Best Thrash Metal Bands

Megadeth... The name itself is great!
Anyway Megadeth Succeed by making different way of playing' thrash metal..
Come see "Countdown to Extension" album, "Cryptic Writings"..., also you can find other great albums, "Rust in Peace" "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? " another great album came after Peace Sells "So Far.. So Good.. So What! ", other unique album is "Killing is My Business... And Business is Good! "...
"Risk" is Megadeth's rock album.. But it was running well! "Youthanasia" is perfect, some called it "Alternative Metal"... See also the latest albums like.. "Super Collider" it's closer to blues style, "TH1RT3EN" is amazing, Combined Heaviness and speed... "The system has failed" is heavy too! , "Endgame" was amazing and mixed "United Abominations" was fast and the solo was unique and "The World Needs A Hero" is... Indescribable!

Personally I think Megadeth are rightfully first on this list and I wouldn't be complaining if Slayer were first either. But I don't think Metallica should be 2nd because I think Metallica only have one thrash album which is Kill Em All, on their next 3 albums they have a few thrash songs but they are not a thrash metal band they are a Heavy Metal band where as Megadeth, Slayer and even Anthrax have stayed more true to the formula of writing thrash music! I'm not bagging on Metallica because I love their music but Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax are better thrash metal bands!

Dave Mustaine is the father of the entire thrash metal genre. Without him teaching James Hetfield how to play thrash, Metallica wouldn't have had a leg to stand on. Dave was the brains behind it all. Despite all the knowledge Metallica obtained because of him, they kick started their careers with some of their best material being Dave's songs. Nearly half of their 1st record is Dave's! The influence is also felt on Ride the Lightning!

From the start Megadeth was faster, harder, heavier, angrier, and more brutal than Metallica. While the 80s were a toe to toe toss up, from Rust in Peace and onwards Megadeth made up any deficits and while Metallica imploded on their mainstream records and the simply horrific St. Anger, Megadeth woke up and returned to their roots. Since then it has been Metallica backed into a corner while Megadeth delivers killing blows one after another with awesome albums, with more activity.

And not even mentioning the superiority of Megadeth's ...more

Megadeth is a good thrash metal band for the simple reason, they actually are in that genre I hear people fighting and winning about Metallica and I think, DUDE Metallica ain't THRASH, Metallica is a heavy metal band which is very different from thrash. Now to all you megadeth haters, come on admit defeat, Metallica just isn't a thrash metal band, they got a ton of good songs but there just not good in this genre. Now for Slaye, thing is slayer just doesn't cut it at times, I'm not saying megadeth is perfect cause well they ain't, the messed up in too many albums like risk and cryptic wings, but they a heck of a lot better job than slayer.
And as for Anthrax, you guys are kidding anthrax is like speed metal, or something down those roads it ain't thrash

Wow, Metallica are only famous for their first four albums? What about The Black Album, which has sold as many copies as every Megadeth album combined? And Dave stayed true to his music? You're joking, right? What about Youthanasia, Cryptic Writings, and Risk, huh? Metallica are sellouts, and Megadeth aren't? That's weird, because Dave Mustaine himself has stated that Risk was supposed to be Megadeth's breakthrough in the commercial rock scene, and that it was intended to be a #1 album. And in any case, Megadeth aren't even truly thrash metal, they are closer to speed metal because they aren't very heavy. And whoever says Metallica isn't heavy, listen to the opening riff of Fight Fire with Fire then try and tell me they aren't.

Metallica and Mustaine invented thrash. Metallica's first 5 releases are the gold standard, but you must acknowledge 'Peace Sells...' greatness, plus most other Megadeth's early releases greatness. 'So far...', 'Rust in Piece', 'Countdown to Extinction' etc. Yes, Hetfield was the superior lyricist and vocalist, but that was 15-years ago. He used to sing with venom and fury, but he just talks his songs out now. Megadeth is essentially a solo project, and Mustaine must be given due credit for his output. Megadeth are now superior to Metallica both live and in studio, whereas that wasn't the case way back when. Metallica at 1, Megadeth at 2, case closed.

How is Metallica at the 2nd position? They are far away better than megadeth. Check any official list Metallica is at the first they have better album sales they have sold more than 100 million albums and megadeth have sold more than 35 million albums don't believe me? Check Wikipedia then this proves Metallica is 3 times more famous than megadeth. Check the best songs of all time in this website Metallica has 3 songs of them in the top 50 and One is at the 6th and megadeth has holy wars somewhere in the 70s. Look at dave mustaine's voice and the four horsemen isn't just famous for dave's riffs but it has better lyrics than mechanix I literally laughed when I 1st heard dave's voice in mechanix. Metallica is the best and will remain the best!

