11 Greatest Thrash Metal Bands of All Time

It is time to tip our hats off to eleven of the greatest Thrash Metal bands of all time. Please bear in mind three things. One; record sales are in no ways indication of greatness. Two; the bands mentioned here all have one thing in common- they played and continue to play metal as it should be played- fast and heavy and oh yeah make their devotees head bang till their heads got close to being uprooted. of their torsos. Three; the list is in alphabetic order with number having no bearing to ranks of any sort. Here goes…

(1) Annihilator

The only Canadian band on the list Annihilator has kept the metal torch burning bright. Although being around since the eighties Jeff Waters and Co. have adapted well to the changing scene in heavy music with dignity. Their latest album titled Metal was a super album of sorts, having the modern era’s brightest stars such as Alexi Laiho, Jeff Lomis etc. making guest appearances.

(2) Dark Angel

For those of the opinion that Slayer played fast, they obviously haven’t been introduced to Dark Angel. Playing at superhuman speeds over extended pieces, the band would probably doubly insure their drummers who might loose a limb or two here and there. Too bad, they are not actively recording any more.

(3) Exodus

Exodus might just be the first thrash metal band of all time, but today the only time they get highlighted are when being referred to as Kirk Hammet’s previous band. One can trust Exodus to deliver the same intense Metal music repeatedly without fail. Although the band has had its fair share of line up changes and deaths in the form of their legendary vocalist Paul Baloff, original members guitarist Gary Holt and drummer Tom Hunting are steering the ship in the right direction.

(4) Kreator

Along with fellow Germans Sodom, Kreator were among the fore runners of German Metal. Like Sodom their sound too moved dangerously close to the Death Metal territory. In an ocean of music, they still have managed to develop a distinct sound.

(5) Megadeth

Ex-Metallica musical genius Dave Mustaine has maintained his band Megadeth ever since his vow to build a band greater than that of his ex band mates. Under his leadership, the band has become one of the most beloved technically brilliant bands of all time, only if he could hold on to his members for more than a couple of years.

(6) Metallica

Although Metallica have brought shame to their loyal fans by completely messing up their music one cannot deny that their first four albums are almost untouchable. Probably the most famous metal band in the world Metallica’s recognition is undeniable. One has to only step into a music store (world over) to hear teenage kids wielding out their miserable takes on some of Metallica classics such as Master of Puppets or Battery.

(7) Overkill

As far as memory holds, Overkill have not released a band album until date. That is saying a lot provided the band have 14 studios up their sleeve. Its only a matter of time that band’s vocalist, Bobby Ellsworth gets noticed as one of the greatest front men in the history of metal.

(8) Sadus

Easily clubbable with Dark Angel and Slayer, Sadus have maintained a technical edge to their music for over two decades. These American warlords show no signs of slacking, playing for their dedicated fans rather than a fat pay cheque.

(9) Slayer

One of the big four, Slayer have been spilling blood since their inception in 1981. Their aggressively passion musician has enabled them to stick together as a band. In spite of temporary departures the band still houses the four original members of the band which is quite a rarity in the music scene.

(10) Sodom

German thrash legends Sodom are as iconic as Metallica in the metal loyal countries of Europe. Their music could well be described as Speed or Death Metal, but in the band’s own words, they are still very much a thrash band. Under the leadership of founder member Tom Angelripper the band continues ripping apart stages at metal fests year after year.

(11) Testament

Testament is easily the most versatile band in the list. The band has it all; one of the most innovative guitarists of all time Alex Skolnick, the king of riffs Eric Peterson and a Hercules of a vocalist in the form of Chuck Billy. The three members have formed the backbone of the band, joined by other virtuoso musicians to give the product of Testament. One of the greatest, if not the greatest of all time.