Copyright (c) 2007 THE THRASH METAL GUIDE


0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

N.M.E. (USA)

Based on the debut, this is raw, simplistic thrash (or black) along the lines of Venom; music-wise the merits are very few, but it has definitely had an impact on the future black metal scene.

Unholy Death Full-length, 1986
Machine of War '95 Full-length, 1995
Vermination Full-length, 2002

My Space

N.Y.C. MAYHEM (USA)

Based on the "Mayhemic Destruction" demo: these guys pull out raw, aggressive thrash, which occasionally catches the ear, but most of the time this is brutal bashing, with the drums, guitars, bass and vocals representing one thick wall of not very intelligible sound. Despite its raw nature it's clear that the band were trying to push the boundaries of the genre towards more extreme fields, the way acts like Messiah, Possessed, Death, etc. did later, but in a much better way.

Mayhemic Destruction Demo, 1985
Second Demo Demo, 1985

N.E.U.K. (UK)

Very typical for the time groovy post-thrash in boring mid-pace and semi-shouty hardcore vocals. Some faster moments may remind you of Flotsam & Jetsam's "Quatro" ("Propaganda"), but the rest is pretty boring even by 90's standards, descending to some form of groovy doom on the last 3 songs.

State of Mind Full-length, 1995

NADIMAC (SERBIA)

Cool aggressive thrash ala early Sadus and Rigor Mortis; the music is fast and intense, with very few pauses along the way, characterized by simplistic, straight riffage and very good bass support. "Drzavni Neprijatelj Broj Kec" is built around the songs from the EP, with the new material offering the same relentless approach, fast merciless stuff "shooting" a bullet after bullet ("Headshot U Glavu", "Sam Sebi"), seldom missing the target, boldly venturing into proto-death waters ("Dlake Na Sapunu", where some more stylish semi-technical riffs can also be heard) whenever needed. "Zmajeva Jajca" is a nice number mixing the all-out speedy approach with more melodic hooks recalling the Finns Solitaire, including a playful crossover mid-break. The closing "Bog Cuva Bekriju" is again more in the speed/thrash metal camp, with a couple of more melodic tunes thrown in. For sheer speed this act scores very high, sounding at the same time fresh and varied, and even acts like the Japanese Fastkill and the aforementioned Solitaire could find something to learn from this really nice nod to the old school. The singer Danilo "Daca" Trbojevic also provides the vocals for Daggerspawn.

Metal Je Rat EP, 2009
Drzavni Neprijatelj Broj Kec Full-length, 2009

My Space

NAGNOENIE (RUSSIA)

Thrash/crossover of the retro variety with gruff semi-death metal vocals whcih surprisingly give the music a nice boost; the guys mosh in a more direct thrash manner at times those songs being more mid-paced and heavier, but enjoyable nonetheless. The happiness reaches its climax on the Oriental piece from Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" in the middle, here turned into a vortex of jolly thrash/crossover rhythms, the highlight of the album also featuring vocals. This unpretentious mixture of faster and slower numbers is really appealing, by the way, with a couple of doomy hooks added as well, plus the odd short melodic lead.

Bezumie 13 Full-Length, 2001

NAIL WITHIN (ISRAEL)

Quite good modern thrash/death metal, with a strong nod to the Swedish school, and more particularly to the founders of the whole movement: the mighty At the Gates. The guys offer quite an amalgam of moods and styles: there is straight-out death metal, there is thrash, even with a shade of the 80's, there is also some groove involved, ala Pantera and Machine Head. A contribution to the album's appeal make stars from the thrash/death constellation: Tomas Lindberg himself, Mille Petrozza, another German throat: Robert Gonnella (Assassin), and Ze'ev Tananboim from their compatriots Salem.
Unfortunately at the present time the guys prefer to invest more time and efforts into their other project: the much less impressive groove-laden Betzefer.

Nail Within Full-length, 2003

My Space

NAILBOMB (BRAZIL)

This band was formed by Max Cavalera, after he left Sepultura; he joined efforts here with the Fudge Tunnel member Alex Newport. Together they have done a good job, with the style of their project coming as a combination of the two bands: this is industrial thrash, which is more up-tempo (but nor really fast), and less noisy than the works of Fudge Tunnel, and more dynamic, and much better than the last Sepultura album with Max ("Roots"). The guitars crush admirably, and Cavalera does a very god job behind the mike, without betraying his traditional singing style. Perfectly conformed with the tastes of the day, "Point Blank" was a valuable addition to the growing industrial metal scene, and could be well placed among the best that year, along with Skrew's "Dusted" and Prong"s "Cleansing".

Point Blank Full-length, 1994

My Space

NAILED (CROATIA)

Modern, groovy thrash metal ala Pantera.

Mankind Demo, 2002
World Collapse 2003 Demo, 2003
A Moment Of Clarity Demo, 2005
In Vain Demo, 2006

Official Site

NAILGUNNER (FINLAND)

The vocals would definitely be a pull-back to some: these unholy snarls are almost contrasting to the music which is otherwise very competent, semi-technical thrash quite close to another Finnish band of recent years, Lethargy. Nailgunner's songs are shorter and more direct, but the overall effect is firmly on the positive side.
The full-length is a great debut, featuring forceful thrash of the old school. The guys concentrate on speed and aggression rather than technicality, like it was the case on the demo, and as a result we have Slayer's "Reign in Blood" brought into the new millennium. Don't expect any calm moments: this is an all-out thrash assault until the end. "Craving Your Flesh" betrays the intense thrashing a bit, clinging more towards the speed/thrashing metal side ala early Whiplash; a situation corrected with the aggressive raging "Venomous Overdose". The closing "Torment In Pain" slows down with pounding riffs, and just when one is happy to take a break from the guys' intense delivery, comes the closing section, which is another slab of fast furious thrash. This is a really impressive dedication to the 80's sound, done with inspiration and love of the genre.

All Life Ends Demo, 2004
Thermonuklear Thrash Metal Warfare Split, 2005
Outbreak of Evil Vol. III Split, 2006
Apocalypse, Now or Never Full-Length, 2008

Official Site

NAMELESS (PORTUGAL)

The album title could easily win the "most tasteless album title" award. So apart from "Portuguese Bastards", what else do we have here? There are similarities to Kreator (especially in the vocal department), but Nameless' music is more laid back and less aggressive. It contains a certain crossover element ("The Reasons Of Life", "Feel Like Shit"), some attempts at a more serious song-writing ("When The Maniac Comes Near"), but most of the time this is just an average, run-of-the-mill thrash metal effort.

The Overcome of the Portuguese Bastards Full-length, 1996

My Space

NAMELESS CRIME (ITALY)

American power metal with a certain thrash-flavour is what these Italian guys offer here. The music is actually quite satisfying, reminding of 80's heroes like Heretic, Meliah Rage, Laaz Rockit and Metal Church.

Nameless Crime Full-length, 2003
Backdraft EP, 2004
Law and Persecution Full-length, 2006

My Space

NAPALM (USA)

The band started in a fashion similar to their colleagues Anihilated with energetic, hardcore-ish thrash which was quite a winner despite the lack of many musical merits; the album offered cool deviations from the energetic delivery: the slower, atmospheric 8-min "Act of Betrayal", the mid-paced stomping thrasher "Combat Zone", and the nice galloping piece "Gag of Steel", but the shorter, aggressive explosive pieces, like "A.O.A." and "Attack on America" are truly the more attractive side of the band's music. "Devastation", despite its brutal title, is the most melodic song introducing softer power metal riffs. "Zero To Black" puts most of the hardcore elements away, and is overall more melodic and less impressive, exiting the thrash metal field on quite a few times.

