Thrash Metal

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Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its fast tempo and aggression. Thrash metal songs typically use fast, percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work. Thrash metal lyrics often deal with social issues using direct and denunciatory language, an approach which partially overlaps with the hardcore genre. The "Big Four" bands of thrash metal are Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer, who simultaneously created and popularized the genre in the early 1980s.

The origins of thrash metal are generally traced to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when a number of bands began incorporating the sound of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, creating a new genre and developing into a separate movement from punk rock and hardcore. This genre is more aggressive compared to its relative, speed metal, and can be seen in part to be a reaction to the lighter, more widely acceptable sounds and themes of glam metal.

Thrash metal generally features fast tempos, low-register, complex guitar riffs, high-register guitar solos, double bass drumming, and aggressive vocals. Most thrash guitar solos are played at high speed, as they are usually characterized by shredding, and use techniques such as sweep picking, legato phrasing, alternate picking, string skipping, and two-hand tapping. Thrash lead guitarists are often influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Thrash guitar riffs often use chromatic scales and emphasize the tritone and diminished intervals, instead of using conventional single scale based riffing. For example, the main riff of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" is a chromatic descent, followed by a chromatic ascent based on the tritone. Rhythm guitar playing is characterized by extensive palm muting and down picking to give the riffs a chugging sound, along with extensive use of the pedal point technique (creating what can be considered a distinctive, 'thrashy' sound). Speed, pacing, and time-changes also define thrash metal. Thrash tends to have an accelerating feel which may be due in large part to its aggressive drumming style. For example, thrash drummers often use two bass drums, or a double-bass pedal, in order to create a relentless, driving beat. Cymbal stops/chokes are often used to transition from one riff to another or to precede an acceleration in tempo. To keep up with the other instruments, many thrash bassists use a pick. However, some prominent thrash metal bassists have used their fingers, such as Frank Bello, Greg Christian, Jack Gibson, Steve DiGiorgio, Robert Trujillo and the late Cliff Burton. Several bassists use a distorted bass tone, an approach popularized by Burton and Motörhead's Lemmy.

Lyrical themes in thrash metal include isolation, alienation, corruption, injustice, addiction, suicide, murder, warfare, and other maladies that afflict the individual and society. Humor and irony can occasionally be found, but they are limited, and are the exception rather than the rule.

Inclusive thrash metal music subgenres:
  • Crossover thrash, often abbreviated to crossover, is a form of thrash metal that contains more hardcore punk elements than standard thrash. It is sometimes referred to as punk metal, though this is generally incorrect due to the existence of other music genres that combine forms of punk rock and heavy metal, such as grunge, crust punk, and more recently metalcore and its subgenres. While thrash metal is heavily influenced by hardcore punk, the overall sound of crossover thrash is more punk-influenced yet more metal-sounding and aggressive than traditional hardcore punk and thrashcore. The term was coined by the band D.R.I. with their album Crossover, released in 1987. The term 'crossover' is based on the metaphor of crossing over from one genre into the other, thus capturing artists the operate within the transition zone between thrash metal and hardcore punk. With the metaphor comes the conception of directionality, such that the genre is applied to hardcore and crust punk artists who have crossed over into thrash metal territory, such as D.R.I., Discharge, The Exploited, The Accüsed, Agnostic Front and Suicidal Tendencies (who eventually ventured into alternative metal), and thrash metal artists who crossed over into hardcore punk territory, such as Nuclear Assault and S.O.D. A number of death metal bands (especially those of the first wave of Swedish death metal) draw on hardcore punk, mainly because their members listen to crossover thrash - these bands are included under the death metal subgenre here at the MMA.
  • Death-thrash combines elements from thrash metal and death metal. The most common type of death-thrash is based on thrash metal music (often played a bit faster than standard thrash metal) with growled vocals. Sepultura's "Schizophrenia", "Beneath the Remains", and "Arise" are considered examples of death-thrash. Given that death metal is derived from thrash metal, many early death metal bands played a style that was anchored thrash metal and could be considered death-thrash. Many of those artists are included under the death metal genre here on MMA.
  • Technical/progressive (or tech/prog) thrash metal is considered a legitimate genre by some (or even two legitimate genres), while others argue that it is a pseudo-genre. Bands included in this genre take emphasize technicality in their music, in the form of complex riffs and/or complex song structures, while others apply the ethos of progressive music more broadly without straying from their basic thrash metal sound. Examples of artists that are sometimes considered tech/prog thrash metal acts are Dark Angel, Death Angel (especially on "Act III"), Annihilator, Artillery (especially on "By Inheritance", "When Death Comes", and "My Blood"), and Invocator. Releases like "Master of Puppets" and "...And Justice For All" by Metallica are quite progressively oriented with complex song structures and numerous sections per song. Some bands like Voivod, Antithesis and Watchtower took the progressive approach so far that they are primarily considered progressive metal artists rather than thrash metal artists.
  • Blackened thrash metal is thrash metal with black metal elements. Its thrash metal basis is more primitive and akin to early German thrash metal. Examples of blackened thrash metal bands are Assaulter, Aura Noir, and The Metaphor. It should be mentioned that much early black metal, such as Venom and Hellhammer/Celtic Frost actually had its roots in thrash metal.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrash_metal

