20 essential thrash albums

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My 20 favourite thrash albums of all time
Posted 21 Jun 2011 by Dan
Alright folks... there we go - in no particular order:

1. Flotsam and Jetsam: "No Place For Disgrace".

This album smokes!!! Eric AK has to be the ultimate thrash metal vocalist. Clean, distinct and sometimes amazingly high-pitched vocals that soar right through. A true Thrash classic - sadly, criminally overlooked by many. For some they will never be able to get out from under the shadow of bassist Jason Newsted who left them shortly after their first album to join Metallica.

2. Annihilator: "Never, Neverland"

When "Alice In Hell" first came out it totally blew me away, but this is far better. Jeff Waters at his best and most creative! All the hooks are plain infectious. It still sounds fresh to this day. Coburn Pharr only lasted this album (I strongly recommend his previous band Omen by the way), but he most definitely left an indelible mark. Gotta love that rasp of his.

Excellent Thrash metal platter with the odd trip to the world of mozzarella and parmesan - fine by me if you ask me.

3. Slayer: "South Of Heaven"

Never been that big on Slayer (let alone on Metallica or Megadeth), but this album is nothing short of brilliant. I mean, what an atmosphere! This is a monster of an album - what a wall of sound. Gone is the slaytanic image. Slayer ditched full-on thrash to create a higher form of music based on mood and atmosphere. And Tom Araya can actually sing, wich came as a shock when I first heard this! Dave Lombardo's best work ever can be found on this album. Thight as hell.

4. Viking: "Man Of Straw"

I'll always hold this album in high regard. Their first album was somewhat weak (blame it on the muddy production mostly and plenty of filler) but these guys came on leaps and
bounds on this one. "Hell Is For Children" is one hell uva Pat Benatar cover version. "White Death" is an awesome album opener. Too bad these guys packed it in when when guitarist/vocalist Matt Erikson became a born-again Christian (I wonder why he had to stop playing metal?)

5. VoiVod: "Nothingface"

Is this actually thrash? Oh well, who cares, VoiVod have always been way ahead of their time. From their Motorhead-like, punkish beginnings they turned into a perfect space-metal machine. "Into My Hypercube" still takes me to another dimension. Piggy - RIP - could shred like crazy and Blacky and Away were the tightest rythm section ever. This album is a must gents. The most original, innovative and avant-garde band of old-school thrash by a clear mile.

6. Kreator: "Terrible Certainty"

The irrefutable kings of European Thrash. Can anyone dispute that? This is their 1987 effort and arguably their very best. From "Blind Faith" to "Behind The Mirror" this album simply owns, it simply annihilates. Mille's vocals are grim and corrosive. "As The World Burns" is actually sung by drummer Ventor, who is not credited for that on the CD. One hell of a thrash metal platter.

Period.

7. Thanatos: "Emerging From The Netherworlds"

Sadly overlooked album, and an underground classic in its own right. These Dutchmen sure could deliver fine thrash and this album is infectious. Stephan Gebedy had a very "European" thrash kind of voice if you know what I mean. Songs like "Aggressive Perfector" and "Outward Of The Inward" are sheer intensity. Top album.

8. Laaz Rockit: "Annihilation Principle"

Another fine thrash platter. The Dead Kennedys cover version is wicked! The production sounds pretty dated although it worked wonders at the time. The last song on the album, "The Omen", has a lot of meaning to me as it's almost autobiographical.

9. Onslaught: "In Search Of Sanity"

Much to the dismay of their hardcore fans, Onslaught got a new singer and went a little melodic after recording "The Force". As a result of this they created one of the finest British thrash albums ever. Steve Grimmet has a very elegant, thrashy voice with an exceptional range and his slight rasp and intelligent use of vibratto are nothing short of exceptional. The AC/DC cover is probably not that brilliant - oh well, pointless covers were the usual thing to do back at the time I guess. "Welcome To Dying" is a cracking thrash ballad and "Shellshock" wreaks havoc.

10. Sabbat: "Dreamweaver"

This is a fabulous album, bordering on a masterpiece. It's pure magic. It is that good and more. Sabbat were one of the most underrated bands ever in the history of music, often misunderstood. The real creators of pagan/medieval thrash. Martin Walkyer was the weirdest frontmant ever and his lyrics were deep and thought-provoking. Axeman Andy Sneap went on to become a brilliant producer once the band disbanded.

11. Dark Angel: "Darkness Descends"

Back in the heyday of Thrash Metal, I guess this was one of the most extreme bands as Dark Angel were definitely "darker"! Even before Ron Reinheart came along these guys could thrash like crazy, and this is a phenomenal album.

12. Anthrax: "Among The Living"

And what can be said about this absolute gem of an album. Anthrax at their very best with their sublime thrash and hardcorish attitude. These guys in swimming trunks and Suicidal Tendencies and Public Enemy t-shirts gotta be the ultimate East Coast thrash band. This album is tremendous and chock-full of positive energy. Each track is a classic, with "Caught In a Mosh" and "Indians" as my personal faves. If you don't get this, you ain't no friend of mine!