Napalm EP, 1986
Cruel Tranquility Full-length, 1989
Zero to Black Full-length, 1990

Vibrations of Doom

NARCOTIC GREED (JAPAN)

Based on "Twicet Of Fate", this is good semi-technical thrash, touching Equinox and Voivod on the most inspired moments. The vocals are melodic, and at times the higher notes might annoy you. The album begins with the energetic thrasher "Don't Trust Anybody" which also puts forward more stylish decisions; "Shotgun Highway" increases the intensity and speed, and consequently fails to develop further the technical tendencies suggested on the opener, but is a satysfying short headbanger. "Deleted Illusion" thrashes intensely as well, but the guitar sound takes a more interesting edge. "Thug City" is quite an unpleasant surprise, sliding down to hard'n heavy waters, topped by the worst vocal performance on the album: dragging, uninspired number, bad even if intended as a filler. Fortunately, the following songs return to the more dynamic formula, this time coming with a more technical approach, resulting in the album's finest time (Damn' Em All", "Humanchain"). The closer "End Is Near" is another direct up-tempo thrasher.
"Fatal" is a smashing debut, one of the best albums to come out of Japan. This is perfectly executed classic 80's thrash with a Bay-Area flavour, recalling Forbidden's "Forbidden Evil" and Death Angel's "The Ultra Violence". Furious thrashers like the opening "As the World Is Burnt" and "Greed" are the backbone of the album, whereas "Scanning Hell" and "Lost Power" add a more technical, sophisticated touch to the proceedings. "Injector II" is a brilliant song, which combines the more technical side of the two preceding tracks with the raging thrashing nature of the first two. "Disruption" loosens up a bit, being a more uplifting thrash/crossover. The genuine technical edge remains for the last two numbers, and is even more accentuated on, on the magnificent closer "Partial Existence": a riff-fest at its uncompromising best, covering less intense, more up-tempo galloping, and super speedy moments: an encyclopaedia of perfectly executed classic thrash.

Fatal Full-length, 1994
Twicet of Fate Full-length, 2001

NASFERATU (USA)

Aggressive, occasionally brutal thrash/death similar to the French acts Mercyless and Agressor; there is quite a variety at display here: heavy, slower sections, very fast intense ones, mid-paced ones, you name it. The vocals are also all over the place, stretching from very low-tuned death metal growls to some unholy snarls. "Fortress of Solitude" is a very cool thrasher with nice technical hooks, which could sit proud even on Sadus' "Visions of Misery".

Plague of Doom Demo, 1991
For Blood Is The Life Demo, 1992

NASHVILLE SUICIDE MISSION (USA)

Groovy post-thrash, quite heavy, but also one-dimensional, with shades of industrial and alternative; the very angry semi-death vocals are often crossed with much better clean ones, but the music is too rough for them to be made the dominant ones. There is one aggressive modern thrasher in the middle: "God Damn You All", but the rest is jumpy and mid-tempo at best.

The Silver Lining Full-Length, 2004

NASTY SAVAGE (USA)

A distinguished representative of the American metal scene; their debut is power metal of the heavy variety with timid nods to thrash, a promising debut with a sinister, dark sound. The heaviness of the debut was translated onto "Indulgence", which was a full-out thrash affair with great riffs and a crushing, steam-roller like delivery; genuine technical hooks cold be heard sparingly, suggesting at something bigger to come soon. "Abstract Reality" is a nice transitional effort, offering 4 songs of technically-minded heavy thrash with clever guitar sections and truly impressive lead performance: a fine bridge between the more direct approach of "Indulgence" and the future one. "Penetration Point" is a first-class technical thrash album, which could only be compared to the Coroner output; the intensity and the smashing heavy riffage have been lost partially, and some vortex-like sections may make the listener get lost for a while; still the band haven't forgotten about their more straight-forward past, and some tracks are all-out thrashers, this time with faster, more dynamic sections. Despite the high quality of the material offered on this one, a certain feeling remained that the band were capable of more. But they went underground after that, and stayed there until 2004; "Psycho Psycho" might be a disappointment to some, who expected a continuation of the technical thrash from "Penetration Point" since there are very few shades of less ordinary performance here: the sound is closer to "Indulgence" than any other older work of the band with its more conventional, smashing, in-your-face sound, but is by far one of the better comebacks attempted by old veterans of the past few years.

Nasty Savage Full-length, 1985
Indulgence Full-length, 1986
Abstract Reality EP, 1988
Penetration Point Full-length, 1989
Wage Of Mayhem EP, 2003
Psycho Psycho Full-length, 2004

Official Site

NATAS (USA)

Brutal amateurish thrash, with elements of proto-death, and a considerable doze of hardcore; the band later changed their name to Not Us, and the style as well, moving more towards thrash/crossover.

Demo/Rehearsal Demo, 1985
Internal Damnation Demo, 1986
Outcasts Of Society Demo, 1986

NATASTOR (VENEZUELA)

Excellent old school thrash with touches of death (mostly in the vocal department) metal and gehuine technical moments, recalling early Sadus (minus the brutal debut), and fine solo work. The album is quite atmospheric, with orchestral song-structures, and a certain use of keyboards. Elements from the Swedish death metal scene can also be heard, along with a great bass-bottom. The music never gets too aggressive, but straddles between up and mid-tempo. Great technical numbers ala later period Death are the highlight of the album: the atmospheric, but sharp "Flying in the Cloudy Sky", and the most aggressive song "Mental Inquisition" which is graced by fine Oriental guitars and speedy tempos. The closer is the only more death metal-based track, again recalling Death.

Natastor Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NATHENOTHING (SPAIN)

The demo: intense thrash mixing classic with modern riffs, with a heavy pounding sound and a shade of groove. The 2-song EP: some vocals have shown up to scare the listener since they are one of the most agonizing sounds one may encounter on the circuit nowadays. The music hasn't changed remaining pounding black/thrash now recalling Khold.

Demo Demo, 2008
Old Dirt EP, 2009

My Space

NATHRATH (GERMANY)

Instrumental black/thrash, rich on atmosphere, which to these ears sounds like a more accessible Burzum, mixed with less agressive Immortal. In other words, this is 70% black and 30% thrash, mid-paced, with doomy elements, and two majestic intro and outro.

Demotion Demo, 2007

Official Site

NATIONAL NAPALM SYNDICATE (FINLAND)

A cult thrash metal band, and for a good reason; their self-titled debut is one of the better thrash metal albums to come out of Finland. The music is often on the technical side, drawing comparisons to Living Death's "World Neurosis" (including in the vocal department, having in mind the newly acquired singing style from Torsten Bergmann on that album) on the most inspired moments. "Deathwish" is a more straight-forward opener, energetic and intense, slightly hinting at something more technical. "Silent Violence" thrashes with no mercy, but the guitar decisions have already become a bit more intriguing. "Lucy" is longer, and apart from the heavy, mid-paced more technical parts, more aggressive thrashing still can be heard. "The Sunrise" is a nice little speed metal piece, followed by the aggressive thrash killer "Where Fears Reign". "Ante Mortem" comes with a more technical guitar approach, which doesn't get lost on the rest, and even increases, on the excellent "The Final Gathering": a fine combination of fast, aggressive and technical riffage. The guys probably needed one more offering of the same quality to reach even the mighty Stone, but they disappeared mysteriously.
Their comeback work has acquired some modern tendencies, and is far less impressive than the band's strong debut, often going into a The Haunted, or a modern day Overkill direction; it's not a total waste, though, and some tracks are really cool headbanging thrashers ("Falling to Pieces", "The Cross (I Have to Bear)"). The problem is that this energy gets lost too often in the sea of slower, mid-paced, modern-sounding songs. The Untitled track at the end is less-than-2-min of intense thrashing which should have been more frequently heard there.
"Devolution Of Species" expands into other genres, courting the modern trends above all. The music still has a slight thrashy edge (again the last song is the most aggressive one), but is much slower with clear gothic, even doom pretensions ("Fist in the Air"), and at times dangerously smells more recent Sentenced. Many thrash fans might lose their patience long before the end, and no one would blame them. Apparently these guys have buried the thrash metal hatchet for good...

