Early Thrash Metal poll

Thrash Metal! One of my favorite genres!

Which of these early pioneers in the Thrash Metal scene would you vote for as the best!

Remember, there are only 10 slots - and this is only very early bands! Not including Speed Metal.

I love those first 4 Metallica albums - but based on consistency - I'd have to vote Exodus!

Artillery is the most underrated thrash band of all time.

For me I could not go past Metallica. I think Ride the Lightning is the greatest thrash album ever.

Temple of Blood wrote:Artillery is the most underrated thrash band of all time.

That's a band I've had on my radar for a long time. I need to finally buy some of their stuff. So much to get though ... But seriously, this should be a priority.

Why no Overkill, Megadeth, or Dark Angel?  I think they were releasing demos/albums before other groups here like Death Angel for example.

Temple of Blood wrote:Why no Overkill, Megadeth, or Dark Angel?  I think they were releasing demos/albums before other groups here like Death Angel for example.

Well, there were only 10 slots ... and I did them in order ... according to release date. Holy Moses is actually THE first Thrash Metal ever released, albeit in demo form.



Those bands all would have made it - if there were more like 15 or 20 slots, but yeah - those listed are all chronological according to release date as recorded at RYM (global music database).

Holy Moses played thrash before Venom or Kill em All?

Temple of Blood wrote:Holy Moses played thrash before Venom or Kill em All?

Yessir! Their first demo came out in 1980, the only Thrash release that year! It was called "Black Metal Masters".



Metal Church was the second to release in 1981, "Red Skies".



Then in 1982 we see the releases of Anthrax, Metallica, and a slew of others. Thrash Metal officially took off in 1982, however - only in demo form.

Oh ... and Venom released their first album in 1981, but it's considered to be Speed Metal rather than Thrash Metal. Remember in my first post I said 'no Speed Metal, only Thrash Metal'. Though now I want to do a Speed Metal poll. Perhaps tomorrow.

Did that 1980 HM demo sound more thrash than "Black Metal"?  I'll have to check that out.

Regardless, I don't think it inspired a single band.  Not an American thrash musician or a German one.

Temple of Blood wrote:Did that 1980 HM demo sound more thrash than "Black Metal"?  I'll have to check that out.

Regardless, I don't think it inspired a single band.  Not an American thrash musician or a German one.

I think you're right. It was basically unheard of. Probably a few metalheads in Germany knew of it of course.



And no, it's not Black Metal at all - despite it's title. It's a Thrash Metal/Heavy Metal hybrid, much like early Metal Church.



I don't have it. I don't think it's available. I've love to get my hands on a hard copy of it though!

I mean that I thought "Black Metal" by Venom sounded pretty thrashy at times and no doubt inspired Hetfield/Mustaine and other early thrash musicians.

I'd be surprised if that HM demo sounds thrashier than early speed metal like "Kill the King or "Exciter".

The chunky, twisted riffing is what makes it thrash IMHO.

Yeah, Speed Metal is very similar to Thrash Metal at times. No one is going to agree 110% with anyone ... too many blurry lines. I stick with Rate Your Music's judgement call because it's a true democracy. Those distinctions are voted on by a world-wide consensus, thus ... I just use that as my measuring stick most of the time. I agree with them 99.9% of the time anyway ...

Not really surprised Metallica is winning here. Those first four albums are all masterpieces. I almost voted Metallica myself, but I think Exodus overall - displays the best Thrash Metal over the course of their career.

I don't think anyone else stands a chance if you say "early thrash." I think of 1982-1985 when I hear that, and Metallica wins by far. Maybe Slayer has a chance.

I guess i will be in the minority by saying that, and you guys will hate me to death, but, im the only one who finds metallica to be ultra overrated and boring band? Anyway i would go by Testament by far even though they aren't in the list.

Metallica....simply because they put out the first genre-defining album of thrash. Plus, the next two are masterpieces that go beyond the appeal of one genre.

No Slayer ? No megadeth ? Death Angel are second gen bay area thrash right there with Testament and Forbidden. Artillery and Hades are few years later than the first wave of thrash as well.

Metallica....simply because they put out the first genre-defining album of thrash. Plus, the next two are masterpieces that go beyond the appeal of one genre.

I agree...I love the "no life till leather" demo released a couple of years ago on record store day..It was a really good look at early Metallica and the beginnings of thrash...

Like I stated in a previous post. To all who are asking about bands that seem missing.

This list represents THE VERY first releases in Thrash Metal! Is that too hard to understand?