Written by Time Signature.

Sub-genre collaborators (+ child sub-genres & shared with Speed Metal and Groove Metal):
  • Vim Fuego (leader)
  • Nightfly

thrash metal top albums

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METALLICA Master of Puppets Album Cover Master of Puppets
METALLICA
4.53 | 302 ratings
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MEGADETH Rust in Peace Album Cover Rust in Peace
MEGADETH
4.47 | 252 ratings
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METALLICA Ride the Lightning Album Cover Ride the Lightning
METALLICA
4.44 | 247 ratings
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FORBIDDEN Twisted Into Form Album Cover Twisted Into Form
FORBIDDEN
4.53 | 30 ratings
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ANNIHILATOR Never, Neverland Album Cover Never, Neverland
ANNIHILATOR
4.40 | 86 ratings
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SEPULTURA Beneath the Remains Album Cover Beneath the Remains
SEPULTURA
4.38 | 106 ratings
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SEPULTURA Arise Album Cover Arise
SEPULTURA
4.36 | 109 ratings
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ANNIHILATOR Alice in Hell Album Cover Alice in Hell
ANNIHILATOR
4.37 | 74 ratings
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ANTHRAX Among The Living Album Cover Among The Living
ANTHRAX
4.34 | 98 ratings
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VOIVOD Dimension Hatröss Album Cover Dimension Hatröss
VOIVOD
4.38 | 54 ratings
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FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Doomsday for the Deceiver Album Cover Doomsday for the Deceiver
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
4.38 | 46 ratings
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METALLICA ...And Justice for All Album Cover ...And Justice for All
METALLICA
4.30 | 234 ratings
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thrash metal Music Reviews

ENFORCED Retaliation

Demo · 2017 · Crossover Thrash
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UMUR
"Retaliation" is the second demo release by US, Virginia based thrash metal/crossover thrash metal act Enforced. The demo was independently released in December 2017. Enforced formed in 2016 and released the "Demo 2017" demo in March 2017 and this demo before being signed for the release of their debut full-length studio album "At the Walls" (July 2019, War Records). "At the Walls" however only features two new original tracks, while the remaining tracks on the album are remixed and remastered versions of the tracks from the "Demo 2017" demo and from this demo.

"Retaliation" is the sharper, even more aggressive, and intense sibling demo release to "Demo 2017". The vocals are raw shouting and ultra aggressive, while the riffs and rhythms alternate between a fast-paced thrash metal attack and mid-paced heavy grooves. The sound production is raw, sharp, and brutal, but still detailed enough to hear every instrument and vocal part clearly in the mix. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is fully deserved.

ENFORCED Demo 2017

Demo · 2017 · Crossover Thrash
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UMUR
"Demo 2017" is the first demo release by US, Virginia based thrash metal/crossover thrash metal act Enforced. The demo was independently released in March 2017. Enforced formed in 2016 and released this demo and the December 2017 "Retaliation" demo before being signed for the release of their debut full-length studio album "At the Walls" (July 2019, War Records). "At the Walls" however only features two new original tracks, while the remaining tracks on the album are remixed and remastered versions of the tracks from this demo and from the "Retaliation" demo.

The demo features four tracks and a total playing time of 10:30 minutes. It´s harsh, ultra aggressive, and sharp hardcore tinged thrash metal. It´s like listening to a sharper and more aggressive version of Cro-Mags. It´s definitely the furious energy and caustic aggression which are in the high seat, although Enforced aren´t bad musicians either. They can both play and compose effective songs. "Demo 2017" features a raw, aggressive, and sharp sounding production, which suits the material perfectly, so upon conclusion it´s a good quality first demo by Enforced and a 3.5 star (70%) is deserved.