National Napalm Syndicate Full-length, 1989
Resurrection of the Wicked Full-length, 2006
Devolution Of Species Full-length, 2009

Official Site

NATIONAL SUICIDE (ITALY)

Good retro thrash, recalling late 80's Overkill and the Bay-Area sound, feeling equally comfortable thrashing their souls out ("This Is A Raid"), staying in the mid-paced parametres ("Sucks n' Artillery"), or mixing both in quite an impressive way ("National Suicide"). The singer carries on in the best tradition of Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (Overkill) and Steve "Zetro" Souza (Exodus).
"The Old Family is Alive" offers nothing new, both title and music-wise. And it's hardly necessary since the guys do a good job, thrashing with gusto, staying quite close to "Fabulous Disaster", with the emblematic Steve Souza-like vocals leading the pack, doing a nice job. At times the music acquires a nice playful edge, also characteristic of the works of the Americans Ultimatum ("Nu Posers Don't Scare Anyone", "Into The Clubhouse"). The guys rely mostly on smashing mid-paced riffage and catchy choruses, a typical example of which is "The Old Family Is Still Alive", but speedy thrash monsters ("Let Me See Your Pogo", "Please Welcome...my Friends!") are not a rarity, either. A rarity are the merry go-round crossover pieces: only one of the kind "Wanted". At times the listener may complain that the music lacks edge, and relies too much on playful, tested formulas, but all is forgiven on the excellent intense closer "This Is A Raid", the best song on the album, a glorious Bay-Area hymn.

The Old Family is Still Alive Demo, 2007
The Old Family is Alive Full-Length, 2009

My Space

NATIVE INSTINCT (BELGIUM)

Based on "First Born", this band pull out some cool thrash metal obviously influenced by Slayer's late 80's period (both musically and vocally), but in order to increase the heaviness they also add some doomy riffs ala Saint Vitus or Pentagram, resulting in a very crushing sound. Apart from the heavy guitars one would easily find enough sharp, faster riffs for headbanging here, too. And, "Metal Heart" is not an Accept cover.

Native Instinct Full-length, 2000
First Born Full-length, 2003
An Awful Rage Full-length, 2006

Official Site

NAUTIA (GREECE)

This band are one of the stalwarts on the Greek thrash/hardcore scene, and as such offer a blend of the two styles with a more melodic edge (based on the split), as the songs mix more energetic with slower riffs, as the preference is towards the speedy side of the music. If you can imagine a mixture between early Prong and D.R.I. ...

Europaiki Anagennisi Full-Length, 1991
The Naytia Horror Kinky Show Split, 199?

NDE (USA)

Based on "End of Trust": this band offer ordinary, unimaginative groovy thrash. There's little energy or dynamics involved; only for groove completists.

Falling Full-length, 1996
Fix Full-length, 1999
End Of Trust Full-length, 2002

Official Site

NEBUKADNEZZA (UK)

This trio pulls out aggressive, fast-paced thrash with not very good shouty hardcore vocals; the music is really intense, with numerous death metal "decorations" (blast-beats, etc.). "There Is No Revolution" offers more variety, still thrashing hard on at least half of the tracks, but there are a couple of slower songs, and the proto-death blast-beating passages are here, too, this time shorter and not as annoying. Although the guys offer nothing new, few would be those who would sit still while listening to unbridled aggressive bombs, like "Redefined Justice", "What A Shame" or "When Dirty Hands Touch Clean Food", representing the thrash/hardcore/grindcore hybrid in its most pristine, but also listenable form. All these tracks are placed near the end, with the closing "Infotainment" being the "cream" at the top, blasting in an utmost furious fashion. Apparently at some point the guys got pissed off, playing this longer milder material, and have gone out with all the machineguns blazing... definitely not for the squeamish.

Nebukadnezza Full-length, 2002
Onslaught Full-length, 2004
There Is No Revolution Full-length, 2009

Official Site

NEBULIZER (BRAZIL)

A classic take on crossover/thrash, with the typical 1-2 min long tracks and the traditional energetic delivery.

We Are Whipcore Thrashers Demo, 2004

My Space

NECK SPRAIN (HUNGARY)

Heavy groovy thrash, clinging towards Machine Head's mid-period, maybe more aggressive, but also slower, with moments recalling the stoner/doom movement ("Pray", "Blinded Creed"). There's no speed or energy put here, strictly for groove lovers. The last song "Dime" is actually a cool ballad, and the best song here; it's a tribute to... well, the title says it all... R.I.P.

Heavyweight-3rd Round Full-Length, 2006

NECKROFIGHT (HUNGARY)

This live demo offers cool retro thrash reminiscent of Forbidden's debut, energetic and speedy, with vicious Schmier-like vocals, but the singer here quite often adheres to the higher registers, screaming his lungs out, which is an annnoying addition, and hardly necessary. The closing track is an enjoyable, faithful cover of Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK".

Live at Láng Műv. Ház Demo, 1990

NECRODAMUS (USA)

This act was formed after another one: the doom/sludgers Ultralord, split up. Based on the EP: no traces of sludge here, at least not that obvious, but doom is quite well covered, even at times taking over the sleepy creepy slow thrash which can be heard, supported by raspy black-ish vocals, which in their turn are "accompanied" by dramatic clean semi-operatic ones.

Necrodamus EP, 2004
No Rest for the Wizard Full-length, 2007

Official Site

NECRODEAD (CHILE)

Based on "Frustrated Message", this band play good technical thrash/death, quite fast and vicious at times, reminding of Hellwitch and Atheist, with cool technical guitars, nice change of tempos, and fine deviations from the pattern (the opener "Rebelious Feeling" is a very good moody, slow, technical number). "Cultural Elimination" speeds up, but only a little, remaining in the slower confines. The real aggression begins with "Fatal Existencia", and the rest contains some of the better moments from the technical thrash/death metal scene of the 90's. Striking melodies you might find here, both in the riff and the lead guitar department. The vocals are along the lines the aforementined bands: unholy semi-shrieks, at times semi-whispered. "Nevrose" is a graceful 1-min acoustic instrumental.

Frustrated Message Full-length, 1994
Path To Dead Full-length, 2007

NECRODEATH (ITALY)

Arguably the finest Italian thrash metal band; their debut is a raw brutal combination of thrash, black and proto-death, quite inspired and edgy, obviously influenced by the relentless speed moshing of Kreator's "Pleasure to Kill" and the outrageous blask/thrash aesthetics of Sarcofago's "I.N.R.I.", nicely occupying the "go-between" position between same year's Protector's pioneering death metal work "Misanthropy" and the more extreme side of European thrash (Kreator, Sodom, Messiah); all songs are played at lightning speed, topped by vicious black-ish vocals.
2 years later the band sounded a lot tighter, with a much better polished sound, tinged with black/proto-death metal again, standing proud to same year's extreme thrash masterpieces like Kreator's "Extreme Aggression", Sacred Reich's "Ignorance", and Evildead's "Annihilation of Civilization". Their style was very appealing, and looked pretty much in pace with what was going on the extreme metal scene at that time, but the guys left this project behind for the sake of one thrash/crossover album under the name of Mondocane in 1990, a joint effort with Schizo members after which members of the band were seen in other Italian metal acts through the years: Sadist, Raza de Odio, etc. "Mater Of All Evil" is truly one of the best comeback albums made of the past 10 years, showing that despite the long absence the band haven't lost their touch to play high quality thrash/black metal. "Black as Pitch" continued in the same vein, but "Ton(e)s of Hate" was a disappointment to an extent, offering a more melodic slower approach, with more nods to black. "100% Hell" was a furious slab of thrash, the band's most intense effort, coming closest to the band's 80's material, a really fine piece of hard-hitting thrash at its classic best.
"Draculea" starts and finishes with long atmospheric, symphonic instrumentals (quite good, by the way), but what comes between them is not bad although compared to the explosive "100% Hell" this effort by all means falls short. The band do not betray their potent mixture of aggression and technicality: fast, intense tracks take turns with slower, black-tinged ones, which this time are a bit more than the good taste allows, and for the fans of Venom there is a cool cover version of their hymn "Countess Bathory". The cover is surprisingly put in the middle of the album, followed by the excellent instrumental "The Golden Cup", boasting great lead guitars.
After the shaky "Draculea" it was necessary for the band to come up with something better in order to keep their place on the front row of thrash among the ever growing competition, and "Phylogenesis" could be considered that "something", although to these ears it leaves "something" to be desired. It starts with the brutal, almost grinding at times "Awakening Of Dawn", after which "something" slower, but quite interesting and technical comes: the dark atmospheric and winding "I.N.R.I.". Then the furious thrashing continues with "The Theory". Time for more atmosphere of the doomy variety with "Extreme Emotional Shock", which nicely starts as a ballad. "Time Never Dies" softens the album even more, being a mid-paced semi-balladic composition; a raging thrashy section is included somewhere in the middle, but it only serves to confuse the listener. "Propitiation Of The Gods" is better with a cool mix between faster and slower passages, and a good Oriental theme; the 2nd half is doomy thrash with the speed completely gone once again. "Cloned World" is a pleasant surprise: good aggressive technical thrash, but "Persuasive Memory" slows down for the upteenth time, with the obligatory fast technical break later on which this time is well chosen, and saves the track from being another calm mid-paced doomy thrasher. The final "Final War" is 7-min of decent mid-tempo thrash, partially excused by the very good leads. As a whole this release is not too different from the previous one with the slower material again being the predominant, seeing the guys consolidating a style which tries to please more than the average thrash fan, but this marriage between Orient-inclined melody and technicality, without the intensity and aggression of previous releases present, needs more refinement and a bit more edge.

