Order From Chaos - Stillbirth Machine (1993)

A nasty little record this one, combining raw black metal and grim death metal. Strangely this sounds older than what it is, but that's down to the primal nature. Vocally it's quite hideous as Pete Helmkamp gives us a horrific impersonation of a guttural demon and rasping witch all the while the sludgy, punk-infested guitars have a sort of crusty accessibility about them meaning that the seven-minute title track, the pungent opener 'The Edge of Forever' and the vile 'Blood & Thunder' remain infectious yet gritty and raw. If you ask me there's a British feel about this billowing mess of a record, because it has such a thick sound - Chuck Keller's weird, choking guitars are quite smothering and the dark philosophical lyrics give this album an oily edge - the stains will be a nightmare to remove after a spin of this filth.
8/10

Legend - From the Fjords (1979)

Here's a U.S. band that lives up to its name. The seeds of heavy metal were certainly sewn in the '70s and Legend's only full-length opus is something to be admired, bringing to mind the epic feel of the likes of Heavy Lad and Cirith Ungol although those bands took metal to more icy realms. This opus has some nice subtle touches, mainly in Kevin Nugent's almost calm persona but there is certainly a dark edge throughout this record, more evident on the brooding 'The Destroyer' which features some superb guitar work from the Nuge'. Eight tracks on this one, and the sort of mythological metal that one can easily become lost in while the rest of your mates are down the pub!
7/10

Korgul the Exterminator - Metal fist Destroyer (2013)

One of my favourite albums from 2013, 'Metal fist Destroyer' is a true voyage into '80s metal as Korgull the Exterminator - who've named themselves after a Voivod song - quite literally clatter, clank, rattle and roll their way through thirteen brisk, old school metal tracks bringing to mind the likes of Voivod (of course!), Possessed, Venom et al. These guys have been around a few years now but this opus really does reek of rust and metallic mayhem, from the cyber-thrash guitars to the superb gnarly vocal sneers of Lilith Necrobitch. Not many modern thrash, or heavy metal albums in general will make this list but 'Metal fist...' is such a sordid album and not one of these mere revival projects.

'Battalion of Punishment,' 'Obliteration,' 'Possessed by Steel,' the title track and the raving mad cover of 'Korgull the Exterminator' are just a handful of tracks I could grin about, but such is the ravenous quality of this record that it should appeal to any real thrash fans, but particularly those who dig blackened, obscure sounding thrash - this a vicious record bolstered by the nasty guitars of Mark Wild, the diseased bass of Steel Maniac and the hostile drums of Joe Bastard.
8.5/10

Gack - Fix (1993)

Considering thrash metal was very much on the way out circa 1993 Gack's obscure 'Fix' remains one of my favourite albums not just within the genre, but also as an underrated gem that slipped under the radar of many. intriguingly Gack featured members of Laaz Rockit, and Defiance - both noteworthy thrash acts who released a batch of albums respectively. Even so, this opus, and it's their only one, is certainly more groove-based and melodic in its vocals even hinting at a grunge influence, but it's a cracking debut that really should have stirred a few brains. Whether it emerged at the wrong times is anybody's guess but when one considers the amount of bands between 1990 and 1993 who were trying something different, it's no real surprise that Gack got swept away with countless other interesting bands as grunge took over.

'Fix' is a fluid album that boasts meaty vocals, heavy riffs and a sturdy drum sound but above all it boasts some superb tunes, especially in opener 'Pure', 'Break the Water', 'Liquid Palace' and 'Show me Why' and it's one of the only albums I've heard to successfully merge thrash metal and grunge. Maybe the fact it never spawned a hit meant this was destined for cult status but it's amazing to think that so many nu-metal bands were attempting this type of cool vibe and yet never come close to the fluent nature of this beast. This smokes from the off, oozing from every crevice but just not enough people cared. Not overtly removed from Laaz Rockit, but Michael Coons gives the vocal performance of his life here. One of the only good things to emerge after the dissipation of the thrash scene, and one of the only cool albums to emerge in that vomit-inducing period. Fans of C.O.C. circa 'Blind' may also find this groove machine to their liking.
8/10

Messina - Terrortory (1990)

This is solid thrash metal circa 1990 from the Netherlands. These unknown guys only recorded this debut and then vanished into thin air but boy am I glad they set their minds to this nine-track affair. There was something rather bruising and street-wise about 'Terrortory' especially on the likes of the weighty 'Who's For Dinner' which was pretty long for a thrash track clocking in at over seven-minutes. Chris Ploegmakers vocals were always tough-sounding and convincing over the buzzing riffs and thrashing drum, and it was a record that never failed to entertain. The title track, with its opening melody, and the epic 'Ritual Killings' were my favourite tracks from an album that should have put the band in good stead, but alas, like so many others they folded; but from its brooding riffs to its gloomy cover this was a very cool record at times.
8/10

Carrion - Evil is There (1986)

Another gloriously forgotten thrash effort from '86, Carrion were one of goodness knows how many bands to adopt this moniker. Their brand of dry thrash was music to my ears back in the '80s although only by way of a magical compilation which I've completely forgotten the name of. Sadly this was the only album this Swiss band made, but it was full of cool catchy riffs, dry raspy vocals and some fantastic solos from the off. There was always an air of menace about this record with opener 'Shark Attack' getting its fangs in early with those sneering vocals of V.O. Pulver, and 'Antichrist' is delivered with even more cutting edge aplomb. A really good record this one, the band of course responsible for the Poltergeist line-up too who were also a cool, underrated thrash act.
7/10

MX - Simoniacal (1988)

Yes, it's another slab of thrash metal, this time from MX, another bunch of Brazilian nut-cases who deal in twisted, speedy thrash featuring great, raspy evil-sounding vocals. 'Simoniacal' is the band's debut record featuring such wonderful ditties as 'Dirty Bitch,' 'Satanic Noise', and 'Jason' with its creepy structure. Certainly a real cult offering, and whilst tinny in nature MX are worth checking out if you like cutting, fast thrash with an underground feel. Beneath the rasping vocals and dirty appearance of this there seems to be a real eye for melody and the occasional traditional metal riff thrown in so there's certainly an old school feel about it...in other words, it's real thrash with a clattering quality.
7/10