I never heard of Metallica until I bought their Guitar Hero game in 2010. After playing their songs, I made Metallica my favorite metal band. All their songs are the best I ever heard ( Ironicly those songs are from their first 4 albums) until I played their Black album songs. That is when I realized that the songs are an utter disappointment. Those songs aren't as heavy and thrashy as their original songs which I basically hated Metallica. When I listened to Slayer, I find my new metal band. All their songs are the same throughout unlike Metallica and I believe Slayer should be #2.

Slayer hasn't changed their sound so much like 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 2 best Thrash Metal bands over all. And I'm not saying Anthrax and Metallica suck, It's just 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. M/

Megadeth has such a pathetic fan base. Megadeth is corny and Dave talks in his songs. Megadeth is over rated 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.

Metallica please stay out of this for once and fans actually vote for music that's actually GOOD not just cause its Metallica. First 4 albums were spectacular now there total garbage. Slayer never disappoints their music is amazing Start to Finish there the best there will ever be

Even though I prefer Metallica, in a list of thrash metal bands, Slayer deserves to be higher. Whilst Metallica have strayed from their thrash roots, Slayer have consistently been trash since day 1. They've also has a bigger impact on the thrash genre than almost any other band. They're also heavier and faster than any other member of the big 4.

first couple of albums are amazing, and while other bands were going more mainstream, Testament still released killer albums(besides demonic sorta) like Low and The Gathering. As much as I love bands such as Metallica, they really haven't released any super memorable since Justice and some of the black album. Same goes for bands like Anthrax, and Megadeth in my opinion, not saying these bands have released garbage since the 90's, but nothing sticks out for me while Testament latest 3 albums have been great. Would say Kreator, Sodom, and Overkill also deserve more recognition.

Not a big fan, but I can acknowledge the talent and skill. They've got plenty of good songs. I do not think they're the 4th best thrash band. I think the top 4 go like this:
1. Megadeth
2. Anthrax
3. Exodus
4. Slayer
Here's my favorite thrash albums:
1. Countdown To Extinction - Megadeth
2. Fistful Of Metal - Anthrax
3. Tempo Of The Damned - Exodus
4. Alice In Hell - Annihilator
My Favorite Thrash Songs:
1. Symphony Of Destruction - Megadeth
2. Madhouse - Anthrax
3. Blacklist - Exodus
4. Seasons In The Abyss - Slayer
I, however, hate Metallica. Not because of the music. The music's fine! But because the band members are all scumbags. James Hetfield missed his sons birthday to hunt, Lars sued napster, and Kirk and rob are a holes.

Testament never claimed to have created the sound known as thrash. However, they did it the better than anyone else. They seem to get heavier and heavier. The song writing keeps evolving. They are like Rush in so many ways. Testament's dedication to craft will get the respect it deserves. Like Motorhead, Anvil, and Dio, time will prove that Testament is the real thing.

Testament is one if the greatest thrash metal bands ever. Disputably the best vocalist, Chuck Billy, and 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.

Why is Metallica first place? Metallica WAS a really great band with awesome Songs, yeah, but they aren't Thrash anymore. Kreator also had his 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 that:

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 no 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, and Enemy of God is the best thrash album I've ever heared, it's just great. They have their own style and they are keeping it. Drums are extraordinary good, and Petrozza has really good voice. Was on their concert and they blew up my mind at the very first song)
And I think they're much better now then ANY of big 4 band

Their earlier stuff was brutal and heavy and awesome. Their newer stuff keeps the brutality but adds in melody. And unlike the big four, they didn't get weaker over time. If anything, they're getting better. Every second of Gods of Violence was a MASTERPIECE!

Most consistent thrash metal band all time, that's what matters.

Pleasure to kill is one of the most hardcore thrash metal albums and underrated. Kreator deserves more fame. They're definitely better than Anthrax, just not as known.

Personally my favorite band of the Big Four because they have the sound that comes to mind when the words "thrash metal" are brought up. They helped shape my tastes in modern party and crossover-thrash such as Municipal Waste and Violator. I much prefer their first four albums than 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 Overkill, Exodus, and Destruction. I love the chanty brotherhood-style backup vocals that Anthrax has 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.

Thrash Metal is my favourite music genre and I think that pretty much every band included in it has an incredible ability to compose music. but to my ears Anthrax, Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth and Testament have something that differenciates them from every other band; something that elevates them. Anthrax has one of the best vocalists ever and also afforded to combine Thrash Metal with Rap. Slayer has incredible speed and heaviness, Metallica has wonderful melodies, solos and some of the best lyrics in the history of music. I also liked his "experimentations" (Load, ReLoad and St. Anger). Megadeth is technically invincible and has lots of divine solos. Testament is basically a band that takes every peculiarity of a typical Thrash Metal band and brings them to a whole new level. These are the bands that I think should be in the top 5 (I don't mind the order) so I vote for Anthrax because they don't deserve to be any number below 5 in the list.