Into the Macabre Full-length, 1987
Fragments of Insanity Full-length, 1989
Mater of All Evil Full-length, 1999
Black as Pitch Full-length, 2001
Ton(e)s of Hate Full-length, 2003
100% Hell Full-length, 2006
Draculea Full-Length, 2007
Phylogenesis Full-length, 2009

My Space

NECRODEMON (USA)

Based on "Ice Fields Of Hyperion", this is thrash/death metal similar to the Americans Usurper: Tom G. Warrior-like vocals, heavy Celtic Frost-influenced riffs mixed with some brutal death metal. "Frozen Sorceror (Chant Of Making V)" is a particularly nice touch: an excellent off-beat melodic instrumental piece with a classy lead guitar.

Haunted Eons Full-length, 1999
Non-Divine EP, 2001
Incipit Fear EP, 2003
Allegiance to the End Full-length, 2003
Ice Fields of Hyperion Full-length, 2006

My Space

NECROFAGO (BRAZIL)

Brazil has a huge contribution to the formation of the extreme metal genres in the 90's. Based on the "Desire for Blood" demo, these guys take no prisoners with their brutal, fast thrash/proto-death metal. The musicianship is not on a very high level, and the sound is a bit messy, but it should work all right for fans of early Messiah and the pleiad of acts from Brazil: Sarcofago, Vulcano, etc.

Desire for Blood Demo, 1987
Brutal Mutilation Demo, 1988
Rehearsal Demo, 1988

NECROFOBIA (BRAZIL)

Modern 90's thrash not miles away from Sepultura's "Chaos AD", but less aggressive; the heavy, smashing riffs are intercepted by some good headbangers ("Placebo", "Punch"), but this happens seldom, and the guys are quite faithful to the music of their peers most of the time. The lead guitar is quite good, but unfortunately it is not given much room here.

Dead Soul Full-length, 2004

Official Site

NECROLISIS (COSTA RICA)

Based on the first demo, this band pulls out classic thrash of the energetic type, close to the early German school, with simplistic speedy riffs and a slightly thin guitar sound which, however, can not stay on the way of the good lead guitarist who takes quite a space ("Cirugía Infernal") at times, and for a good reason. The singer is not really an asset with his throaty semi-hardcore tember.

Necrólisis Demo, 2006
Deathblast from the Center of Hell Split, 2008
Necrólisis / Demonthrone Split, 2008

My Space

NECROLUST (BRAZIL)

Based on the debut demo, these Brazilians are surely one of the most extreme acts to come out of this country. What we have here is vicious misanthropic black/thrash/death, sounding well more aggressive than the early efforts of their compatriots Sarcofago and Volcano. The tempo is quite fast, with only "The Apocalypse" trying to slow down in a stomping Celtic Frost-like manner. Musical merits are, of course, out of the question, and at this stage such kind of music was producing just a bit more than the casual laugh.

Live in Feira de Santana Demo, 1990
Christ's Excommunication Demo, 1991

NECROMANCER (BRAZIL)

Based on the "Victims of Deranged Maneuverings", this act offers aggressive Slayer-esque old school thrash, mixing the fury of "Reign in Blood" with the heavy doom-laden sound of the Americans' late 80's period. The vocals are more brutal than the ones of Tom Araya, clinging towards the shouty death metal field. Somwe fo the band members are also involved in the black metal act Mysteriis.

Demo I Demo, 1986
Dark Church Demo, 1987
Science of Fear Demo, 1993
Victims of Deranged Maneuverings Demo, 1996

NECROMANCER (FINLAND)

Based on the two 1988 demos, this band offer really good energetic thrash reminiscent of early Destruction, but the music here is faster. Demo II contains an enjoyable cover of the Judas Priest early hit "Rocka Rolla".

Rehearsal Demo, 1987
Demo I Demo, 1988
Demo II Demo, 1988
Downfall / Liquid Sky EP, 1990
Retromancer Best of/Compilation, 2001
The Ultimate Stuff - Part 1 Best of/Compilation, 2002
The Ultimate Stuff - Part 2 Best of/Compilation, 2002

NECROMANCIA (BRAZIL)

A band who stick to the 90's Sepultura sound ("Chaos AD", "Roots", in particular), with a lot of groove and the other typical for the 90's gimmicks.

Necromancia Full-length, 1996
Check Mate Full-length, 2001

NECROMANCY (GREECE)

Based on the "Visions of Lunacy" demo, this is aggressive raw thrash/death, which sounds way more brutal than the similar attempts at extreme music made by their much more renowned compatriots Flames. The sound quality is below par, but one will have no problems recognizing the Sodom cover of "Outbreak of Evil" in the middle. Sadly the rest is one not very intelligible mish-mash, with the drums put too much up front, stifling the other instruments; where it fails to kill the sound completely the damage is done by the gruff low-tuned brutal vocals, coming as a very unrehearsed version of Reto Wilhelm "Tschösi" Kühne, the early Messiah singer. The bass is handled by the omnipresent Morbid aka The Magus, who later took part in other acts from the black/death metal spectre: Rotting Christ, Septic Flesh, Thou Art Lord, Diabolos Rising, etc.

Rehearsal Demo, 1988
Visions of Lunacy Demo, 1989

NECROMANCY (USA)

Based on the first demo, Necromancy play very good thrash with a certain aggressive edge, not too far from Slayer's "Hell Awaits" and Possessed's "Seven Churches". "Nuclear Legions" could be classified as one of the first proto-death tracks, based on its furious nature. Like many other bands who showed considerable potential on an underground level these guys never got to the official-release stage.

Demo 1 Demo, 1986
Cremation Demo, 1986

NECROMESSIAH (ITALY)

Reportedly the band played evil black metal on earlier works. Based on "Antiklerical Terroristik Death Squad", this is an enjoyable mixture of black and thrash metal, quite close to the Swedes Bewitched, but more aggressive, with some of the black metal blast-beats, which could have been a considerable part of their past, still present at times. Otherwise the music is not very aggressive, but delivers the goods, and has this playful rock-ish attitude, also typical for the works of veterans like Exciter and Motorhead.
"...Instar Gladii In Corporem Christi" starts with an excerpt from the very often exploited theme from "Karmina Burana", mixed with Satanic chants (presumably: they're in Latin, and my Latin is not very good), after which starts evil mid to up-tempo black/thrash, quite close to the Canadians Megiddo and early Bathory. Some songs are ruined by misplaced unnecessary blast-beats, and "Desecration Of Virgin Part I" is a good nod to the epic/viking black/thrash of Bathory's "Blood, Fire, Death". "1349" is a jollier take on the viking/epic theme, with not many ties to black or thrash.

