Top 10 Best Thrash Metal Bands

The Top Ten

Megadeth

Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine was dismissed from Metallica. They have released 16 studio albums to date and have undergone numerous lineup changes, with... read more

Megadeth... The name itself is great!
Anyway, Megadeth succeeded by forging a distinct approach to thrash metal. Take a look at the "Countdown to Extinction" album and "Cryptic Writings". You can also find other great albums like "Rust in Peace" and "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" After "Peace Sells," came "So Far... So Good... So What!" which was another unique album.
"Killing is My Business... And Business is Good!" and "Risk", which leaned more towards rock, still performed well. "Youthanasia" was perfect, with some calling it "Alternative Metal." Check out their later albums like "Super Collider," which is closer to a blues style, and "TH1RT3EN", which is amazing for its combination of heaviness and speed.
"The System Has Failed" is heavy too. "Endgame" was both amazing and mixed. "United Abominations" was fast with a unique solo and "The World Needs A Hero" is... indescribable!
Metallica

Metallica is an American heavy and thrash metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup included James Hetfield (vocals and rhythm guitar), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), and Ron McGovney (bass). They first gained mainstream fame with their 1991 self-titled album (The Black Album... read more

Wow, are Metallica only famous for their first four albums? What about The Black Album, which has sold as many copies as every Megadeth album combined? And is Dave Mustaine truly staying true to his music? You're joking, right?
What about albums like Youthanasia, Cryptic Writings, and Risk? It's strange to hear that Megadeth aren't sellouts because Dave Mustaine himself stated that Risk was supposed to be Megadeth's breakthrough into the commercial rock scene, aiming to be a number one album. Moreover, Megadeth aren't even truly thrash metal. They're closer to speed metal as they aren't very heavy.
Anyone who says Metallica isn't heavy should listen to the opening riff of Fight Fire with Fire and then try to claim they aren't heavy.
Slayer

Slayer was an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. They rose to fame with their 1986 album Reign in Blood, and are considered one of the Big Four of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.... read more

Slayer hasn't changed their sound as much as Metallica or Anthrax. They're still doing fast paces and angry lyrics.
Megadeth's music is still fast-paced and angry, but their lyrics aren't as violent as Slayer. But Megadeth and Slayer are the two best Thrash Metal bands overall. I'm not saying Anthrax and Metallica suck. It's just that they're more Alternative Metal than Thrash Metal in this day and age.
Slayer NEVER made a ballad, so they're the most Thrash Metal.

Megadeth has such a pathetic fan base. Megadeth is corny, and Dave talks in his songs.
Megadeth is overrated, and they are more speed rock and roll. All their fans talk about is how much Metallica sucks when they have nothing to show themselves. Metallica rules, but I choose Slayer for my number one thrash band.
Megadeth isn't thrash. Leave them out of this.
Testament

Testament is an American thrash metal band from Berkeley, California. Formed in 1983 under the name Legacy, the band currently consists of vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, bassist Steve DiGiorgio, and drummer Gene Hoglan. Testament's lineup has varied over the years,... read more

The first couple of albums are amazing, and while other bands were going more mainstream, Testament still released killer albums like Low and The Gathering. Besides Demonic, which sort of stands out less, their recent work remains strong.
As much as I love bands such as Metallica, they really haven't released anything super memorable since Justice and some of the Black Album. The same goes for bands like Anthrax and Megadeth, in my opinion. I'm not saying these bands have released garbage since the '90s, but nothing sticks out for me.
Meanwhile, Testament's latest three albums have been great. I would say Kreator, Sodom, and Overkill also deserve more recognition.

