Taurus - Signo de Taurus (1986)

Translated as 'Sign of the Taurus' this 1986 debut album is another fine example of cult Brazilian thrash that was overlooked as Sepultura carved their way into metal history. These guys released three decent albums at the tail end of the '80s and then returned rather lamely in 2010, but for fans of speedy, although not ultra-heavy thrash, this is a good record which if anything is let down by the low-budget production and rather poor vocal attack of Otávio Augusto. Even so, it makes for a pacey listen but it does lack in the technical department and doesn't appear as innovate or memorable despite some nice riffs. Taurus weren't as volatile as Mutilator but I'd still recommend an album like this to those seeking a glimpse into the Brazilian thrash underground.
6.5/10

Mutilator - Immortal Force (1987)

Nothing beats taking a trip back into old school thrash/death metal, and Brazil's Mutilator were responsible for some classic blistering metal, particularly with their 'Into the Strange' opus and this brutal affair, their debut opus. Sadly these guys only released two albums but it was great while it lasted, giving us kids a deeper understanding of underground thrash/death metal as they churned out numerous classic, evils-sounding riffs which would no doubt go on to influence the likes of Darkthrone. 'Immortal Force' is a fantastic, ear-shredding platter with elements of old Slayer, and while it may not be original or particularly memorable at first - often due to its speed - it's still engrossing minor-classic which spear-headed the Brazilian scene alongside Sepultura and the likes, and there are still some superb riffs thrown in there, especially on that opening 'Memorial Stone Without A Name'. As a track it pretty much sums up the Mutilator sound with its hardcore, punkier leanings as well as that speed and sporadic measured moments, but overall this is a must have thrash-fest for any serious fan of extreme metal.
8/10

Sign of the Jackal - Mark of the Beast (2013)

Another cracker from the present, Sign of the Jackal have clearly spent many an ungodly hour listening to old Motley Crue because the riffs on offer here have been wrenched from 'Shout at the Devil' and there's nothing wrong with that when it works and Sign of the Jackal really do make it work. These guys hail from Italy and 'Mark...' is their debut opus and it's one that showcases the vocal talents of Laura Coller who acts as a grittier Vince Neil with those snarling sleazoid rasps, but one thing that's certain here and that's the fact that these guys are pure '80s metal. This is a hard record to put down, with the likes of 'Night of the Undead', 'Hellhounds,' 'Fight for Rock' all taking on that fiery '80s quality. Laura's vocal display is top notch and the musicianship enables this record to rise above the formulaic - how these guys fair in the modern climate with revival being on everyone's agenda we'll have to see but I'm of the opinion that the music of Sign of the Jackal is potent enough to hold them in good stead.
7.5/10

Burn - s/t (1984)

Burn were a fantastic Swedish metal band who were unknown and yet responsible for this scorcher of a record. Just a few spins and you'll be swamped that wicked guitar tone as the riffs and solos literally blitz the ears. Vocally it's nothing out of the ordinary but the beefy tones of Tom Oakland, with their Dave Lee Roth type croon do go hand in hand with that rich guitar sound, and with tracks like 'The Rebel' and 'Make Her Mine' this New Wave of British Heavy Metal-styled groove machine should keep you happy for hours. Fans of early Tygers of Pan Tang may find this a gem of a record
7/10

Protector - Reanimated Homonculus (2013)

Whilst I try to resist reviewing too many modern albums on this rather nostalgic and often creaky blog, Protector's 'Reanimated Homonculus' (what a title!!) has to be one of 2013's finest thrash moments, showing all the new kids on the block just how to play genuine rip-roaring '80s metal. It's great to have these German thrashers back but boy, I didn't expect their return to be so mind-blowing. This opus even gives classic Kreator a run for its money such is its razor-sharp prowess and sneering arrogance. I've always been a fan of that breakneck style of no thrills snarling thrash but this really is a formidable return to form from a band who've decided not to opt for modern dynamics in their quest for slashing flesh. Whilst the likes of Sodom and Destruction, have kept the earthy thrash flag flying it could be argued that alongside Kreator they've opted for a more accessible sound, but Protector have just gone for the throat with this one, and it's made all the more bone-cracking by featuring original vocalist Martin Missy who simply shreds this time round.

Whilst it may be nigh on impossible to pick a favourite track I'd suggest you lay your flayed ears on tracks such as 'Deranged Nymphomania' or the savage opener 'Sons of Kain.' You NEED to own this uncompromising thrash workout, because if you're a new fan to this sort of stuff then it provides not only a perfect insight into the halcyon days of the scene but also shows how this type of music needs to be played today. Forget trends, this is thrash metal from the start and from the heart.
9/10

Cycle Sluts From Hell - s/t (1991)

These short-lived cult New Yorkers were an all-female combo sporadically and variously back by a number of famed metal musicians, including the likes of Overkill's Bobby Gustafson, among others, but despite being around the '80s they only released one record - this self-titled rocker which somehow managed to combine sweaty Joan Jett-styled innuendo with a goofy White Zombie-meets-Danzig oily sleaze. Hell, any band that can have members called Venus Penis Crusher, Queen Vixen, Lord Roadkill, and Donna She Wolf have just got to be worth the entry fee alone, but for the most part despite the novelty feeling this is still a decent metal album with the likes of 'Conqueress', 'I Wish You Were A Beer' and 'Badass Mama' being the most notable. Perfect rock n' roll for a silly night out, and it's a shame the cult status never propelled them to dizzier heights.
7/10

Avenger - Blood Sports (1984)

Not to be confused with Avenger mentioned elsewhere on this blog, these guys were an influential NWOBHM who most certainly would've inspired countless number of later '80s speed metal bands such is the ferocity of numbers on offer here such as 'Enforcer.' These Brit metallers only release two albums back in the day, and this opus was their first, a mighty fine little gem of a record that boasted some raging numbers such as 'You'll Never Take Me (Alive)' featuring the killer guitars of Les Cheetham and Ian Swift's no thrills but no holds barred vocal attack. A fiery record this that rarely lets up on the pace and even a cover of Montrose's 'Matriach' is given extra full-blooded steel.
7/10