...Instar Gladii In Corporem Christi Full-length, 2004
Antiklerical Terroristik Death Squad Full-length, 2007

My Space

NECRONAUT (CANADA)

Good energetic classic thrash in the tradition of Slayer and Sepultura; this is great headbanging stuff with slight touches of death metal in the guitar department ("Immaculate Deception") and two vocals "quarreling" throughout: both of the death metal type: one lower, the other higher. The second half is more diverse, but still intriguing: "Cold" is a cool deviation from the hard-hitting pattern, being a slower, but also more technical number with awkward clean vocals spoiling the picture a bit. "Vengeance", which follows right after, is an exercise in groovy thrash in the Pantera vein, and is the only mitigated failure here. "Grey DK" features the finest guitar work, but is Gothenburg-influenced, not too far from At the Gates at their best.

Dawn of Damnation Begins Full-Length, 2003

Official Site

NECRONOMICON (GERMANY)

The band's self-titled debut is not far from the Minotaur's, both often regarded as the two weakest thrash metal debuts from the German metal field. "Apocalyptic Nightmare" is a much better effort, staying very close to early Destruction, and more particular "Infernal Overkill" and "Eternal Devastation"; a resemblance further aggravated by the Schmier-like vocals. It sounds so close to those two that you might find yourself recalling this and that riff, from which Destruction song it might have been borrowed. Nevertheless, this is a great headbanging attack, with mighty sharp riffs and fast tempos, and long tracks, something which is again modelled after their mighty peers. The only thing which differs this album from its models, is the slow, melodic "In Memory", which is actually a tendency run by the band, to include at least one softer track on their works. However, this one is quickly cancelled by the immediate follower "Retributive Stroke": an aggressive fast riff-fest at its finest. The closing "The Following Century" tries to break the speedy pattern by adding slower, more moderate breaks and admirably succeeds, coming up with a more complex, almost progressive arrangement: a "tool" which later found a fuller realisation.
Depending on the taste, some might find "Escalation" the band's finest hour, although the Destruction worshippers have by all means left their hearts with the previous one. The Destruction shadow can be felt here as well, but not as strong: the Volker "Freddy" Fredrich vocals have taken a more hoarse blend, delineating him from Schmier; the music also takes a turn away from their colleagues, greatly expressed with the smashing speed/thrashing opener "Death Toll": arguably the band's best achievement. "Dirty Minds" is the obligatory melodic, rock-ish track, but after it the assault continues unabated, although the sharp steel riffage from the last work has been replaced by a more melodic, but also quite effective, one. "Cold Ages" is a marvellous closer, returning to the more complex arrangements of "Death Toll" and "The Following Century", containing a brilliant lead passage in the middle, and great fast tempos. Despite the warm acceptance which this album received universally, the guys split up.
"Screams" came out of nowhere at a time when a few fans remembered who these guys were, and was a very good slab of classic thrash; hats down to the guys for not betraying the classic sound, and being able to come up with some fine headbangers ("Final Course", "Just Say No", the great smashing thrasher "Irreversible Destruction", which also boasts the finest guitar work on the album) to stir the frozen thrash fans' blood. The music, however, is not as hard-hitting as before, and sounds close to the new Schmier formation Headhunter (hey, these guys can not get rid of those comparisons!). The choruses are quite catchy, making the songs memorable, with an individual face. "Bitter Sweet Perversion" serves as the soft, melodic track, although it doesn't sound much softer than the rest, having in mind the not as intense nature of the other material; or maybe this is the jolly crossover "Crushing Defeat"? Or the nice acoustic ballad "Ruins (They Will Cry Tomorrow)", where you will hear Fredrich delivering the best vocals a thrash metal vocalist has ever come up with on a ballad. And finally, as a finishing touch, a short flirtation with the modern groovy sound ("Groovy Mouth"), still served with a solid doze of classic thrash riffage. Alas, the times were not right for the old school to return, and the band vanished once again.
6 years later Necronomicon reminded of themselves with a cool 4-track demo, containing 3 songs of classic German thrash with vocals, sounding very close to Schmier (it's the same singer), and one jolly crossover number; this looked like testing the soil, before the guys strike with something new, but it took another 4 long years, before this something appeared.
"Construction Of Evil" came in the same way as "Screams"- unheralded, but this time the time was chosen more appropriately. The music on the new one is once again closer to early Destruction than anything that the band have done in the not so distant past, and is a truly impressive old school thrash attack from beginning to end. Well, the tradition has been preserved, and here comes "Alight": the melodic pause, always present on the band's works, but this time harder, showing its teeth here and there. "Fireball" shows some balladic tendencies in the beginning, but it fails to turn into the next quiet "stop" on the way, later continuing in a more aggressive manner. "Terrorist Attack" reminds of the more elaborate compositions, featured on the early efforts, but the guys' desire to keep on thrashing with no mercy (check also the 1.5 outbreak, which follows right after this one: "Insanity"), leaves this process half-finished. Having returned with style on the scene, it would be interesting to see what the continuation of the Necronomicon saga will be...
"Revenge of the Beast" appears a bit later for the band to keep the inertia, but shows them in a quite good inspired form again. The style continues exactly in the vein of the previous effort: energetic fast-paced thrash without any surprises, if we exclude the very unexpected ballad at the end "One Universe", quite tender and with very appropriate vocal performance, but enjoyable and consistent nonetheless. There are slower passages on some tracks, as well as the odd more laid-back thrashers ("Who Dies?", "Refuge") in the middle, where the singer Volker "Freddy" Fredrich even tries more melodic vocals, as opposed to his vicious mean Schmier-like delivery.

Necronomicon Full-length, 1986
Apocalyptic Nightmare Full-length, 1987
Escalation Full-length, 1988
Screams Full-length, 1994
Construction of Evil Full-length, 2004
Revenge of the Beast Full-Length, 2008

My Space

NECRONOMICON (JAPAN)

This Japanese outfit plays classic death metal with hints at thrash and a couple of more technical "ornamentations". The music recalls Morbid Angel quite a bit, as well as other Floridian acts. When the music slows down ("Instinct", "Feed") it starts making more sense being both more thrashy and technical. The singer is a scary death growler, clearly one of the most brutal singers nowadays.

II : Born Again Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NECRONOMICON BEAST (BRAZIL)

Another cool thrash metal band from the very prolific these days Brazilian scene; the band's style is a cross between early Whiplash and Exorcist (there is a nice cover of that band's "Death By Bewitchment" at the end), plus some classic heavy metal tunes (" The Book Of The Necronomicon"), and a strange track which sounds like someone is playing a computer game ("Make War, Not Love").

Hell Thrash War Full-length, 2004

NECROPHAGIA (USA, CA)

Very good fast-paced thrash, closer to the examples from Germany rather than their homeland: Sodom, Destruction, and above all, Kreator. There are touches of Slayer ("Feel My Knife") as well; the band never slow down and keep the pace very fast on both efforts, with the Slayer-influences more predominant on the demo, which is very aggressive, reaching for the death metal borders at times, and the German ones more obvious on the EP.

