5 Of The Best THRASH METAL albums ever.

5 Of The Best THRASH METAL albums EVER.

   There are certain bands that are universally loved by all Metal-Heads. Slayer, for example, are one of the best and most loved Metal acts of all time. The same goes for bands such as Metallica and Exodus. So why is it that virtually all Metal-Heads love these bands? For the answer to such a questions you don't need a crystal ball. The answer is quite simply. Its because those bands belong to a sub-genre of Metal, that bases its entire sound around the core principal of Metal music. That principal is Speed and rhythm. 

   

   Thrash-Metal has been about speed since the very first true Thrash albums were released in the early 1980's. That speed and precision is channeled into fast and furious riffs. Those riffs are backed by robotic drumming, in particular the thumping bass drum that sets the rhythm for the light speed riffs. That combination is of course very simple, but this concoction has resulted in some of the best bands and albums of the entire genre. 
   But forget about all of the technical stuff for now, lets just take a look at 5 of the best albums to have emerged from the temple of Metal that is, Thrash.


1: SLAYER: SOUTH OF HEAVEN
   First up we have quite an obvious choice. When talking about Thrash-Metal, you don't get much more prestigious and renowned than Slayer. Their third album, Reign In Blood, is one of the most legendary Metal albums of all time, and is an icon of the Thrash-Metal industry. Despite not quite living up to the legacy of its predecessor, South Of Heaven stands as a truly classic album. 
   Less focused on pure whiplash inducing speed, but instead making head-bang worthy riffs, South Of Heaven contains some of the best riffs of the entire industry. "Behind The Crooked Cross" contains one of the greatest prolonged rhythmic riffs that you simply cannot resist head-banging to. Other songs such as "Silent Scream" and  "Ghosts Of War" are live classics. So even if South Of Heaven didn't beat its predecessor at the podium, it sure gave it a run for its money and only made the legacy of the band something far more spectacular. 

2:DEATH ANGEL: 
  RELENTLESS RETRIBUTION
   Choosing a relatively recent album to be in a list of the best 5 of all time, can certainly be a risky notion in the eyes of most die hard Metal-heads. But those who believe a recent album can't be in this list, are fools. Anyway, upon listening to such a majestic creation like Relentless Retribution, it becomes blatantly obvious why it would be chosen for such a list. 
   Relentless Retribution is the best post-reunion album Death Angel have made. Of that, there is no doubt. That isn't to say that Killing Season and The Art Of Dying are not good albums, it just means that Death Angel's latest release would take a serious heavyweight to knock it down the hierarchy. Songs like "Truce" and "This Hate" demonstrate perfectly why Thrash-Metal is one of the greatest sub-genres. The riffs, the drums, the classic shouting vocals and the distinctive unity of instruments that produce spine splitting rhythms.  




3: SEPULTURA: MORBID VISIONS 
   If poorly produced Satanic Thrash is your cup of tea, then no doubt your already very familiar with Morbid Visions. It cannot be denied that the poor production quality does add a certain magic and a certain appeal to the overall feel of the album. It almost gives a sense of being able to see the passion poured into the record, like you can hear the young band trying to concoct the masterpiece that will guide them to international stardom. 
   Despite its production quality, Morbid Visions contains some fantastic, raw and unique songs.  "Show Me The Wrath" for example, packs a serious punch. The riffs are crafted from the primitive buzzing and scratching that forms the basis of all good Thrash riffs of its time. Other standouts of Morbid Visions have to be the classic "Troops Of Doom"  and exceptionally Satanic "Crucifixion". What else can you really say about a genuine genre defining classic? 




4: KREATOR: PHANTOM ANTICHRIST

   It would be a crime against Metal and possibly humanity to not include the German legends of Thrash-Metal. Kreator haven't really had a creative downfall in their entire career, but their latest release, Phantom Antichrist, is definitely the highlight of  their already impressive catalog. Even classics like Terrible Certainty and Pleasure To Kill would struggle to topple this giant. 
   Title track "Phantom Antichrist" along with "United In Hate" and "Your Heaven, My Hell" are just some of the gems of this album. Phantom Antichrist truly is one of those albums that is just brilliant from start to finish.




5: EVILE: FIVE SERPENT'S TEETH

   This album is the product of almost 35 years of the sub-genres evolution. The inspirations for Five Serpent's Teeth are rather plain to see, and surely none of those inspirations are a bad thing. "In Dreams Of Terror" carries a distinct Slayer feel, while "In Memoriam" has a similarity to Metallica's "Fade To Black". The distinct influences do not distract from the brilliance of the entire album and its individual songs. 
   Compared with Evile's own unblemished catalog, you can see that the bands sound has come along way since the raw anthems of the debut, such as "Thrasher". So even if your not a fan of modern Thrash, you certainly cannot be disappointed by any of the tracks on this breathtaking album.

Thanks for reading!!!

Please remember that the 5 albums chosen are entirely of my own opinion.

Feel free to comment or ask any questions \m/