10 Thrash Albums to Get You Started in the Genre.
By: NoFriender of the When It Was Cool hosted Thrash Metal Show Podcast (@NoFriender)
In no particular order:
Metallica – Kill Em All (1983)
This is the album that started it all. While not regarded as their best by most, it is the essential starting point to thrash listening. Here is a link to the NoFriender Thrash Metal Show Podcast talking about the album - Listen
Slayer – Reign In Blood (1986)
This is the quintessential thrash metal album. From start to finish, no other album better epitomizes thrash metal. Here is a link to the NoFriender Thrash Metal Show Podcast talking about Slayer - Listen.
Megadeth – Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985)
Intricate guitar work and unique rhythms make Megadeth’s debut album essential. Aim for the 2002 remix/remaster for better sound quality. Here is a link to the NoFriender Thrash Metal Show Podcast talking about Megadeth - Listen.
Anthrax – Among the Living (1987)
Anthrax’s most well regarded work. Excellent production and performances. Here is a link to the NoFriender Thrash Metal Show Podcast talking about Anthrax. - Listen.
Vio-Lence – Eternal Nightmare (1988)
The debut album from one of thrash’s lesser known bands. Abrasive thrash at its best. The vocals are a taste that not everyone acquires.
Overkill – Horrorscope (1991)
Overkill’s fifth album and first without Bobby Gustafson. Excellent songwriting, production and performance. Here is a link to the NoFriender Thrash Metal Show Podcast talking about Overkill. - Listen
Exodus – Bonded By Blood (1985)
Perhaps the best debut album of any of the thrash bands. Aggressive Bay Area thrash at its best. Here is a link to the NoFriender Thrash Metal Show Podcast talking about Exodus. - Listen
Testament – The Legacy (1987)
Testament’s debut and among their best.
Nuclear Assault – Game Over (1986)
Nuclear Assault’s debut has more of a direct hardcore influence than any other album on this list.
Dark Angel – Darkness Descends (1986)
Dark Angel’s second album and the first to feature Gene Hoglan on drums. Gene would go on to be their principal lyricist and one of the main songwriters as well. Here is a link to the NoFriender Thrash Metal Show Podcast talking about Dark Angel. - Listen
If you found this article interesting consider becoming a Patreon supporter. That is how When It Was Cool keeps our website and podcasts online, plus you get lots of bonus content including extra and extended podcasts, articles, digital comics, ebooks, and much more. Check out our Patreon Page to see what's up!
If you don't want to use Patreon but still want to support When It Was Cool then how about a one time $5 PayPal donation? Thank you!