It Began With a Twisted Dream Demo, 1987
Necrophagia EP, 1987

NECROPHAGIA (USA, OH)

Although Necrophagia have been largely regarded as a death metal band, at least their landmark debut has its feet firmly on thrash metal soil. The style on this one is quite unique, mid to up-tempo with sudden proto-death parts and occasional original guitar work, at times coming close to semi-technical thrash ("Beyond and Back", which is a fine multi-layered track). There is a stomping, heavy quality in the music as well, reminiscent of early Celtic Frost and Abomination ("Bleeding Torment"), but when the guys feel like thrashing, they take no prisoners: "Insane For Blood"; "Reincarnation", which is actually one of the first attempts at death metal; the great sinister death/thrasher "Mental Decay". Make sure not to miss the imposing doomy ending of "Painful Discharge" (which is not very likely, since it lasts for more than a minute). Killjoy's vocals are another fine addition to the band's uniqueness with their half-whispered, declamatory style bringing to mind a satanic priest chanting a magic spell during a black mass. Seldom can one hear an album so full of oppressive, ominous atmosphere; this is the perfect soundtrack to many horror films.
"Holocausto De La Morte" comes at the beginning of the thrash metal revival, which started at around the same time, but it's not as satisfying as the impressive debut, despite the certain amount of black metal ala Barathrum and Beherit added. The guitar work is more simplistic, and the sound seldom goes beyond the mid-tempo. More ambitious moments can be felt (the twisted riffage of "The Cross Burns Black"), but on the rest the approach is samey and a bit monotonous. The furious death metal explosion "Children of the Vortex" comes as a revelation, but "one swallow is not a sign that spring is coming"...
"The Divine Art of Torture" is an improvement, although it has little to do with thrash, but there are a couple of stylish moments, even recalling Morbid Angel. It's quite diverse, offering technical, direct aggressive, slower doomy, black-ish, and other numbers.
"Harvest Ritual Volume I" is another amalgam of influences and styles, with thrash returning to the forefront; it starts with the intense death metal piece "Dead Skin Slave", but "Unearthed" is a heavy, atmospheric thrasher, with a weird keyboard tune in the background, which comes up on several other tracks later on. "Cadavera X" follows a similar pattern, but is slower and doomy, and the rest of the songs are not too far style-wise, which could be considered a flaw by some, since there is no speed involved, just crushing, heavy, slow to mid-paced riffage. But we'll wait and see what happens on "Harvest Ritual Volume II"...

Season of the Dead Full-length, 1987
Holocausto De La Morte Full-length, 1998
Black Blood Vomitorium EP, 2000
Cannibal Holocaust EP, 2001
The Divine Art of Torture Full-length, 2003
Goblins Be Thine EP, 2004
Harvest Ritual Volume I Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NECROPHILE (JAPAN)

Based on the band's first two demos, this is badly produced, but quite intense and aggressive thrash metal with proto-death passages. These guys were definitely trying to introduce death metal to the Japanese fans, and although this is not one of the best attempts in this direction, kudos should be paid for the fact that Necrophile are surely one of the first to try that on Japanese ground.
The "Dissociated Modernity" is two songs of misanthropic brutal death/thrash, bordering on grind; the brutal death growls only further aggravate the gloom and despair. Cool are the heavy breakdowns ala Morbid Angel which come accompanied by chaotic Kerry King-like leads.

The Terminal Derangement Demo, 1988
Beyond the Truth Demo, 1989
Deride the Remedied/Rumpus of the undead Split, 1991
Dissociated Modernity Single, 1991
Upheaval of Blasphemy / Dissociated Modernity Split, 2004

NECROPHOBIC (POLAND)

Based on "Fears": heavy, stomping thrash metal obviously influenced by the modern sound of Exhorder; quite well done, despite the lack of variety in the songs. "No More Life" hesitates between the classic and the upcoming modern one, and as such could be considered the better listen. Faster songs take turns with slower, heavier ones, as some of the latter even carry a slight technical edge ala late 80's Metallica ("Kill"- check the cool leads on this one, too), but shorter. The best compositions are actually blends of the two approaches ("Live and Suffer", and especially "Sucking Blood" which comes with a nice technical main riff and great Oriental tunes). The closing "Die As Mad" is another very good song, this time allowing the technical moments to develop fully into a diverse more complex thrasher, again following the Metallica patterns.

No More Life Full-length, 1992
Fears Full-length, 1994

NECROPLASMA (SWEDEN)

This 2-man band played on their early demos very fast and aggressive black metal with frequent blast-beats, very seldom bordering on thrash, or death metal; very speedy and merciless stuff which would probably come as too much for the average metal fan. With their full-length debut things got a little under control, and the aggression has been tamed, and thrash metal has moved forward, although still playing a secondary part to black metal. The band's music of more recent times is still a very intense blend of black and thrash metal, quite good, occasionally courting other genres (death metal, gothic, etc.)

The Cold Of Uncaring Moon Demo, 1999
Black Funeral Horns Demo, 2000
Obscurial Death EP, 2001
Demo 2001 Demo, 2001
Glory of the Ancient Gods Split, 2002
My Hearse, My Redemption Full-length, 2002
Pure Necrodarkness Split, 2002
4 Spears In God's Ribs Split, 2003
Storm Of The Shallow Voices Split, 2005
X Corona Bestia Vox Vocis Demo, 2005
Gospels Of Antichristian Terror Best of/Compilation, 2006
Satanic Butchery Split, 2006
Sit Gloria Domini In Saecvlvm Full-length, 2006

Official Site

NECROPOLIS (USA, California)

Based on the "Death Metal" demo, this is not exactly death metal like the guys wanted it to be, but is quite intense thrash, and well played at that. The style is a potent blend of Dark Angel's "We Have Arrived" and Slayer's "Hell Awaits", and although the music occasionally has these proto-death qualities, at this early stage it's a bit farfetched to talk about full-fledged death metal, at least coming from this band.

Death Metal Demo, 1986
Demo #2 Demo, 1986

NECROPOLIS (USA, Georgia)

Rough, but quite intense speed/thrash metal recalling Whiplash's debut.

Contemplating Slaughter Full Length,1988

NECROPOLIS (USA, Pensylvania)

The band's first demo is thrash/crossover ala early Nuclear Assault, and although this was quite a good achievement, it's on their second one where the guys really hit the mark: "Future Kill" features 5 songs of very well executed speedy thrash metal along the lines of the German heroes Destruction and Exumer.

Welcome to the Masquerade Demo, 1986
Future Kill Demo, 1987
The Insanity Has Only Begun Demo, 1988

NECROPOLIS (USA, Washington DC)

A pleasant surprise from the mid-90's this way comes to provide good energetic retro thrash for most of the time which doesn't promise much with the soft balladic opener "Deceived - Deception", but the moshing is just 4-min away: "Deceived - Realization" is speed/thrash with a Bay-Area flavour. "Nameless City" carries on in the same vein also adding the desirable technical edge to the proceedings recalling early Testament. "Obsession Unleashed" is a more ordinary heavy stomper with a sweeping speed metal ending. "Next in Line" is a heavy/power metal joy, but "I Can't Believe" speeds up again with a cool semi-balladic twist in the middle; the twists don't end up there since very soon after there is another one: a brutal blasting death metal break. The closing "Vision" is proto-modern thrash with heavy smashing riffs, the only deviation from the classic sound. 4 years later the guys appeared with their new formation: the progressive death metal act Sculptured with which they have 3 full-lengths released.

Descent Full-Length, 1994

NECROPSY (TURKEY)

Based on the demo, these Turks pull out quite good Germanic speed/thrash in the Toxic Shock, Paradox, and early Destruction mould, graced by stylish technical guitar work. These are 4 songs of blistering speed/thrash, which won't let you loose for a single moment topped by cool, mid-levelled vocals, sounding quite close to Toxic Shock (the first singer). The guys looked well-equipped to give "lessons in speed", like the demo title suggests, but it would be interesting to check whether they have succumbed to the modern trends on the two full-lengths, like many other promising acts did...

Speed Lessons Part 1 Demo, 1992
Mi Kubbesi Full-length, 1996
Sayý 2 Full-length, 2006

Official Site

NECROPSYA (BRAZIL)

Based on the full-length, this trio pulls out cool retro thrash with a rich dark sound, quite similar to the one of Infernal Majesty's "None Shall Defy", but less elaborate, and late 80's Slayer. There is a fair amount of fast sinister riffage, but the band's strength lies in the slower, heavy sound ("Politic Games", "Destroy"). "Chaos Architect" leads the pack here being a brooding pessimistic piece, with an almost doom metal intensity. With those aforementioned numbers occupying the middle, and creating a slightly monotonous atmosphere, "Settle Of Old Scores" comes more than welcome with its more dynamic riffage and a nice middle acoustic break. It paves the way for the coming of "TV Messiah", which thrashes with more intensity, a tendency continued on the longer, and slightly dragging "Train Of Souls". This is by no means bad, but more speed involved on future efforts would make more heads mosh around.