Testament is one of the greatest thrash metal bands ever. Disputably the best vocalist, Chuck Billy, and the best lead guitarist, Alex Skolnick, in thrash. Kick ass from The Legacy to Dark Roots of Earth and forever.
Chuck Billy beat heart cancer and still maintains a great voice. Plus, the only selling out they've done was experimenting with death metal.
Kreator

Kreator is a German thrash metal band from Essen, formed in 1982. Along with Destruction, Sodom, and Tankard, they are part of the "Big Four" of Teutonic thrash metal. Kreator is credited with influencing early death and black metal and has released several landmark albums, including Pleasure to Kill... read more

Why is Metallica first place? Metallica was a really great band with awesome songs, yeah, but they aren't thrash anymore. Kreator also had its ups and downs, but they were thrash, they are thrash, and they will be thrash for all times.
I think this list should look like this:
1. Kreator
2. Sodom
3. Megadeth (also no more real thrash, but more than Metallica)
4. Slayer
5. Metallica
6. Sacred Reich (one of the most underrated bands)
And for the end, only one question:
Who put Venom, Machine Head, Suicidal Tendencies, and Soulfly on this list? Also great bands, but not thrash.

I've chosen them because they are, for me, the best thrash metal band right now. Enemy of God, Chordes of Chaos, and Phantom Antichrist are awesome. Enemy of God is the best thrash album I've ever heard. It's just great.
They have their own style, and they're staying true to it. The drums are extraordinarily good, and Petrozza has a really good voice. I was at their concert, and they blew my mind from the very first song. I think they're much better now than any of the Big 4 bands.
Anthrax

Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The band is considered one of the Big Four of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. They are known for albums such as Among the Living and for pioneering the fusion... read more

Personally, my favorite band of the Big Four is Anthrax because they embody the sound that comes to mind when the words "thrash metal" are mentioned. They shaped my tastes in modern party and crossover-thrash bands like Municipal Waste and Violator. I much prefer their first four albums to the first four albums of the other bands in the Big Four.
Without them, I would not have gotten into the harder and heavier thrash bands with similar styles like Overkill, Exodus, and Destruction. I love the chanty brotherhood-style backup vocals that Anthrax has, paired with their more street hardcore sound. They spoke to me as they reminded me of the streets I grew up on. True thrash with street and adolescent themes.
Overkill

I grew up with the thrash movement and experienced the birth of speed. I still buy every new release by the Big Four and their (supposed) little brothers: Testament, Exodus, and Overkill. However, Overkill wins on pure consistency. While others were breaking up, taking long hiatuses, or releasing albums like 'St. Anger', Overkill weathered the storm and continually produced quality thrash albums.
While the next generations were paying ridiculous prices to watch Linkin Park lip sync, I was paying twenty bucks a ticket to watch Bobby Blitz scream his heart out. They never disappoint. Overkill is the true thrash band in every sense of the genre.
Exodus

Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1979 in Richmond, California. Spanning a career now exceeding 45 years, Exodus has undergone numerous lineup changes, two extended hiatuses, and the deaths of two former band members.

Alongside Anthrax and, to an extent, Metallica, Exodus is one of the most influential heavy metal bands out there. They, along with Metallica, are the earlier documented band of the thrash metal movement, being formed in 1980.
Not only did they help get the thrash movement out of the Bay Area, but some of Exodus's members would go on to do bands such as Possessed, which is the first death metal band. This means that Exodus started thrash, death, and to an extent, black metal.

Thrash metal is known for speed and aggression, and Exodus shows it perfectly with any of their singers (Zetro being my favorite). Metallica used to be good, but after the Black Album, they dropped and still haven't come back with anything good. Megadeth did the same thing, but at least they came back to the thrash genre.
Slayer pretty much made the same song over and over again, but at least they stayed with thrash the whole time. Exodus, having been through three lead singers, each with their own style, has maintained a variety while still keeping true to thrash.
Sepultura

Sepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte. Their first album, Morbid Visions, presented a proto black metal sound and featured Wagner Lamounier of Sarcófago. Over the years, their sound has evolved across albums to include elements of thrash metal, groove metal, and death metal.

I love the Big 4. They got me into metal in the first place. But it's Sepultura that has had a longer staying power for me, and it's Sepultura that has had a deeper "Prime Time," so to speak. For example, Metallica's prime time went from 'Kill 'Em All' to 'AJFA', or even 'The Black Album' if you think it's absolutely amazing. Slayer had 'SNM-SITA'. Megadeth: 'Killing is My Business' to 'Rust in Peace', maybe 'Countdown'. Anthrax: 'Fistful of Metal' to 'Persistence'.
But Sepultura had 'Morbid Visions' through 'Chaos A.D.', potentially even 'Roots', with longer albums overall, which has given me plenty more material to drown in.

