Crowley - Whisper of the Evil (1986)

A true metal gem if you ask me, this Japanese troop didn't do much else apart from this platter which featured a wonderfully amateurish cover to scare your parents. Musically though it's al guns blazing pacey metal showcasing some fine guitar solos from Yoshinori Kokune and when you have track titles such as 'Woman In A Black Cape' and 'Stalker' you can't really argue with them, and for the most part the squealing vocals of Takashi Iwai are also noteworthy. At times bordering on thrash, this thunderous albeit slightly amateurish attempt at dark metal is certainly one for collectors. 666!
7/10

White Night - Death Rendez-vouz (1985)

A creaky platter from '85 - White Night (unusual spelling!) were an obscure quintet who only released this plodding yet pitch-black EP which featured a T. Satanson (geddit?!) on vocals. Traditional metal it most certainly is, with slightly strained but convincing vocals over some decent ominous riffs and not so weighty drums. Of the three songs on offer, 'Wild Night' is certainly the best and has the feel of a flatter Mercyful Fate or maybe that's just my imagination running wild in my candle-lit dungeon. Even so, a half-decent EP that's worth your time although I'm pretty sure my nan drew the cover!
6.5/10

Heather Leather - Princess Leather (2005)

I was slightly confused by this record when I first heard it because I thought I'd stumbled on something from the '80s and was then shocked to find that these gals are a recent act to some extent although their first stirrings took place in the mid '80s. This Texan trio consist of vocalist Ruth Garza-Newcomb, who also plays bass, guitarist Sylvia Garza and drummer Margaret Cortina. Oddly this sounds like a weird mix of traditional metal with a crossover feel and pop-edge if that makes sense, but if your their anthem 'We Came To Destroy' you might understand what I mean. there is certainly a bubble-gum edge to proceedings and the vocals are often out of key but it really does have an endearing punky edge particularly on 'Undercover' with its catchy riff whilst 'Let's Rock' has a driving guitar and drum and a demo quality, and after I've spun the eight tracks I'm rather confused by this cheeky little record, but I'm bemused enough to like it because it's so damn catchy.
6.5/10

Sacred Blade - Of the Sun + Moon (1986)

Yep, we're still stuck in 1986 wit a reasonably meaty offering - and their only album - from British Columbia's Sacred Blade who I believe are still going but under a different name. Listen, I'm not going to argue with metal that is as punchy as this. I was actually introduced to this brand of fist-clenching metal via one of the 'Metal Massacre' compilations, and it's the sort of record I would have loved to have picked up in the '80s mainly due to Jeff Ulmer's (R.I.P.) vocals which are a mix of gravel and ball-breaking high-pitched squeal. A number of good and intelligent numbers on this opus, ranging from the title track through to 'Salem' and my favourite rocker 'Master of the Sun.' Good solid melodic metal.
7/10

Legion - Legion of Death (1986)

A foggy obscurity comes via Ohio trio Legion who were probably one of a hundred other bands with the same name, and musically they were nothing spectacular meaning that their lifespan was incredibly short. This four-track EP was their only release and boasted rather weak sounding vocals courtesy of Dave Belanger whilst the guitars were pretty watery too although that could have been down to the poor production which made the drums of King Douglass sound as if he was tapping a desk with his fingers. Of course, amidst the flaws there were a few attempts at metal majesty with 'The Weak Must Die' and 'Good-bye' but these are fifteen minutes of your life you won't miss, but again, like so many other records, the lukewarm 'Legion of Death' deserves its exposure to the light after being in the basement for so long.
5.5/10

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

Sextrash - Sexual Carnage (1990)

With an album cover that would have sent most spotty head-banging teenagers off their rocker, Sextrash barely caused a flutter with their unholy brand of Venom-esque thrash n' roll and looking back it wasn't as bad as I initially thought, in fact this is quite a raw and evil sounding record clearly fuelled by too much beer, porn and denim n' leather. Although the likes of 'Alcoholic Mosh' and 'Seduced by Evil' rattle by like a rusty old tank, there is certainly a groove element which bands of today have been trying replicate rather poorly. One also can't ignore the delightful growls of Pussy Ripper who sadly passed in 1997, but for those of you who want a dirty black thrash attack then this obscurity is worth hunting down. Brazilian brilliance through and through and with a fetid air of the underground about it, one can only choke on the vile glory of 'Genital Tumour' with its ravenous opening riff.
7/10