OVERKILL Fuck You

EP · 1988 · Thrash Metal
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UMUR
"!!!Fuck You!!!" is an EP release by US thrash/speed metal act Overkill. The EP was released through Megaforce Records in late 1987. It bridges the gab between Overkill´s second- and third full-length studio albums "Taking Over" (1987) and "Under the Influence" (1988). "!!!Fuck You!!!" features 5 tracks and a total playing time of 22:08 minutes. The opening title track is a cover of the Canadian punk band, The Subhumans, while the remaining tracks are live versions of Overkill originals from Overkill´s first two studio albums "Feel the Fire" (1985) and "Taking Over" (1987). Two tracks from each album.

The title track is a flippant punk song with the speed metal snarling attitude of early Overkill. It´s entertaining enough, but when you have live versions of tracks like "Rotten to the Core" and "Hammerhead" to look forward to, it´s that part of the EP which is the most interesting. The live recordings are nicely energetic, raw, and authentic sounding with Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth talking to the audience (as he always does...) making sure they are a part of the experience. The sound quality is decent for the time, although it´s not a high level production job. Upon conclusion "!!!Fuck You!!!" is a good quality addition to your early Overkill collection and a 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

MEGADETH Warchest

Boxset / Compilation · 2007 · Thrash Metal
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martindavey87
Released in 2007, Megadeth’s compilation boxset, ‘Warchest’, is an absolute tour-de-force of material. A great collectable for fans, you’ve got four discs of music and a DVD, which covers a huge variety of original songs, covers, demos, live recordings, and everything else in between.

The first three discs are compilations running in chronological order through the bands career. Interspersed with live tracks, demos, remixes, live recordings and short interludes of Dave Mustaine talking, they cover every aspect of the band, from 1985’s ‘Killing is My Business…’ all the way up to 2004’s ‘The System Has Failed’. This is a fantastic starting point for newcomers to the band, or a great retrospective for long-time fans.

My only real complaint here is that most of the songs are the 2004 remasters. Not that it’s that big of an issue, but personally, I think a lot of these tracks sounded better in their original versions.

Disc four is a live concert from Wembley Stadium in 1990. Shortly after the release of ‘Rust in Peace’, this is thrash-era Megadeth at their best, and the live recording proves that. And finally, disc five is a live DVD, shot in 1992. Admittedly, I love Megadeth, but live, I do find them a little boring. They kind of play the songs, and that’s it. Occasionally they headbang, but they don’t really seem overly animated. Still, the sound and picture are great, and at barely 50 minutes in duration, it’s a totally harmless watch, and more than worthy of belonging in this boxset.

Die-hard fans will want this for any unreleased tracks, in particular, discs four and five. Accompanied with a 36-page booklet, and beautiful 3D packaging, this is a fantastic set, and while it might seem a little dated by today, the absolute wealth of material makes it a must-have for fans.

OVERKILL Overkill

EP · 1985 · Thrash Metal
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UMUR
"Overkill" is an eponymously titled EP release by US thrash/speed metal act Overkill. The EP was released through Azra Records/Metal Storm Records in July 1985. The band released the "Power in Black" in September 1983 and the material on this EP was originally recorded in November 1984 as a demo tape but short of cash, Overkill sold the material to Azra Records/Metal Storm Records who released the EP without Overkill´s further involvement. The band never received a dime for their efforts.

The EP features four tracks and a total playing time of 24:03 minutes. "Rotten to the Core" and "Overkill" would be re-recorded and included on Overkill´s debut full-length studio album "Feel the Fire" (1985) and "Fatal If Swallowed" was re-recorded and included on Overkill´s second full-length studio album "Taking Over" (1987). The only track which is exclusive to this EP is "The Answer". "The Answer" is an 8:49 minutes long track which is pretty heavy (almost doomy at times) and features a slightly progressive structured arrangement, while the other tracks are more immediate and louded with energy and power. Lead vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth distinct sounding voice and attitude filled delivery providing the material with something unique.

Compared to the recording quality of the "Power in Black" demo, these recordings sound professional, powerful, and detailed. For a late 1984 recording this actually has a very well sounding production, and the tracks are presented in the best possible light. This is upon conclusion a good quality EP release from Overkill and a great start to their label release career. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

thrash metal movie reviews

METALLICA Quebec Magnetic

Movie · 2012 · Thrash Metal
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martindavey87
Pretty standard Metallica live DVD here. Great set, fantastic sound and visuals, and the band all on top form as always (even Lars does alright!). The metal legends, touring to promote 2008’s ‘Death Magnetic’ have gone back to their old-school way of having the stage in the middle of the venue, kind of making this feel like ‘Cunning Stunts’ all over again, except, ten years wiser and more mature. And while they may not have the same drive and ambition as they did in the 90’s, it’s clear to see that this is an alcohol and drug-free band, who are just having the time of their lives up on stage.

