The New Big 4: The Best Young Thrash Bands! 6/3/2011 2:29:01 PM by Frank
The Big 4 Tour Metal Fest with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax has been a dream come true for thousands of old-school thrash fans. Those bands have been in the business for almost 30 years, so I asked some of our staff writers who they think are the best young thrash bands out there today. Here's the top bands chosen:
Angelus Apatrida
Spain's Angelus Apatrida greet the metal contingents with a blasting third endeavor that rivals the latest and greatest of thrash concepts. Amazing production values and standards are in place to back what amounts to be the best Bay Area thrash album to be released outside of America. This talented act lay down smokin' Testament and Death Angel vibes while keeping it fresh with different arrangements and a full arsenal of dynamic grooves. Vocals are spaced out and remain vivid and intelligible throughout. Hottest of the hot and one of the leaders of this new wave. --EC
Havok
The last few years have sparked thousands of Thrash bands all trying to claim the throne. It can be tough to stick out. Like many others Havok may not bring much to the table that's original but it does a solid job of keeping the pulse of this genre alive. Through smooth production, machine gun riffs and blistering drum work. Like on the breathless opener Prepare For Attack, Scumbag In Disguise, Covering Fire and Cleric. --Chris Kincaid
Lazarus A.D.
The seeds of Metal greatness were planted on 2009's "The Onslaught" and continue to show promise on "Black Rivers Flow". It's still a hard hitting trip to riff city but with a few tweaks that have tightened their axe grinding assault. More groove is dished out for a crossover/mainstream appeal it doesn't come at the expense of watering down their sound. It still gets the seal of headbanging approval. --Chris Kincaid
Warbringer
Taking a cue straight from early era Slayer, Warbringer comes guns blazin' right out of the gates. The vocals are reminiscent of Reign in Blood Slayer and Fabulous Disaster Exodus. The guitars are a well balanced mix of melody and speed, with some technical work thrown in to melt your face down to a bubbling mess. The drums and bass bring up the back end and fatten up the track. Trust me, I blew a few speakers blasting this one. --Greg