Steel Fury - Lesser of Two Evils (1989)

More obscure thrash - after all, that's what we like best - this time from Steel Fury who, despite their charm do sound rather dated considering this is very much a Metallica mimic circa 'Ride the Lightning.' The vocals are very much in that James Hetfield vein and although the music isn't overtly heavy it's still a decent half-baked thrash record with my favourite numbers being 'Justice Day' and 'choose Death' but it's hard to believe that metal had really started to move on from '88 onwards especially with the likes of Faith No More injecting a high dose of innovation and colour. Even so, this type of bog standard thrash sounds all the more glorious so many decades later.
6.5/10

Flames - Summon the Dead (1988)

A dark and sinister record this one that evokes images of murky Satanic dungeons and black candles flickering bright. Thankfully this lives up to its cover, with 'Summon the Dead' wrenching influence from the likes of Bathory, Destruction, Kreator, Bulldozer, Possessed, Slayer, Sodom. Greek metal has never sounded so wizened and grim with blazing riffs, squalid bass and dry rasping serpentine vocals. Very much a black thrash attack featuring such cult classics as 'Eastern Front,' 'Avenger' and 'Kill for Mummy', a must-have if you like dirty demonic metal but some hints of intriguing melody too. Quite a rarity or so I've been told but worth selling your soul for!
8/10

Jersey Dogs - Thrash Ranch (1990)

It's hard to ignore an album with that cover and that title! If this was released nowadays it would probably be perceived as one of those retro-stoner albums, but this is in fact a classy piece of thrash metal from 1990. Although I know little about this quartet this is still a decent, if slightly no-thrills slab of speedy metal which brings to mind the likes of Australia's Mortal Sin. Some nice touches with the bass, and some very good grooves to get into especially with the likes of 'Posse of Doom' which although a tad formulaic in their presentation are still solid thrash numbers. The main issue however is the almost comedy element to some of the track titles, i.e. 'Greasy Funked Chicken' which don't do the band any favours, and it's another of those annoying funk metal tracks which is a shame because the likes of 'Last Breath,' 'Another Pretty Day' are sound tunes.
7/10

Mad Butcher - Metal Lightning Attack (1985)

Just choke on the black fumes of this German band's debut release. 'Metal Lightning Attack' is a straight up metal platter that makes heads bang and bones rattle. Imagine a stuffy Motorhead mixed with a blackened, thrashy fury or even the embers of say Possessed, particularly in the vocal sneers of "Metal Harry" who rattles the bass too. At times 'metal...' is a pacey record, propped up by the likes of 'Burn It Down' which is hell-bent on removing the skin from your face, but there's a catchy element to this, even a hint of boogie dare I say it with tracks such as 'Fearless Heartless' but the band are at their most dangerous when they just go for it, 'Rock Shock' a prime example of the oily nature of this piece of filth. Damn those German metal-heads could rock, a great country when it comes to producing quality metal in the '80s.
7/10

Maninnya Blade - Merchants in Metal (1986)

Somehow brilliant in its murky metal nature and yet so at fault for the fluctuating vocal performance of Leif Erikkson who one moment seems quite comfortable with those caveman growls but then goes all out of tune on us despite the prehistoric guitars and cavernous atmospherics of the likes of 'Bearer of the Ring.' Very much sword and sorcery metal from the far reaches of Sweden this is doom-laden at times, always a jewel in Sweden's crown but a record that cavorts with the silly leathery vibe as Manowar but yet remains so bloody superb in its frenzy. After all, just check out the rampant guitars and wolfen chants of 'Metal Pride' or the metallic beast that is 'Raiders' and one can imagine the black wax of this armour-lated beast sitting nicely on the turntable, but it's so '80s that it's almost impossible to slag off despite its many flaws. Somehow punky ion its flavour, this is still the kind of underground release that helped prop up the cess-pit.
7.5/10

