People often ask a question:
“Which album should I start with if I want to get into thrash metal?”
Most people would recommend the classic albums from the Big 4, and that’s a great place to start.
For me, the greatest thrash metal album of all time is Metallica’s Ride the Lightning.
But I usually recommend a different approach.
Go listen to the debut albums by the Big Four and the other classic thrash bands.
These records may not be as polished or mature as their later releases, but they’re raw, primitive, and absolutely bursting with energy.
Especially Exodus’ Bonded by Blood—it’s basically the textbook of thrash metal.
Once you’ve heard these bands at the very beginning of their careers, you’ll understand what thrash metal is really all about.
Following in Exodus’ footsteps, fellow Bay Area bands like Testament, Death Angel, Forbidden, and many others all captured the boundless energy and youthful rage of their teenage years on their debut albums.
The same goes for Vio-Lence.
With a name like Vio-Lence, what else would you expect?
Their music doesn’t hold back for a second—it’s relentless, vicious, and in your face.
Their debut album, Eternal Nightmare, is an all-out assault from beginning to end, leaving you barely a chance to catch your breath.
That’s why their shows usually erupt into chaos from the very first song, with the pit going completely off the rails.
People can talk about the stories of Bay Area thrash for hours.
But instead of hearing someone else tell you about it, why not experience it for yourself on August 23 in Taipei?
