20. Overkill “Hello From the Gutter”
Up next is Overkill. “Hello From the Gutter is a definite classic of the genre and even has a music video with a cool cartoon bat flying around to the music. No wonder they’re considered one of the “Big Four.” Or maybe they aren’t, I can’t remember.
19. Possessed “The Exorcist”
Let’s just set our genre identity differences aside on this one, and enjoy the music, shall we?
18. Voivod “Ravenous Medicine”
Headbangers and sci-fi dorks unite! I personally know many people who consider Voivod their favorite band (I just think they like “Lost in Space” a little too much but want to still keep it metal.) This song is a banger, though.
17. Nuclear Assault “Critical Mass”
Can’t have a list of thrash songs without including a little Nuke on it, right? Environmentally conscious and heavy riffs. I think their singer John Connelly became a history teacher or something. Makes sense to me!
16. Flotsam and Jetsam “Hammerhead”
“Hey, know that band! That’s where Metallica got that guy who they never treated with proper respect to play bass for them!” Yes, that is true. Jason Newsted was in F&J, and you can even hear his bass on this record!
15. Rigor Mortis “Wizard of Gore”
The thrash metal equivalent of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” in all the best ways. An all around underrated gem, and really the only album of its kind on a major label. Plus this song was named after a H.G. Lewis film, which seems fitting to the band as a whole.
14. Hallows Eve “There Are No Rules”
“Tales of Terror” is one of the best speed metal albums ever recorded….with one of the goofiest album covers ever. But you know what, isn’t life inherently goofy anyways? The answer is, no. But this song is amazing.
13. D.R.I. “Beneath the Wheel”
Thus far, you’ve probably noticed there haven’t been many crossover bands on here, but D.R.I. definitely cuts the mustard. Their logo is a little guy thrashing for God’s sake.
12. Death “Leprosy”
“Whv is Death on here?!?! Aren’t they death metal?!” Fair question. But in all reality, how much different is this era of Death than a lot of the thrash bands at the time? Okay, stop right there. You’re splitting hairs now. There you go again!
11. Sabbat “For Those Who’ve Died”
Not to be confused with the Japanese band of the same name, Sabbat could quite possibly be the best thrash band to come out of the U.K. Also, Andy Sneap started in Sabbat, and he’s sorta made a name for himself in the metal world since. Great job Andy!
10. Metallica “Whiplash”
Listen, I love bashing on Metallica as the next guy, but I’ll also give credit where credit is due. “Kill em’ All” is a total classic, and whenever anyone asks me if I like that record, I respond with a big ol’ “YEAH-EEEYAHHHAUHHH.”
9. Megadeth “Mechanix”
Everyone knows Dave Mustaine wrote all the good riffs on Metallica’s debut album. The riffs were so good, he decided to use a whole song’s worth of riffs for his band Megadeth. “The Four What-Whosit” you say?
8. Testament “Trial by Fire”
Let’s admit, Testament should probably be in the big four. But being in this list’s “top 10” is an equal, or dare I say even more honorable achievement than that. Eat your heart out Anthrax.
7. Kreator “Riot of Violence”
“A man lies in the corner, covered with blood…….why should we care about him?” I’ll tell you why. Because although he’ll die today, he’s a very important part of this song. And this song kicks ass. I care, man lying in the corner, I care.
6. Sepultura “Troops of Doom”
Call em’ death metal, thrash or whatever you want, but Sepultura put out some of the greatest extreme metal records of the whole 1980s. It’s a shame they were bitten by the nu-metal bug later on in their career. But they weren’t the only ones, that particular bug did not discriminate. Yeesh.
5. Destruction “Curse the Gods”
Destruction’s scathing critique of the hypocrisy of religion, “Curse the Gods” is a true thrash metal anthem. “Fuck them, believe in yourself” is the perfect response to when you’re parents yell at you for cutting off the sleeves on all your best church clothes.
4. Sodom “Ausgebompt”
Sodom are the kings of German Thrash metal. If you don’t have a Sodom patch on your vest and you consider yourself thrasher, what are you thinking? I bet you’re too good to play with little plastic Army men while blaring “Ausgebompt” too, huh?
3. Razor “Eve of the Storm”
There are many, many songs by Canada’s Razor that could be on this list, but “Eve of the Storm” is a prime example of their ability to bottle up the energy of hurricane force winds and channel them into vicious riffs, psychotic vocals and crushing drums. Seek out “Violent Restitution” if you’re unfamiliar, just prepare to find a neck brace that fits after listening.
2. Exodus “Piranha”
“This ain’t about no goldfish.” Of course it’s not, Paul (RIP)! If this tune doesn’t make you want to be front-and-center for a life-ending wall of death, then you better check your pulse, because you’re probably already dead. Essential.
1. Slayer “Raining Blood”
Now we’re finally at our number one thrash metal song of the entire 1980s. But really, who didn’t see this coming? Maybe some knob headed metal fan who’s too good for Slayer or something, but with those of us with a brain, this is a no-brainer. It’s fucking Slayer and it’s fucking “Raining Blood.” Hail Satan.