 

Exploder - Pictures of Reality (1989)

Epic German metal featuring warbling warrior vocals from the heart (Andreas Jean Gabrielli) although musically the likes of 'Berlin' appear as melodic power metal, but the star of the show is no doubt guitarist Uli Prieser who turns the likes of 'Mercenary' into minor thrash work-outs. I admit to finding the vocals a tad irritating after a few listens and this does sound rather dated for '80s, seemingly finding itself in the stuffy confines of the mid '80s, but still worth a few listens.
6.5/10

Bloody Mary - s/t (1985)

Murky metal from the pit of the mid '80s, perfect for a night by the decomposing corpse. Bloody Mary are one of a few bands to adopt this moniker but certainly one of the best, due to the obscure vocal sneers of Michael Parma, who, alongside Klaus Schierling provides the less harmful guitars, but it's still basement underground metal at its finest, propelled by the wailing fires of 'Night of the Devil' and the blazing 'Don't Fear The Night' and 'Just Need The Dark'. Full-on archetype metal to frighten the school teachers and give you an aura of eternal fire as you join the minions of Hell in your quest for metal mayhem.
7/10

Fact - As A Matter of Fact (1984)

Probably one of the '80s finest, rip-roaring metal moments although not many would have appreciated this gem of a record born from the wastes of Germany. The vocals alone make this opus worthy, Fact being a searing, roaring beast of a machine fronted by Reent Froehlich who is backed by the guitar guns of Michael "Metal Micky" Otto and Patricia Huth. This is some record, born from the same fires that spawned the likes of Priest but more so Accept, because this at times borders on burning speed metal, all guns blazing, wings flapping and fire-breathing...this is a really forceful record that never lets up until the embers of 'Hard Times' have rested in the darkness. Album opener 'Marauder' is such a buzzing, shredding, maniacal face-melter that one can only smirk at its intensity. A complete and utter tour de force of an opus, a must-have....blistering.
8.5/10

Jade - If You're Man Enough (1985)

A nifty slab of hard rock metal featuring a cool cover showing the band in all their frilly, pompous glory. This is white hot Canadian metal with a NWOBHM edge and some excellent guitar work from Pat Belrose, although vocals, when in high swing were a touch grating - but thanks Peter Rieker anyway! 'If You're...' is still a good melodic metal album with cuts such as 'Timeless' being energetic rockers but there's a nice subtlety to this record too, as the likes of 'Instruments of the Night' drifts by. A forgotten gem and one worth tracking down in the racks.
6.5/10

Mistreated - One More For The Road (1987)

A rather crisp, rich and sugary slice of American rock featuring a number of bubblegum-rock anthems such as the infectious strut of 'It's Getting Better.' Mistreated were a one album entity who vanished off the face of the earth with this reasonable pompous platter. The six-piece (including a harmonica player!) were very much of the glam variety, particularly with Matthew Basson's hair-lacquered vocal pout and the zany albeit not too harmful guitars of D.C. and the delightfully named Julius P. Ulrich III but these guys cold sure right a mean ballad ('Close to You') although they were happy to slap occasional meaty offerings too, such as the superb powerhouse that is 'Destroyer' and the energetic 'Decide.'
7/10

Bloodlust - Terminal Velocity (1988)

This is an EP from the Californian thrashers, and a barn-stormer of a release it was - featuring just four tracks, and running for under 20 minutes, this was a real slab of beefy, often speedy thrash with Steve Gaines at the vocal helm spewing out the lyrics in classic thrash style. Several line-up changes from the 1985 debut but this still makes for a frothing lesson as the likes of 'City of the Forgotten' zip by with razor precision. Not overly original, but thick in its sound and catchy too just a shame this was the last musical composition the guys put out. A real cult thrash gem.
7.5/10