Heavy Metal Mayhem: The Top 10 Most Aggressive 80’s Thrash Metal Songs

The Aggressive 80’s: The Birth of Thrash Metal

The 1980s was a pivotal time for heavy music. It was the era when genres began to branch out and take on new forms. Among these, one genre that would leave a lasting impact was thrash metal. Hailing from the West Coast, Bay Area, and Europe, these heavy metal bands took the world by storm with their aggressive riffs, fast tempo, and raw energy. In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 most aggressive 80’s thrash metal songs that left a lasting impact on the metal scene.

10. Heathen – “Open the Graves” (1987)

Heathen’s debut album “Breaking the Silence” featured some of the most aggressive and brutal riffs of the era. With “Open the Graves,” you can feel the intensity and energy seeping through every note. The relentless drumming and crushing guitar riffs made this song a standout track on the album.

9. Toxik – “Bombies” (1987)

Toxik’s “Thrash Metal” album was a major force in the 80’s scene. “Bombies” featured some of the most aggressive drumming and riffing of the time. The song’s tempo is relentless, taking the listener on a wild ride of mayhem and chaos.

8. Forbidden – “Chosen Few” (1988)

Forbidden’s “Forbidden Evil” album was a game-changer in the thrash metal scene. The song “Chosen Few” showcased the band’s ability to craft aggressive, yet memorable riffs. The song’s chorus features some of the most iconic vocals of the era.

7. Vio-Lence – “Kill on Command” (1988)

Vio-Lence was one of the most aggressive bands to come out of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. “Kill on Command” is a standout track from their debut album, featuring some of the most vicious and brutal riffs of the era. The song’s tempo is relentless, with breakneck drumming and screaming guitar work.

6. Kreator – “Tormentor” (1985)

Kreator was one of the pioneering bands of the thrash metal scene. “Tormentor” featured some of the most aggressive and technical guitar work of the era. The song’s pace is relentless, with pounding drums and piercing vocals.

5. D.R.I. – “Violent Pacification” (1984)

D.R.I.’s (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles) early work was a major influence on the thrash metal scene. “Violent Pacification” is a stand-out track from their debut album “Dirty Rotten”, featuring some of the most aggressive and rebellious lyrics of the era.

4. Exodus – “Piranha” (1987)

Exodus’ “Bonded by Blood” album is a thrash metal classic. “Piranha” is a standout track that features some of the most aggressive and technical riffs of the era. The song’s tempo is relentless, with pounding drums and screaming guitar work.

3. Slayer – “Raining Blood” (1986)

Slayer’s “Reign in Blood” album is a thrash metal masterpiece. “Raining Blood” features some of the most aggressive and intense lyrics of the era. The song’s pace is relentless, with pounding drums and shrieking vocals.

2. Megadeth – “Rope” (1986)

Megadeth’s “Killing is My Business…and Business is Good!” album is another thrash metal classic. “Rope” features some of the most aggressive and intense riffs of the era. The song’s tempo is relentless, with pounding drums and screaming guitar work.

1. Possessed – “Evilive” (1987)

Possessed’s “Seven Churches” album is a thrash metal masterpiece. “Evilive” is a standout track that features some of the most aggressive and intense riffs of the era. The song’s tempo is relentless, with pounding drums and screaming vocals.

Conclusion

The 80’s thrash metal scene was a time of raw energy, aggression, and rebellion. These ten songs represent some of the most intense and aggressive tracks of the era. The intensity and energy of these songs will never be forgotten, and the lasting impact they had on the metal scene cannot be overstated.

FAQs

Q: Who was the most influential thrash metal band of the 80’s?
A: Slayer was one of the most influential thrash metal bands of the 80’s. Their album “Reign in Blood” is considered one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time.

Q: What was the hallmark of 80’s thrash metal?
A: The hallmark of 80’s thrash metal was its raw energy, aggression, and fast-paced tempo. The genre was characterized by fast drumming, aggressive riffs, and intense vocals.

Q: How did thrash metal influence other metal subgenres?
A: Thrash metal heavily influenced other metal subgenres such as death metal and grindcore. The aggressive riffs and fast tempo of thrash metal paved the way for more extreme and technical forms of metal.

Q: Are there any modern thrash metal bands that carry on the legacy of the 80’s scene?
A: Yes, there are many modern thrash metal bands that continue to carry on the legacy of the 80’s scene. Bands such as Testament, Exodus, and Kreator still tour and release new music today, keeping the spirit of 80’s thrash metal alive.

Q: Are the 80’s thrash metal songs still relevant today?
A: Absolutely. The 80’s thrash metal songs still hold up today, with many of them continuing to influence new generations of metal musicians. The aggression, energy, and rebellion of 80’s thrash metal will always be relevant, making them an essential part of the metal canon.