Sepultura has always been the best band. While Slayer still brings us the same old material, and Anthrax is not that good anymore, Sepultura continues to kick our asses with new, innovative elements like they always have.
Hell, music must evolve over time. It should never stay stuck in the same old thrash metal traditions. We want something innovative!
Sodom

Sodom is a German thrash metal band from Gelsenkirchen, formed in 1981. Over the years, the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, with bassist and vocalist Tom Angelripper remaining the only constant member. Sodom is considered one of the big four of Teutonic thrash metal alongside Kreator, Destruction... read more

Persecution Mania, Agent Orange, and M16 are all bona fide thrash classics. Tapping the Vein, Code Red, In War and Pieces, and their Self-Titled Album aren't too far behind. Their worst albums are infinitely better than the Big 4's worst albums.
While many major thrash bands were busy playing radio rock in the 90s, Sodom continued to experiment with different blends of thrash, speed, and extreme metal. They also had a huge influence on the emerging Black and Death metal scene. For my money, they are the embodiment of what thrash metal is all about.

Top 3 thrash bands ever. Their demos are ten times heavier and rawer than Venom but were made during the same time. In the Sign of Evil is a pure masterpiece. Their early stuff kicks ass, and their new melodic-thrash material is incredible as well.

The Newcomers

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Power Trip

Power Trip is an American thrash metal band formed in Dallas, Texas, in 2008. Their sound has been described by critics as a cross between thrash metal and hardcore punk, often referred to as crossover thrash. The band gained widespread acclaim with their 2017 album Nightmare Logic.
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Crisix

The Contenders

Pantera

Pantera was an American heavy metal band formed in 1981 by guitarist Dimebag Darrell and drummer Vinnie Paul.
The band started out as a glam metal act in the 1980s with little success. After replacing their original lead vocalist and enlisting Phil Anselmo, they signed a major record deal with... read more

Pantera is the best out of all ten of these bands due to their unique and original style of music. Phil Anselmo kicks ass, Vinnie Paul kicks too much ass on drums, Rex Brown is one of my favorite bass players.
And last but not least, Dimebag Darrell is my favorite guitar player. His style is perfect for Pantera's fusion of groove metal, thrash metal, and heavy metal. R.I.P. Dimebag.

They did something nobody except Metallica could do: get a number 1 CD. And they even did something that nobody at all could do: stop grunge dead in its tracks.
'Walk' is one of the greatest songs of all time, if not the best. I would even dare to say that they eclipsed every other thrash band in history, including the ones who influenced them. R.I.P. Dimebag.
Annihilator

Annihilator is a Canadian thrash metal band founded in 1984 by Jeff Waters and John Bates. Waters, the band's primary creative force, has served as vocalist, guitarist, bassist, songwriter, and producer over the years. The band gained recognition with their debut album, Alice in Hell, released in 1989... read more

These guys should be in the top 5. The fact that they're even this low is enough to let me know that these people aren't listening to their music.
Listen to their songs Alison Hell, Phantasmagoria, Annihilator, Human Insecticide, Imperiled Eyes, Schizos Are Never Alone, Set the World on Fire, King of the Kill, Warbird, etc., and tell me they aren't deserving of a much higher spot.

This band is just so awesome. I've never seen a band that plays their songs so tight live. Sure, it isn't that cool that it's only Jeff's band, but he's just pro. Listen to 'Alison Hell,' 'King of the Kill,' 'The Fun Palace,' 'Set the World on Fire,' and 'The Trend.' If you're a real thrasher, you will have to like one of these tracks.
Death Angel

Death Angel is an American thrash metal band from Daly City, California, initially active from 1982 to 1991 and reformed in 2001. The band has released nine studio albums, two demo tapes, one box set, and two live albums. They are considered part of the Bay Area thrash metal scene.

