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

A Cautionary TaleSabbat

A Cautionary Tale (2007 Remaster)

Sabbat, the band that led England’s thrash metal scene, and their “A Cautionary Tale.” With literary lyrics based on Faust—the story of a man who makes a pact with the devil—this masterpiece opened a new door for thrash metal.

It’s a highly addictive track that has captivated many with the contrast between its ferocious sound and its dramatic storytelling.

Many listeners find they can’t get the melodic twin-guitar phrases out of their heads, surfacing for a moment amid the toxic riffs that rage like a storm.

Another defining feature is Martin Walkyier’s storytelling-style vocals, which accentuate the eeriness and tragedy of this cautionary tale.

Death SquadSACRED REICH

Death Squad

Death Squad, a track from Sacred Reich’s debut album Ignorance released in 1987.

Packed with anti-war and anti-establishment themes, it’s a song with a powerful message.

Praised by fans and the media as “a defining record of the second wave of thrash metal,” the album still enjoys strong support today.

Beyond the barrage of fierce riffs, the mid-tempo, heavy, churning groove is irresistible.

The sharp, critical gaze embedded in its aggressive sound is sure to leave you feeling exhilarated!

Mass HypnosisSepultura

Mass Hypnosis

“Mass Hypnosis,” a track from the album released in 1989 by Sepultura, Brazil’s pride in heavy metal.

From the very first moment, you’re hit by a storm of ferocious riffs that will make many think, “This is thrash metal at its finest.” While it may sound relentlessly aggressive at first listen, the contrast with the acoustic section in the middle—ushering in a moment of stillness—adds dramatic depth to the composition.

It’s a meticulously crafted structure you’ll definitely want to experience.

The sound captures the heat and stark atmosphere of South America; in particular, the ensemble where Igor’s drumming and the guitar riffs spark against each other carries a breathtaking intensity.

Tribal ConvictionsVOIVOD

Voivod – Tribal Convictions (Official Video)

Voivod, the Canadian band known for their mutant brand of thrash metal, unleashes the fully sci‑fi world of “Tribal Convictions.” Many listeners probably can’t get those dissonant guitar riffs out of their heads.

It’s an addictive track where the aggression of thrash merges with the intellect of prog, captivating a growing number of fans with its unique resonance.

One of the song’s defining traits is its back-and-forth movement through complex rhythms.

It might seem daunting at first, but the key is to set aside any preconceptions about complexity and just surrender yourself to the maelstrom of sound.

You’ll likely discover something new with every listen.

No CompromiseXentrix

No Compromise

No Compromise,” which opens their 1989 debut Shattered Existence, is a signature track that put UK band Xentrix on the thrash map with a powerful impact.

Fans rave, “The riffs are unbelievable,” and “This is their true essence,” hailing it as a defining song for the band.

The jackhammer drums and earth-crawling, crushing guitar riffs generate an unstoppable forward drive that will shake your soul to its core.

Combining the aggression reminiscent of early Metallica with deft songwriting, this sound showcases the pure destructive force of thrash metal.

Experience this uncompromising wall of sound for yourself.

Release From AgonyDestruction

Release From Agony

German thrash metal is sometimes called “German Thrash,” and Destruction is one of its quintessential bands.

This song strongly conveys the speed and lyricism characteristic of German Thrash, offering a different kind of appeal from American, more traditional thrash metal.

By the way, this version appears on the 2007 best-of album “Thrash Anthems,” which is a self-cover; the improved sound quality makes it even sharper.

Master Of PuppetsMetallica

Metallica: Master of Puppets (Québec City, Québec – October 31, 2009) [Quebec Magnetic]

One of Metallica’s signature songs that produced countless classics.

It’s the title track of the masterpiece Master of Puppets, a landmark in heavy metal history, and a gem packed with Metallica’s sensibilities that already showed them breaking beyond the confines of thrash metal at the time.

The riff every guitar-obsessed metal kid dreamed of, the verse section that makes full use of odd time signatures, and the moment the emotive guitar solo soars out of a midsection built around tasteful clean-tone arpeggios—all of it is endlessly dramatic.

The brilliance of the song’s structure, born from superb band ensemble, is something that will never fade.