13. Overkill: "Under The Influence"

The mighty Overkill! Again another East Coast that could rip it up like crazy. DD Verni has to be the thrash metal version of Steve Harris and Bobby Blitz was one of those vocalists that you either love or hate (me...love the guys of course!). This album is pure urban attitude, that was Overkill. "Hello From The Gutter" is a statement of principles. This is thrash right from the gutter, "from the gutter to the streets. It's pure and raw! Hot chops: "End Of The Line" and "Broken Wisdom".

14. Nuclear Assault: "Handle With Care"

Thrash with a hardcore tinge (although not totally crossover if you know what I mean). Dan Lilker and the boys were definitely a force to be reckoned with back at the time. John Connelly had a very distinct voice and Glenn Evans was such a terrific drummer. Once they split up Dan went on to do more extreme stuff (i.e. Brutal Truth) and they got back together in the mid '00s, which really made me happy.

15. Death Angel: "Act III"
An utter and complete work of art. I mean, when their first album came out Andy Galeon was barely 14! A bunch of Philippino kids in their teens, all of them blood-related and delivering the tighest thrash ever? Totally unheard of. To this day, Mark Osegueda still remains one of my favourite vocalists of all time, pure class.

16. Exodus: "Fabulous Disaster"

Steve Souza and the boys at their best. "Pleasures Of The Flesh" was indeed very very good, but this is the bomb. Corrosive thrash, and the best part is Steve Souza's vocals! I mean c'mon, he's nothing but the thrash version of AC/DC's Bon Scott!!! Hot Chops: "Like Father, Like Son" and "The Last Act Of Defiance". If you want aggressive thrash with a lot of groove, this will not dissapoint you guys.

17. Ultimatum: "Puppet Of Destruction"

Excellent power thrash from these Albuquerque, New Mexico guys. The album is'98 but it oozes old-schoolness (if that is a word). Scott Waters can sound like Steve Souza sometimes, although his voice is more of a snake-like hiss and Ultimatum definitely have a sound of their own. This is a Christian band. The guys are honest about what they do and stand for - I definitely don't have a bone to pick with them. Great album. "Never" is an awful good album opener, and "Stomp" is pure groove for metalheads to headbang to.

18. Vio-lence: "Oppressing The Masses"

Before Machine Head's inception, our friend Rob Flynn was in this fantastic thrash band. Plenty of chug and groove here, not unlike what was to come with Machine head. Again, distinct vocals (some people seem to have a problem with that... do they always want thrash singers to sound like Mr James Hetfield? this has always been a pet peeve of mine I'm afraid). All in all, very refreshing thrash. Not for the faint of heart!

19. Acid Reign: "Obnoxious"

Yet another excellent British band. This would be their swansong as the band disbanded shortly after. The cover art is awful, but don't be mislead by this. No skippers here, every song is amazing. H (that was his name, don't ask me why!) was an awesome singer and the production is absolutely mint and crisp. Definitely worth mentioning is the outro (gotta love funk sometimes!).

20. Sepultura: "Beneath The Remains"

Essential album!! This is the ultimate thrash album. Fast, aggressive, furious, chuggy, powerful. Andreas Kisser's solos are stunning. Unexpected tempo changes at the drop of a hat. Hooks galore.
What more can you ask for? Must-hear tracks: "Inner Self", "Stronger Than Hate" and "Slaves Of Pain"

Quite an honor to be on that list.

Right up there with ACID REIGN.

Cool. He has some of my favorites listed. That is my favorite Ultimaum as well I think. Your vocals are the best and very old school sounding.

I own exactly half of the albums on that list (incl. "Puppet...").

Surprised to see Death Angel's ACT III on here. Fine album in and of itself but it's certainly not as "thrashy" as their ULTRA VIOLENCE debut. Oh well, it's all in the eye of the beholder 'n' all that.

Temple of Blood wrote:

Right up there with ACID REIGN. ;P

It's just one person's opinion. I was just surprised to see Ultimatum on there at all.

Fat Freddy wrote:

I own exactly half of the albums on that list (incl. "Puppet...").

Surprised to see Death Angel's ACT III on here. Fine album in and of itself but it's certainly not as "thrashy" as their ULTRA VIOLENCE debut. Oh well, it's all in the eye of the beholder 'n' all that.

"Act III" is my favorite as well. Lots of "mood" on that one and not just thrash for thrash sake.

Never heard of Viking

ultmetal wrote:

Fat Freddy wrote:

I own exactly half of the albums on that list (incl. "Puppet...").

Surprised to see Death Angel's ACT III on here. Fine album in and of itself but it's certainly not as "thrashy" as their ULTRA VIOLENCE debut. Oh well, it's all in the eye of the beholder 'n' all that.

"Act III" is my favorite as well. Lots of "mood" on that one and not just thrash for thrash sake.