Although I agree with Megadeth at number 1, Metallica at number 2, and Slayer at number 3, I feel Anthrax deserves number 4. As good as Kreator and Testament are, Anthrax is mother effing Anthrax. One of the Big Four. Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna! I Am The Law, Caught In a Mosh, For All Kings, Breathing Lightning, Indians, Bring The Noise, I'm The Man, Madhouse, Among The Living! Joey, in my opinion, is the best Vocalist of the Big Four. It should go Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Exodus, Kreator, Onslaught, and Sepultura

I'm not a huge thrash fan. I find all the bands sound the same and repetitive but anthrax is my one exception. Joey is probably my favourite metal vocalist and Frank Bello is an amazing bassist. I've migrated to other metal genres now and I've left behind most of thrash but Anthrax remains to be one of my favourites. Among the Living and Spreading the disease are classic albums and Indians is my all time favourite Anthrax song.

Overkill is my favorite Thrash metal band ever. They are definitely the most consistent Thrash band out there, Bobby is a absolute monster, the bass is so good, the riffs are amazing, and the songs are just so kickass. Horrorscope and Ironbound are their crowning achievement.

I grew up with the trash 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 the others were breaking up, taking a long hiatus or releasing steaming piles of St. Anger, Overkill weathered the storm and continually produced quality thrash albums. While the next generations were paying ridiculous prices to go watch Linkin Park lip sync, I was paying twenty bucks a ticket to watch Bobby Blitz scream his balls off. They never disappoint. Overkill is the true thrash band in every sense of the genre.

When compareing Overkills catalog of albums to the bands in the big 4 or other classic thrash acts such as exodus, testament, death angel, dark angel, etc. what's the one thing do you notice? Well if you don't then I'll tell you, it's there ability to constantly put out good albums. There first 5, classics, masterpieces. Same goes for the other bands to an extent with there albums. Exodus and testament do have a couple of duds, Metallica isn't what they use to be, megadeth and slayer are some what of a bore. Anthrax are decent with there recent albums but the 90s album still bad. But overkill? Is there really a bad album? There's some that aren't a single great as the rest of their catalog but bad? underwhelming? Nah, overkill kills it, and they bring on the pain better with each release and live show than anybody else.

Overkill wipes the floor with everyone! Metallica has 4 good albums, Anthrax has 5, Testament has 6,
Death Angel has 4, Megadeth has 5, Exodus has 5, Kreator has 7, OVERKILL HAS 17!
Blitz and the boys bring it live and on record every time. They should be headling the big 4.
Kirk hammet should take lessons from Alex Skolnick and Dave Linsk. I am 46 yrs old and have
Followed every band in Thrash metal and Overkill outclasses them all. And Bobby (Blitz) Ellsworth is the
Coolest most down to earth dude on the planet... Just watch the tons of interviews of him on YouTube.
Hail the MIGHTY Overkill!

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 Possesed, which is the first death metal band, meaning that Exodus started thrash, death, and to an extent, black metal.

Thrash metal is known of speed and agression, 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 do the same thing but at least they came back to the thrash genre. Slayers pretty much made the same song over again, but at least they stayed with thrash the whole time. But exodus has been through 3 lead singers and each one had their own style making a variety but still keeping thrash

I didn't like their old stuff, and I couldn't believe after listening their newer works that I missed this amazing band. The re-released bonded by blood named "Let there be blood" was one of the most amazing albums I've ever heard. Their new songs kick-ass, insane riffs, amazing solos. Away megadeth - exodus!

The band that made me fall in love with the Thrash sub genre.
Exodus is just amazing.
I'm personally a huge fan of Paul (RIP), but Rob is doing an okay job too.
Gary is just amazing. Probably one of the best thrash guitarists out there.

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 is 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-Rust in Peace, maybe countdown. Anthrax: Fistful of Metal-Persistence. but Sepultura had Morbid Visions through Chaos A.D., potentially even Roots, with longer albums overall, which has given me plenty of more material to drown in.

Sepultura always had been the best band. While Slayer still brings the same old to us, and Anthrax is not that good already, Sepultura still kicks our asses with new innovative elements like they always did this. Hell, music must be developing over time, it should never stay in the same old thrash metal traditions! We want something innovative!

I'd probably put them at 11 because they only did four or five thrash albums, as great as they were. Plus, they've done worse then Metallica by embracing nu metal.