Destroy Demo, 2005
Skull Crusher EP, 2006
Roars Full-length, 2007

My Space

NECROPSYA (PERU)

Based on the demo, these guys play thrash/death akin to early Agressor and Incubus, with a great bass bottom. The only criticism would be that very often the music is straight death metal, leaving the thrash metal field completely.

Slaves of the Magic Demo, 1993
Slaves of the Magic Best of/Compilation, 2002
When the Metal Legions Come From Strange Lands Split, 2004

My Space

NECROSADISTIC GOAT TORTURE (UK)

Based on the "One Nation Under Goat" EP, these Brits unleash a fast and a furious blend of thrash, a little bit of black, and death metal, which is not sheer blast, but introduces calmer moments, and even more clever guitar work ("Anger Overload", which also boasts a nice epic/semi-balladic mid-section). The style is not too far removed from the early efforts of the Australians Destroyer 666, but here the leads are more proficient, longer and more melodic. "Godlike" is blasting black, the only more black metal-based composition, mixing the raging riffs with very beautiful orchestral tunes along the lines of Dimmu Borgir's "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant". The closer "Hamster Fucker" is a light-hearted crossover reliever.

Necrosadistic Goat Torture Demo, 2003
One Nation Under Goat EP, 2004
The Maniac's Banquet EP, 2006

Official Site

NECROSIS (CHILE)

One of the better Chilean thrash metal bands; their debut is impressive heavy thrash reminiscent of late 80's Slayer with more technical attempts; the guys alternate long, more complex tracks with shorter, faster ones; both work fine, accompanied by a truly striking bass bottom. Both the technicality and aggression reach their climax on the multi-layered 10-min opus "Prayer". "Golden Valley" shows the more melodic side of the band, slowing down, introducing more melodic guitar lines.
13 years later Necrosis found the time to record again; "Enslaved To The Machine" is a good way for the band to restart their career; it has a decidely more modern sound, and better production qualities. This is one of the first examples of how the classic sound can be made appealing to the younger crowd, by being "wrapped" in a modern production- an example later followed by Exodus, Onslaught, Nasty Savage, etc. The guitars here are more pounding and heavier, also more technical, but the spontaneity and energy of the debut are kind of missing, and now the music is quite close to Sacred Reich's "The American Way" on the slower moments, including the vocals, which are a blend between the two Phil's of thrash: Rind (Sacred Reich) and Anselmo. The second half of the album is much more appealing, with "Enslaved to the Machine", "Killing Engine", and "Omega Man" offering a more aggressive delivery, nicely recalling the debut in many ways. There is also a remastered version of the best song from there: "Prayer", which doesn't radically differ from the original.
"Reborn" is more like a second comeback effort having in mind the huge gap between albums, and now the guys have bet on a faster play well expressed on the brisk opener "Reborn" and its immediate follower "Hidden Enemy" which spice their classic aproach with a modern production in a way very close to the debut. Still, the music is way more appealing here thrashing with no mercy on the excellent shredder "The Weakest". More technical and morer laid-back riffage can be heard on "Something Unreal", a cool minimalistic semi-technical thrasher with an 80's American spirit ala Have Mercy and Ulysses Siren. "Beyond Reality" is galloping thrash at its best giving way to the less intense, but more technical "Living in a Cage". Grab your seat for the ball of fury "Elite Hunter", a brutal little thrasher, which is quite contrasting to the next slower and more complex "My Execution". The end is a reminder of the band's past: the act Fallout with which the guys released two demos in the late-80's, with the re-mastered version of "Powerfiend" from the 1st demo, a cool heavy mid-paced number, not really altered except for the cleaner production. This is a good job seeing the veterans "disturbing" the youngsters although it may need more from them, both quality and quantity-wise, in order to stay on the front row amid the very strong competition on the South American scene.

The Search Full-length, 1988
Enslaved to the Machine Full-length, 2001
Reborn Full-length, 2009

My Space

NECROSKINNER (BRAZIL)

This is a good job: both the short length of the songs and the sound remind of another Brazilian band, Ratos De Porao, minus the hardcore-ish tendencies of the latter. The tempo is pretty fast and intense, with the only deviation from the norm "Incredulos Estupidos", being a great atmospheric thrasher. The best from these guys is hopefully yet to come.

Asphyxkinner Full-Length, 2007

NECROZZZ (RUSSIA)

Good retro thrash with a nice melodic edge, strong bass-bottom, and gruff, semi-clean vocals; the tempo is mostly energetic, with one semi-ballad included ("A Requiem …"). The best comes in the middle, on the shortest (2-3min) tracks, where the music takes a fine technical turn, especially on the excellent 2-part "Lake Of Dead". The patriotic song "The Earth Of Russians" starts as a ballad, too, but becomes faster and sharper later on, with a slight epic/power metal feeling. The final "Buka" is another worthy thrasher with a jollier, crossover shade.

Liho (Ëčőî) Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NEED (GREECE)

The modern groovy side of thrash is given a cool progressive twist by these Greeks. The debut is the milder affair with softer riffage sitting somewhere between the Black Album and GZR, plus the quiet progressive breaks. "Denmad" is a pleasant headbanging surprise, but the rest seldom leaves the conventional groovy formula.
"Siamese God" is a different story, a more hard-hitting effort with a dark Nevermore flavour. Some of the groovy settings are still around, but the arrangements are more dynamic as evident from the intense brooding opener "Rainy Pieces Of Hell", a formidable thrashy riff-fest. "Soon" is a much more ordinary groover, and "Lie Before You Sleep" is just a bit better semi-ballad. No more "mistakes", and "Flesh Machines" will stun you with its aggressive riffs and fast tempos, a dark progressive thrashterpiece quite close to the Italians Chaoswave's best moments. "Siamese God" drags a bit offering a more alternative form of the 90's post-thrash for more than 7-min., and "In Between" is another, this time full-blooded, ballad. "Warning" comes to save the day with heavy pounding guitars, but is hardly the best possible "saviour" grooving toothlessly at some point. The jumpy more technical "C.M.R." is much more satisfying, a hectic steam-rolling number, but the closing "The Lesson" will hardly teach you a "lesson" in anything being another groovy filler which will "bother" you for more than 14-min. The better moments are far superior to the others making this album a fairly uneven offering, but fans of the more serious side of modern thrash will not be disappointed.

The Wisdom Machine Full-length, 2006
Siamese God Full-length, 2009

Offical Site

NEGAROBO (JAPAN)

In the 90's most of the Japanese thrash metal bands have either modernized their sound to a point of absurdity, or have left the thrash metal camp. Here come Negarobo to save the day. This is very good aggressive thrash of the old school which will remind you of many of the 80's heroes- Slayer, Dark Angel, Morbid Saint, Gammacide, Torture, Devastation; one of the best albums to come out ot Japan during the 90's.

Emergency Full Length, 1997

NEGATRON (PHILIPPINES)

Based on the demo, these guys might put the Philippines on the thrash metal map; the style is pure classic thrash which is quite similar to some good examples from the German thrash metal scene: Sodom's "Agent Orange" and Necronomicon's "Escalation", so this is mostly fast-paced and energetic stuff, but the Asians rely on more sprawling, longer song-structures where they insert slower atmospheric sections, not too far from early Celtic Frost, plus unnecessary inclusions of black metal blast-beats, which could be avoided for the future, as they simply sound misplaced.