Love this band! First off, they have insane talent. Their first album was recorded when they were very young. Their former drummer, Andy Galeon, was only 14 at that time!
I also love the topics that they explore aside from the standard thrash metal topics. They delve into relationships in some of their later work, and they also have a good sense of humor. I like that they leave a slight ambiguity in their lyrics so you can apply your own meaning to the song to some extent. Probably my favorite thrash band, next to Metallica.

Absolutely great thrash band. The Ultra-Violence is one of the only proper all-the-way-through thrash albums, and it is way better than anything Metallica has put out as a whole piece.
Plus, there are too many bands on the wrong list and too many missing. LoG, Machine Head, Voivod, etc. Where's Dark Angel?
Destruction

Destruction is a German thrash metal band. They are considered one of the "Big Four" of the German thrash metal scene, along with Kreator, Sodom, and Tankard. The band has been active since the early 1980s and remains influential in the genre.

It's unfortunate that these guys (along with the other bands in the German Big Four) don't get much attention. Their albums are full of some of the most delicious, evil riffs you'll ever hear.

Destruction is the perfect band for Thrash. Metallica can't be compared with Destruction. Destruction is the best of Thrash.

Good back then. Still good. They are the gods of thrash (maybe next to Exodus... maybe).
Coroner

Coroner is a Swiss thrash metal band from Zürich, formed in the early 1980s. They have been called "the Rush of thrash metal" for their complex musical style, which incorporates progressive rock elements into traditional thrash.... read more

Amazing how their aggressive, impetuous music is so sophisticated at the same time. Despite the fact that their career was just about seven years long, they evolved from being just a thrash metal band to a very high level of musicality.
Just check their albums 'Mental Vortex' and 'Grin,' compare them to Metallica's '90s sloppy stuff, and you'll see who's the boss here!

I can't even express how happy I am just to see this band even featured within the top 100, let alone 13th!
Criminally underrated! Arguably one of the most underrated bands, that term is overused but Coroner is honestly the epitome of the word. Not to mention they are a trio on top of all. If you like Rush and thrash metal, this is the band for you.
Havok

Havok is an American thrash metal band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2004, their members currently consist of David Sanchez, Nick Schendzielos, Pete Webber, and Reece Scruggs. The band is known for its aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics.

I absolutely love Metallica, but they are getting old, and you've got to keep up with the times, man. Havok is the future of thrash metal.
They are wicked fast, insanely heavy, and they have AMAZING guitar solos. My vote goes to Havok, simply because of the fact that, as much as I hate to say it, Metallica is no longer thrash metal. Just heavy metal.

Best thrash these days. You can hear a lot of old thrash in their riffs. Very Slayer / Exodus influenced. If you haven't checked them out, do yourself a favor and do it. You won't be sorry!
Dark Angel

Dark Angel is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1981. Their music is known for being extremely fast and heavy, featuring lengthy songs with frequent tempo changes and extended instrumental sections. This intense style earned them the nickname "the L.A. Caffeine Machine."... read more

Definitely one of the flat-out scariest thrash bands out there. Incredibly unsettling, and that's what we like about it.

Love these guys. If you are a fan of Slayer and Metallica pre-Master of Puppets, you should check out this band.

Darkness Descends is a killer album. Not great production, but totally heavy and thrashing.
Razor

Razor is a Canadian thrash metal band formed in 1983 in Guelph, Ontario. The group gained recognition in the 1980s with albums like Evil Invaders and Shotgun Justice, and they produced music videos for songs such as "Evil Invaders," "Shotgun Justice," "American Luck," and "Sucker for Punishment." Razor... read more

Easily the best thrash metal band to come out of Canada. Give their album Violent Restitution (their best work) a listen, and you'll see why.
Vektor

Vektor is an American progressive thrash metal band from Tempe, Arizona. The band formed under the name Locrian around June 2003 but changed their name to Vektor in 2004. They are known for their science fiction-themed lyrics and complex song structures.

Best new wave of thrash band. Should absolutely be top 10 at least, they're in my top 3. Vektor IS the future. The way they transcend the line between thrash and death, death and black, black and thrash, all with progression, is beautiful. Not to mention it's all very sci-fi feeling. Terminal Redux was the best album of 2016 by far. This band is amazing, and you should absolutely check them out. This band lets me be both a prog snob and a 4/4 pleb (no, that's not a bad thing) at the same time, and I love it for that.

