[For Beginners] Start Here! A Collection of Classic Thrash Metal Songs

Blind FaithKreator

Kreator – Blind Faith

Alongside Sodom and Destruction, they stand as one of the leading German thrash metal bands.

The nickname “the three crows of German thrash” is well known among Japanese fans.

This track is a classic in thrash metal history, featured as the opening number on Kreator’s third album, Terrible Certainty, released in 1987.

Forget polish or tidy precision—this is furious, runaway thrash that single-mindedly pursues speed.

You’ll be knocked out by its blistering, breakneck rage, no question!

Bonded By BloodExodus

Bonded by Blood

Exodus, a pioneering presence among the so-called Bay Area thrash metal bands.

In their early days, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett was a member, and after Slayer’s Jeff Hanneman passed away, guitarist Gary Holt joined as his successor—placing Exodus in a crucial position in thrash metal history.

This track is a signature classic from their acclaimed debut album, Bonded by Blood, released in 1985.

It’s an absolute banger where you can revel in the blistering, full-throttle song structure and the distinctive riffs known as the Bay Area crunch.

Agent OrangeSodom

Agent Orange (Re-Recorded)

This is a signature classic that opens Agent Orange, the iconic third album released in 1989 by Sodom, one of Germany’s leading thrash metal bands.

The album itself charted in Germany and became a breakthrough for them.

You can sense some influence from Slayer, but the trio’s lineup delivers a stripped-down, no-frills band ensemble that’s cool and irresistibly badass.

The solid guitar work, a rhythm section that shifts tempos with ease, and the snarling, spit-out vocals—all brim with the quintessential appeal of thrash metal.

I Don’t Need SocietyD.R.I.

I Don’t Need Society

The song “I Don’t Need Society,” emblematic of the early career of the popular thrash band D.

R.

I.

, captures the explosive impulse of hardcore punk from a group that would later become pioneers of crossover thrash.

Its biggest draw is the overwhelming sense of speed slammed out in just over a minute.

The vocals shouting “I don’t need society” feel like they’re giving voice to the pent-up anger of youth.

It’s a track that touches the very source of thrash metal’s aggression—a true origin point.

Don’t overthink it—just surrender to this unflinching surge of energy!

HypnotizedHeathen

Heathen – Hypnotized

Hypnotized, the monumental pinnacle of technical thrash unleashed by the American band Heathen.

From the shocking intro that opens with a cult leader’s speech, you’re instantly pulled into its world—this track is highly addictive! It’s an epic running over eight and a half minutes, yet the constantly shifting sections never make it feel long.

Intricately interwoven guitar riffs and unpredictable rhythm changes are the song’s biggest draws.

Many listeners likely find themselves thinking, “The technical performance and beautiful melodies just won’t leave my head!” The meticulously crafted structure is truly breathtaking.

First, surrender yourself to its dramatic soundscape and let it take you in.

Critical MassNuclear Assault

Nuclear Assault – Critical Mass

Critical Mass by the American thrash metal band Nuclear Assault is a strongly message-driven song that tackles environmental destruction.

Its music video caused a big stir at the time, and even now fans continue to post words of praise.

What makes this much-loved classic so compelling is John Connelly’s screamed vocals and the earth-rumbling bass! It’s a crossover thrash number overflowing with speed.

The original track is ultra-fast, but for now, just let yourself be carried away by its momentum! This concentrated mass of sound, packing punk’s raw impulse and metal’s aggression, is sure to shake your eardrums to the core!

Rotten To The CoreOVERKILL

Rotten to the Core

Rotten To The Core is a track from Overkill’s debut album—its sound wrapped in punkish impulse, yet its lyrics cut savagely into the rot of society.

That stark contrast has hooked scores of listeners with its high addictiveness.

The song is defined by blistering, rapid-fire riffs and piercing high-pitched shouts that recur again and again.

Its very simplicity lets the band’s primal spark hit listeners directly, across generations.

First, surrender yourself to the headlong charge of the rhythm section, then feel the guitar onslaught carve in deeper and deeper.