30. Agent Steel “Agents of Steel”
“Take me to your leader.” John Cyriis doesn’t have the best reputation and seems to be living on a planet only inhabited by John Cyriis, but one thing they can do on planet Cyriis is belt out some amazing speed metal vocals.
29. Hirax “Bombs of Death”
It has Katon W. De Pena screaming about a nuclear apocalypse, of course this song is going on this list! There is a reason Hirax is Spazz’s favorite band.
28. Slaughter “The Incinerator”
No, not the….ehh nevermind. This Slaughter featured none other than Death’s Chuck Shuldiner for a brief period of time. Up all night, MAKE WAY FOR THE INCINERATOR all day.
27. Vio-Lence “Calling in the Coroner”
Featuring Robb Flynn of Machine Head on guitar, “Calling in the Coroner” is a fine example of the Bay Area thrash scene of the time. You just might need a coroner after this song is through.
26. Atrophy “Violent by Nature”
I honestly believe this record should have been huge. Amazing songs, amazing playing, and great socially aware lyrics. Maybe it’s the big dumb skull-baby on the cover. Dumb cover or not, “Violent by Nature” screams ‘80s thrash metal.
25. Blood Feast “Face Fate”
Named after an H.G. Lewis gore fest, Blood Feast pretty much lives up to the name but in music form. They’re fast, bloody, have a cult following, and put on a great show. “Face Fate” is a certified face-ripper.
24. Suicidal Tendencies “War Inside My Head”
Yes, a ST song that isn’t “Institutionalized,” thank god. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great song, but it doesn’t come close to being their best song, maybe “War Inside My Head” doesn’t either, but it’s a banger nonetheless.
23. Celtic Frost “Morbid Tales”
Okay, Celtic Frost is really a band in their own category. How about, Speed metal-thrash-1st wave black metal-glam(later)? A heavy influence on the faster bands of the decade and certainly worthy of a spot on this list.
22. Infernäl Mäjesty “Overlord”
Toronto’s evil-metallers Infernäl Mäjesty or another band that blurs the line between what’s considered thrash, and what’s considered death metal. Either way, I wouldn’t have wanted to be a balloon animal around with those gauntlets they always wore. Frightening stuff.
21. Annihilator “Burns Like a Buzzsaw Blade”
No, I didn’t choose “Alison Hell.” Why? Because that’s too obvious, and I like to keep it “kvlt.” Plus this song rules and is about getting V.D. And what’s more thrash than Canadians singing about V.D.?