For modern thrash, these guys are surprising. Usually, modern thrash riffs sound watered down, boring, and recycled. These guys' riffs are literally extraterrestrial. I hate prog and pizza thrash, but their final album is a 10/10 masterpiece. Give it a listen.
Trivium

Trivium is an American heavy metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. The band's most consistent members are frontman Matt Heafy, lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu, and bassist Paulo Gregoletto, all of whom have appeared on every album since joining.... read more

Trivium ignores all pigeonholes, and with 'Vengeance Falls', they have become a classy modern metal band. They're not the best of the best, but they have countless influences to draw upon. The longer metal evolves, the less you will be able to label anyone. They're a thrash band, and a damn good one.

When all thrash metal bands are dead, Trivium will be the last one alive. Trivium is all thrash metal bands in one. Speed riffs, fast drumming, distorted bass-wah solo, killer, fast, technical guitar solo! Trivium is a good symbol of modern Thrash Metal.
Nuclear Assault

Nuclear Assault is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1984 by bassist Dan Lilker after he left Anthrax. They released five full-length albums and toured extensively throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. The band split in 1995, briefly reunited in 1997 and again in 2002, before... read more

Nuclear Assault should be higher and at least in the top 10. They are not my favorite thrash band, but they are definitely up there in my favorites!
With great songs like Fight to Be Free, Brainwashed, and Critical Mass, they deserve more recognition. Pantera is not thrash. It's groove metal. Still an awesome band, though, but in the wrong category.

Should be in the top 5!
Danny Lilker is one of the most awesome bassists ever. Undoubtedly, Nuclear Assault beats Anthrax any day. Don't agree? Just listen to their albums Game Over or Handle With Care for some very special thrash!
Venom

Venom are an English extreme metal band formed in 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne. They rose to prominence during the late stages of the new wave of British heavy metal. Their first two albums, Welcome to Hell (1981) and Black Metal (1982), are considered foundational in the development of thrash metal and... read more

Masters of thrash, man. These Satanic slayers are truly awesome and should totally be in the top 5. The guitar work, bass, and drumming paired with the lyrical themes are stunning, fun, and exhilarating.

Easily one of the most influential bands in all of metal. Their first three albums were a big influence on thrash, black, and death metal.

They practically created thrash for God's sake. Get them to the top ten!
Metal Church

Metal Church is an American heavy metal band. They originally formed in San Francisco, California, in 1980 before relocating to Aberdeen, Washington the following year and briefly using the name Shrapnel. The band gained prominence with their self-titled debut album released in 1984.

They definitely deserve more attention than they get. The songwriting and performance on an album like "Hanging in the Balance" are complex throughout and create a Pink Floyd-like album arc. Mike Howe gets my vote for second-best vocalist in this genre, after Michael Kiske.

The Dark is an incredible album, and the late David Wayne's vocals on this and their debut prove that he is one of metal's greatest ever talents.

These guys are number two in my opinion, just under Metallica. The Dark is my fifth favorite album of all time.
Suicidal Tendencies

Suicidal Tendencies is an American crossover thrash band founded in 1980 in Venice, California, by vocalist Mike Muir, who remains the only original member. The band is widely credited as one of the pioneers of crossover thrash. Their debut self-titled album was released in 1983 and is considered a landmark... read more

We're talking about thrash here, right? ST are 40th?
How about y'all wake up and accept that they belong in the top ten? If ya aren't convinced, listen to Suicidal for Life.

I see D.R.I. and S.O.D., but why isn't Suicidal Tendencies on here? The greatest crossover thrash band there is, and like the fifth greatest thrash band.
Nevermore

Nevermore is an American progressive metal band from Seattle, Washington, formed in 1991. Their music blends elements of power metal, modern hard rock, classic heavy metal, and technical thrash. The band has been on hiatus since 2011 due to personal issues among the members.

Nevermore is way more creative and talented than Slayer and Anthrax put together.

Nevermore has plenty of thrash elements in their music to be on this list.