Oh yeah, I dig ACT III as well, but I'd say there's more "mood" than there is "thrash" on it. Maybe it's just me.

He said Viking's vocalist/guitarist Matt Eriksen became Christian, but his name is Ron Eriksen (his real name is Ron Daniel; Eriksen is his stage name). Matt Jordan is the drummer, who also became Christian a few months after Ron did. The band has since reformed, with Ron and Matt both in the reformed lineup.

I have half of those albums.

Not a bad list. I wouldn't put F&J at number 1, but that's just me. I never found the appeal of that album. Moving on...

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7. Thanatos: "Emerging From The Netherworlds"
Sadly overlooked album, and an underground classic in its own right. These Dutchmen sure could deliver fine thrash and this album is infectious. Stephan Gebedy had a very "European" thrash kind of voice if you know what I mean. Songs like "Aggressive Perfector" and "Outward Of The Inward" are sheer intensity. Top album.

Never heard of them or that album. Anyone?

MetalGuy71 wrote:

Not a bad list. I wouldn't put F&J at number 1, but that's just me. I never found the appeal of that album. Moving on...

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7. Thanatos: "Emerging From The Netherworlds"
Sadly overlooked album, and an underground classic in its own right. These Dutchmen sure could deliver fine thrash and this album is infectious. Stephan Gebedy had a very "European" thrash kind of voice if you know what I mean. Songs like "Aggressive Perfector" and "Outward Of The Inward" are sheer intensity. Top album.

Never heard of them or that album. Anyone?

Nope, never heard that one either. Started searching it out after I read it though.

Hmmm, I own half of those albums also (and I'd sure like to add a few of those to my collection).

I own 7 from the list. Congrats Ult, but I like your "In the Pit" the best.

325ad wrote:

I own 7 from the list. Congrats Ult, but I like your "In the Pit" the best.

Me too. Also I like Mechanics Of Perilous Times more than Puppet too.

Viking always came off as pretty bad to me. I couldn't bear to listen all the way through man of straw.

Surprisingly I own 7 from that list as well.

metalhead777 wrote:

Viking always came off as pretty bad to me. I couldn't bear to listen all the way through man of straw.

I really like Man of Straw.

Have all those albums either as original copies or dubs. Pretty good picks for the most part, never thought I'd see Acid Reign's Obnoxious on any kind of "best of" list haha.

Great that No Place For Disgace is on their. Great record that never got it's due.

exact33 wrote:

Surprisingly I own 7 from that list as well.

I've got 13 of 'em. I never heard Viking, but their name seems to come up whenever the topic of "best band you never heard of" thing comes up.

I own 14 off that list.Good to see Ultimatum make the list, but I still prefer Into the Pit more.

Man of Straw is a very good album

ultmetal wrote:

MetalGuy71 wrote:

Not a bad list. I wouldn't put F&J at number 1, but that's just me. I never found the appeal of that album. Moving on...

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7. Thanatos: "Emerging From The Netherworlds"
Sadly overlooked album, and an underground classic in its own right. These Dutchmen sure could deliver fine thrash and this album is infectious. Stephan Gebedy had a very "European" thrash kind of voice if you know what I mean. Songs like "Aggressive Perfector" and "Outward Of The Inward" are sheer intensity. Top album.

Never heard of them or that album. Anyone?

Nope, never heard that one either. Started searching it out after I read it though.

I'd describe them as death metal, not thrash....

I own these 14:

1. Flotsam and Jetsam: "No Place For Disgrace".
2. Annihilator: "Never, Neverland"
4. Viking: "Man Of Straw"
6. Kreator: "Terrible Certainty"
8. Laaz Rockit: "Annihilation Principle"
10. Sabbat: "Dreamweaver"
11. Dark Angel: "Darkness Descends"
12. Anthrax: "Among The Living"
13. Overkill: "Under The Influence"
14. Nuclear Assault: "Handle With Care"
15. Death Angel: "Act III"
16. Exodus: "Fabulous Disaster"
17. Ultimatum: "Puppet Of Destruction"
20. Sepultura: "Beneath The Remains"

kmorg wrote:

ultmetal wrote:

MetalGuy71 wrote:

Not a bad list. I wouldn't put F&J at number 1, but that's just me. I never found the appeal of that album. Moving on...

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7. Thanatos: "Emerging From The Netherworlds"
Sadly overlooked album, and an underground classic in its own right. These Dutchmen sure could deliver fine thrash and this album is infectious. Stephan Gebedy had a very "European" thrash kind of voice if you know what I mean. Songs like "Aggressive Perfector" and "Outward Of The Inward" are sheer intensity. Top album.

Never heard of them or that album. Anyone?

Nope, never heard that one either. Started searching it out after I read it though.

I'd describe them as death metal, not thrash....

It's a mix between the two really, pretty damn good. Though yes they do lean towards Death Metal more

"Among the Living" is probably the most overrated thrash album ever. I loved it as a kid but it did not age well. I can't listen to it any more.