March 24th, 2009 by admin

Thrash metal has had something of a revival of late -Lets look at thrash’s ‘big four’ -Metallica, Slayer, Meagdeth and Anthrax.

• Metallica. One of the bands of the first wave of thrash, Metallica released ‘kill ‘em all’ in 1983 followed by ‘ride the lightning’ and a classic of the genre ‘master of puppets’. After the technicality of ‘And justice for all’, Metallica were catapulted into rock stardom with the ‘black’ album, which cause many to level claims of ’sell out’ at the band. After following 2 more albums, a Napster lawsuit and rehab, Metallica returned with ‘St Anger’, the making of is documented in the movie ’some kind of monster’. They released ‘Death magnetic’ this year, to which people called it ‘the best Metallica in years’. Still no ‘Master of puppets though’.
• Slayer. Coming from Southern California, Slayer wore they Iron Maiden and Judas Priest influences on thier sleeve for the first two albums ’show no mercy’ and ‘Hell awaits’, before finding their voice with the over 1986 classic ‘Reign in blood’. While other metal bands disapeared during the 90s, Slayer survived by doing what they did best -playing Brutal music. Seasons in the abyss, ‘Diabilous in musica’ and ‘Divine intervention’ were all released during this time. Original drummer Dave Lombardo returned after ‘God hates us all’ for ‘Christ illusion’. Rumors persist of the next album being the last one- lets hope that isnt the case.
• Megadeth. After being fired from Metallica, Dave Mustaine put his anger and rage into his new band Megadeth. They released debut album ‘killing is my business and business is good’ in 1985, then much loved albums ‘peace sells’, ‘rust in peace’ amd countdown to extinction’. Megadeth have never had a stable line up, chaging band members constantly over than Mustaine,who called it a day in 2002 after damaging nerves in his hand. But after intensive therapy regained his hand use and re-formed the band in 2004 -and released the albums ‘the system has failed’ and ‘united abominations’.
• Anthrax. Formed in 1981 by guitar players Danny Lilker and Scott Ian, Anthrax’s debut ‘fistful of metal’ is the only album to feature original vocalist Neil Turbin. Anthrax then bought in Joey Belladonna for the next 5 albums -including ’spreading the disease’ and ‘Among the living’. After Belladonna left John Bush of Armored Saint joined the band. Anthrax were then pushed to the side on their new label until Nuclear Blast picked them up and gave us ‘we have come for you all’ in 2004. Anthrax brought Joey Belladonna back in 2005 for a reunion of the classic line up before leaving Anthrax again. The band currently have Dan Nelson on vocals and are releasing a new album sometime this year.

This thrash nostalgia made you want to don some converse trainers and retro bags again? Go here.