Arise, Chaos A.D., and Roots--I think are the most musically talented metal I have ever heard. And I have listened to a LOT of metal. Lyrics aren't bad either.

Pantera is the best out of all ten of these bands due to the 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 it's 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 one's who influenced them. R.I.P. dimebag

Phil Anselmo is a better singer than James Hetfield
Dimebag is a better guitar player than Hetfield and Kirk Hammett combined.
Vinnie Paul is a better drummer than Lars Ulrich.
Pantera are better than Metallica in every aspect.

Every single one of their albums are amazing, they were the second thrash band I had listened to (metlalica the first, of course) and every other thrash band I listened to just couldn't compare to pantera. Each member is incredibly talented.

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 go into relationships in some of their later work, and they also have good humor. I like that they leave a slight ambiguity to 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 is way better than anything metalica a have 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!

Death Angel is awesome!
They're unique and very jazzy!
It's like a jazz band playing on distorted amps.
Really happy that they got back together and eagerly awaiting their next album!

Their first three releases were remarkable, varied, and of the highest calibre. Yes, disaster struck at the height of their powers, but they could have been anything.

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 Allison Hell, Phantasmagoria, Annihilator, Human Insecticide, imperiled eyes, Schizos are never alone, set the world of 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 toght live
Sure it isn't that cool that ist only Jeffs 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 Areal Thrasher you will have to like one of These tracks

Jeff Waters has got to be the greatest thrash metal guitarist of all time. Listen to the albums Alice in Hell and Never Neverland if you're not convinced.

I am absolutely sure this guy is the greatest CANADIAN guitarist exept for me. That is what my dad says.

Amazing how their aggressive impetious music is so sophisticated at the same time. Despite the fact that their career was just about 7 years long, they evolved from being just thrash metal band to very high level of musicality. Just check their albums Mental Vortex and Grin, compare them to Metallica 90's sloppy stuff, and you'll make sure 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.

Very overlooked band, even though everyone who knows them loves what they accomplished over their five album run. They are essentially the Rush of thrash metal. Very progressive and we'll structured music. Their older material is very neoclassical speed/thrash metal but each album became more progressive than the last.

If you take the best songs from each one of the other bands in this list and the from that compilation you take only the best songs, you'd would only get fillers compared to what Coroner has to offer.

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

Wow, Slipknot and LOG is just above this, sad to see the direction our youth are going. Anyway, they're not thrash!

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

True Thrash Metal, should be in the top 10.

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.

Not exactly thrash.

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.

Nevermore is thrash

One of my favorite bands, Jeff Loomis, enough said, not thrash though

Surprised to see them this high.

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 band 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 extraterrestial. I hate prog and pizza thrash, but their final album is a 10/10 masterpiece. Give it a listen.

Best Thrash band formed outside the 80s. If you've never heard them before check out "Fast Paced Society" and "Hunger for Violence" once you're assimilated from these go buy Black Future and Outer Isolation because they're 2 of the best thrash albums ever made.

Trivium ignore all pigeonholes, and with 'Vengeance Falls' 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.

It's a joke that Trivium are on this list at all. They, along with Bullet For My Valentine Slipknot and As I Lay Dying, are all just different kinds of metal"core". Whiny lyrics with occasional growls over boring riffs and by the book solos.

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

Trivium has the best hardest and most melodic guitar riffs.. And their sing and scream voices are great..

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 3 albums were a big influence on thrash, black and death metal.

Not Thrash. Too Evil And Heavy to be Thrash. Baybe death. Actually no, these guys are black Metal. Too evil and awesome to be anything else.

They practically created thrash for Gods sake. Get them to the top ten!

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!

Havok is a great band, and all those other thrash metal bands are lame. This band is so angry, it makes me want to break stuff. Havok makes havoc.

Please, get these guys to the top 10. There is no modern thrash band that plays with half the intensity and energy as Havok. Listen to Time is Up and you'll understand

There's no limit to Machine Heads talent according to me. The wide use of vocal ranges I rare within metal, and the speed and heaviness of the guitars creates a mind altering experience. In other words: Machine head rocks!
Just listen to Burn my Eyes, The More things change... Yeah basically every album except Supercharger and The Burning Red, except if you're into Nu metal

Around for years and keep getting stronger. Last three albums stack against anything out there. Heavy, technical and great. Add to that Burn my Eyes and what more do you want?

Machine head have never let me down, even with Burning Red and Supercharger. They set an example to the bands that played post-thrash music such as Evile and Soulfly.

Most People who have voted for others don't know about this band
Just hear them once
Imperium, Davidian, I am hell, and many other songs are pretty godly!