Summary of overseas bands representing thrash metal

Raining BloodSLAYER

Raining Blood

Slayer, an American band that stands as one of the Big Four of thrash metal and exudes the aura of a reigning monarch.

Their appeal lies in a ferocious, thrilling sound where razor-sharp guitar riffs and storm-like drums strike in unison.

The 1986 masterpiece Reign in Blood became a monumental landmark of the genre and had a profound influence even on later death metal.

Their provocative lyrics, which challenged taboos, stirred much controversy, but it was precisely their uncompromising stance that won them fervent support from fans.

An absolute presence that continues to reign in the history of heavy metal, shaking the listener’s instincts to the core.

Holy Wars…The Punishment DueMegadeth

Megadeth – Holy Wars…The Punishment Due

Megadeth, who brand themselves as “intellectual thrash metal,” reign as one of the Big Four of thrash.

Founder Dave Mustaine—famous as a former member of Metallica—crafts technical, cerebral guitar riffs that are true works of art.

Their high-speed, intricately unfolding sound fuses with contemplative lyrics about politics, society, and personal conflict, shaking listeners to their core.

Albums like the towering milestone Rust in Peace and the Grammy-winning Dystopia are essentially the genre’s history in record form.

Having weathered numerous lineup changes, they continue to carve new legends at the forefront of the scene—an indispensable presence in any discussion of thrash metal.

BatteryMetallica

Battery (Remastered)

Metallica is an American band that forged the history of thrash metal.

As one of the genre’s “Big Four” and a 10-time Grammy Award winner, they are truly living legends.

They took the scene by storm with their early rapid-fire riffs and aggressive sound, and have continued to evolve—achieving worldwide success with Metallica (the Black Album), which boldly approached hard rock.

Their shape-shifting musicality shows that they’re not just heavy, but highly structured.

“Music must always keep changing!” Their powerful philosophy resonates through their sound—and it’s sure to strike you to the core.

IndiansANTHRAX

Anthrax – Indians

Anthrax, known as one of the “Big Four,” is a thrash metal band formed in the United States in 1981.

The members include rhythm guitarist Scott Ian, drummer and songwriter Charlie Benante, and vocalist Joey Belladonna, who has Native American heritage.

While West Coast bands dominated the scene, Anthrax emerged from the East Coast with a sound that fused the aggression of thrash metal with the energy of punk and a distinctive sense of humor.

Their innovative crossover with rap is said to have greatly expanded the possibilities of heavy metal.

They continue to work actively, including world tours, and with a new release on the horizon, there is growing attention on what they’ll do next.

Critical MassNuclear Assault

Nuclear Assault – Critical Mass

Nuclear Assault is a band formed in New York City in 1984.

Centered around bassist Dan Lilker—also a founding member of Anthrax—and vocalist/guitarist John Connelly, they forged an aggressive, punk-infused sound that hammered hardcore spirit into thrash metal.

Albums like Survive and Handle with Care even charted on Billboard, and their sharply critical lyrics targeting politics and society drew significant attention.

Their musical approach helped define the “crossover thrash” genre, and as a leading force of East Coast thrash, they are said to have greatly influenced subsequent bands.

After multiple breakups and reunions, they ended their activities in 2022, but their legacy is still celebrated by many fans today.

Executioner’s Tax (Swing of The Axe)Power Trip

POWER TRIP – “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of The Axe)” (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Power Trip from the United States slammed hardcore’s soul into the ferocity of thrash metal! Their 2017 masterpiece Nightmare Logic drew widespread attention after being named Album of the Year by many media outlets.

The riffs, hammered out at blistering speed with crushing groove, seize the listener’s heart, don’t they? On top of that, the late Riley Gale’s socially charged lyrics—brimming with intellect and anger—cut razor sharp.

Their signature track, “Executioner’s Tax,” is said to be an anthem that sparks a frenzy of unity at live shows.

Overcoming his tragic passing, the band has begun moving forward once again.

They’re the reigning champions of modern crossover—a story of resilience you need to experience firsthand!

Gods Of ViolenceKreator

KREATOR – Gods Of Violence (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

When it comes to German thrash metal bands, KREATOR is the first that comes to mind.

This track is a thrash tune colored with a modern sound.

Unlike bands from the American Bay Area, amid the ferocious sound there’s a certain sense of melancholy.

That quality is a big reason they’re popular in Japan.