultimately it's just a bit of fun. I just think it's a pretty hard call to make, because the thrash scene isn't in the same position to have a Big Four. I honestly wouldn't be able to tell who was the bigger or more popular band out of Toxic Holocaust or Evile, for instance. Municipal Waste are really the only modern thrash band who I see as pretty popular and even then, they're still selling small crowds (at least, over here). Great band, mind.

Alex is right on the money, again! We can talk all day about our personal favorites, but that don't make 'em the new big 4.

"The Big 4" in this day and age could be... "the 4 thrash bands in the country that can actually make a living playing thrash metal."

I think here are some terms that would be more applicable for today's youths.

The Big 4 of "br00tal" bands

The Big 4 Bands with the most insane breakdowns

The Big 4 of androgynous band members

kmorg wrote:

Alex is right on the money, again! We can talk all day about our personal favorites, but that don't make 'em the new big 4.

He was right on the money if you over analyze the question like he did. I get what he is saying (I think everyone here knows that none of these current thrash bands could be compared to the "Big 4"). Actually, the bands I listed I wouldn't even consider my favorites, either.


lol, I didn't think the thread would end up like this.

Right! I just picked my favorite four.

I didn't pick my favorite four. In fact I don't own a single cd from any of those 4. They just seem to me to be the biggest.

The 4 I'd pick today in no particular order...

Gama Bomb
Lazarus AD
Hatchet
Hexen

I don't know/care how popular they are. They just happen to be the ones I like and listened to recently. I might change my mind tomorrow.