Featuring all the hits you’d come to expect, such as ‘One’, ‘Enter Sandman’, ‘Sad But True’, ‘Broken, Beat and Scarred’, ‘Battery’ and a whole host of others, including some “bonus track” surprises, such as ‘Turn the Page’, ‘Holier Than Thou’ and ‘Breadfan’, this is a great DVD that may not stand out in the bands discography as much as previous releases ‘Live Shit: Binge & Purge’, ‘Cunning Stunts’ or ‘S&M’, but is still plenty worthwhile owning, and certainly enough to satisfy any Metallica fan.

METALLICA Metallica Through The Never

Movie · 2013 · Thrash Metal
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martindavey87
Regardless of the results, I’ll always give Metallica credit for not being afraid to try new things. Going from thrash metal to alternative rock, playing with an orchestra, side projects with Lou Reed and now this… a concert movie?

And the results here, as expected, are pretty mixed. The actual movie aspect doesn’t make much sense. With a daft storyline interspersed with the concert footage, and at times tying into the show itself. Sometimes with the band actually even doing little choreographed bits on stage, this all comes across as a bit awkward at times, and is probably more of a detriment than anything.

However, the concert footage itself is absolutely gorgeous! The visuals are fantastic and the high-definition video really gives it a crystal-clear picture, with some very cool camera angles and some awesome close-ups. Along with all the usual Metallica pyrotechnics and on-stage stunts and props, this is like ‘Cunning Stunts’ on steroids.

But sadly, that’s pretty much the only highlight. There’s a whole hoard of extras, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, Q&A sessions, trailers, music videos, and a whole bunch more, but it’s mostly all pretty bland and generic, with the only saving grace being that live footage. I wish they’d just done an entire concert DVD recorded like this, because that part, really is THAT damn good!

METALLICA Français Pour Une Nuit

Movie · 2009 · Thrash Metal
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martindavey87
‘Francais...’ is one of three Metallica DVD’s that all seemed to pop up around a close time-frame of each other (the others being similar concerts from Mexico and Quebec). Released in 2009, it features Metallica touring to promote their fairly new release, ‘Death Magnetic’, from the previous year. On this concert DVD, the set list is solid, the playing is fantastic, and the visuals are excellent. The setting is an old amphitheatre that looks absolutely beautiful as a music venue. The only setback was that this lacks a lot of the pyrotechnics and effects that their arena shows afforded them. So unless you’re a huge fan, it might get a bit boring just sitting here and watching them, well, just play for over two hours.

Still, it’s a great DVD, and the band is on top form, with boundless energy and enthusiasm, we even see quite a few songs that hadn’t been played live in a long time! And with a few added extras (interviews, extra footage etc), this makes for a worthy addition to any Metallica fans collection.

MEGADETH That One Night - Live in Buenos Aires

Movie · 2007 · Thrash Metal
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martindavey87
It’s an alright DVD, the picture is fine, the sound is fine, the playing is fantastic, the set is fantastic, Mustaine’s vocals are a bit naff, but in fairness I’ve never really thought he sounded too good live anyway. The main feature is about 90 minutes long, and interspersed with random clips of Mustaine and Drover playing acoustically. It’s watchable, but a little disjointed. Overall, this release is simply “good”. It’s not mind-blowing, but it’s worth watching, and certainly if you’re a fan, then it’s nice to own. I think previous live DVD ‘Rude Awakening’ is much better though, and has more extras on it too. And what is up with the cover?

MEGADETH Megadeth - VH-1 Behind the Music Extended

Movie · 2001 · Thrash Metal
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martindavey87
The Megadeth episode of VH1’s ‘Behind the Music’ series is pretty much exactly what it says it is; a look at the history of one of heavy metal’s most beloved bands. The VH1 name gives this a bit more credibility and authenticity than your typical unofficial band biography, and as such, this features interviews with band members past and present, as well as other people associated with the band at one point or another.

Looking candidly at Dave Mustaine’s expulsion from Metallica, the bands early days and their later attempts to break into mainstream territory, as well as Mustaine’s endless battles with addictions, other than being a bit outdated now, (being released in 2001), this is overall a very interesting watch, and a worthy addition to any Megadeth fan’s collection.

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