Messiah of Damnation Demo, 2004
Thermal Shock Best of/Compilation, 2006

NEGAZIONE (ITALY)

Based on the full-length debut, this band play light-hearted thrash/crossover of the less hard-hitting type; catchy, unpretentious music, which is not completely missing on some heavier riffs, but this is not something the thrash metal fan would focus for long.

Condannati a morte nel nostro quieto vivere EP, 1985
Tutti pazzi EP, 1985
Lo spirito continua Full-length, 1986
Little dreamer Full-length, 1988
Behind the door EP, 1989
Sempre in bilico Single, 1989
100% Full-length, 1990

Offical Site

NEGLIGENCE (SLOVENIA)

This is a winner: awesome technical thrash ala Forbidden and the Swiss Apocalypse. The album begins in a blistering way with the speedy smasher "Places of Dawn", but the tempo later varies from speedy technical opuses ("Threshold of Society", "Bay Arena") to stomping heavy pieces ("No Brain No Pain"). The faster side is the more attractive one, and is fortunately much more accentuated on: check also the closing masterpiece "Thrust". This is a really impressive way to start a career, and it would be interesting to see what else these guys have up their sleeve.

Options Of A Trapped Mind Full-length, 2007

My Space

NEKRODAIMON (GREECE)

A 3-song demo of more modern black/thrash crossing raging fast passages with epic/pagan ones.

Nekrodaimon Demo, 2000

NEKROMANTHEON (NORWAY)

This is very good 80's thrash metal which, in a way similar to another band of recent years, Avenger of Blood, manage to recall many of the past heroes. The 2-min opener will crush you the way "Reign in Blood" and "Eternal Nighmare" did. Later the sound shakes hands with the German scene, too ("I Shall Serve"), before the following "The Spectator" brings you back to Slayer-territory again. "Unchained from the Devout" is a lesson how brutal, death-tinged thrash should be played (fans of "Beneath the Remains" and "Idolatry", beware). "Nekromantheon" sums it all up near the end, being a superb instrumental where the guys have left the guitars to do the final damage.

We're Rotting EP, 2007

My Space

NEKROMANTIE (COLOMBIA)

This demo contains vicious, raw thrash along the lines of the Brazilian acts from the same time:..., but these guys surpass them sometimes, with a more brutal, faster approach ("Esquizofrenia"). The last track: "Massacra", is a cover of Hellhammer: one of the fastest songs of the Swiss.

Nekromantie Demo, 1987
Resurrección Maldita Best of/Compilation, 2006

NEMECIC (FINLAND)

Modern thrash/death, heavy and mid-paced, but intense and hard, with no traces of groove; if you can imagine a blend of Bolt Thrower's more battle-like doomy approach and more recent Entombed...

Vigorous Fire and Inward Lightnings EP, 2009

Official Site

NEMESIS (COLOMBIA)

Typical for its time and place thrash metal demo offering something similar to their Brazilian counterparts: MX, Holocausto, Sarcofago, in other words this is raw aggressive black/thrash/proto-death metal.

Hombre: Oveja Negra Del Universo EP, 1988

NEMESIS (GERMANY)

This band was formed by members of Grinder, after that band's split up who, to strengthen the team, have also recruited members of Tankard. This collaboration has produced pure classic delight, heads-down thrash, very similar to the first two Grinder albums, with the inclusion of some heavier, but also quite energetic guitars which will remind you of Slayer's late 80's period ("Brothers in Death"). It's nice to hear heroes from the golden days of thrash doind what they could do best: thrash with no mercy.

Nemesis Full-Length, 1997

NEMESYS (USA)

A 2-song demo of stunning technical thrash obviously influenced by Helstar's "Nosferatu"; "The Violence Room" is longer (5.5min) and is full with swirling leads, fast tempo changes and stylish technical riffs. "Guilty" is shorter (3.5min), and is more aggressive and faster, quite intense on some sections, but the smashing technical guitars are all over it. This is how Helstar's "Multiples of Black" should have sounded.

The Violence Room Demo, 1992

NEPAL (ARGENTINA)

Nepal started with excellent classic thrash on their debut despite the rough and not very suitable vocals. "Ideologia" was a decent follow-up with a slightly more modern sound, and even rougher vocals. With their last album the transformation into modern thrash has been complete, and it has little to offer which hasn't been done before; a sad epitaph for one of the more talented Argentinian metal bands.

Raza de Traidores Full-length, 1993
Ideologia Full-length, 1995
Manifiesto Full-length, 1997

Official Site

NEPHASTUS (BRAZIL)

Brutal technical thrash/death metal, with more concentration on brutality than technicality, which diminishes its quality. At their best, these guys bring to mind Massacra and Hellwitch, but some of the songs are nothing more than just mindless bashing.

Tortuous Ways Full-length, 1991

NERO CIRCUS (UK)

Groovy 90's post-thrash mixed with Down-like stoner moments; this is heavy, slow-ish stuff with bluesy elements and very few attempts at more dynamic performance ("Hardline", "Not My Equal").

Human Pigs Full-Length, 1995

NERODIA (ITALY)

4 songs of modern thrash/death metal with a few retro leanings; the music covers all possible tempos, being at times brutally fast, but there is a lot of slow-ish heaviness as well as several jokey crossover moments, plus a couple of borrowings from The Black Album.

Demo Demo, 2008

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NERVE GAS TRAGEDY (USA)

Based on "No Tomorrow", this is modern thrash/death metal with a few nods to the classic scene. The music alternates between heavy, slower sections and very fast, brutal ones; "Pray For Your Soul" is a nice example of a combination between the two.

Written In The Blood Of The Dead Full-length, 2005
No Tomorrow Full-length, 2006

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NERVEKILLER (HUNGARY)

This band was formed by members (present and former) of other more renowned Hungarian acts: Watch My Dying, Undertaking, etc. The music here is quite close to the mechanical, modern sound of Watch My Dying; this is semi-technical, dry thrash, which sounds a bit clumsy and slow-ish, accompanied by hoarse, shouted semi-death metal vocals. When the music picks more speed, it sounds quite appealing, like on the more energetic "Dream With Maggots", which will remind you of mid-90's Voivod.

Dream with Maggots EP, 2005

Official Site

NETER (SPAIN)

This is a slassic mix of thrash and death metal, which has everything: brutality, technicality, melody, often all co-existing within one song. The overall style recalls another very cool Spanish act from the 90's: Canker, but these guys are not so fond of technical performance. The pace is quite fast, and the blast-beats are more than just an occasional touch, seldom lasting through a whole song. Consequently this would be of bigger interest to death metal fans, including those who fall for the battle-like sound of Bolt Thrower: the excellent steam-roller "Priometheus".

Nec Spe Nec Metu Full-length, 2009

Official Site

NETHERSTORM (HOLLAND)

A 4-song demo of typical modern thrash/death metal, relying more on melody, blending fast and slower sections in a way not dissimilar to Dark tranquillity on "Damage Done" and "Haven".

Chaos from the Sky Demo, 2009

Official Site

NEUMA (POLAND)

Heavy groovy, mostly slow-ish post-thrash, with a strong industrial edge, at times quite abstract and hard to swallow, sounding like more aggressive Helmet, who meet the Canadians Soulstorm somewhere along the way, who have just helped Ministry with the recording of "Filth Pig", "rudely" interrupted by some fast, and even more bizarre moments ("Neuma"). This is music for a very restricted crowd, and even this crowd has to be in the right mood, otherwise...

Neuma Full-length, 2003
Weather Full-length, 2006

NEURASTHENIA (ITALY)

A fairly good debut which combines the glorious speed/thrash metal of early Angel Dust and Paradox with the Bay Area masters: Vio-lence, Forbidden, etc. The tempo is quite energetic, but never too aggressive, and the guys are not strangers to some intriguing, more technical riffage ("Neurasthenia"). The album actually begins in a more moderate fashion, with the more melodic opener with the sinister title "Screaming Corpse", but the next "Feel Possessed" already shows more teeth, recalling Metallica and Paradox, with a more melodic twist. "In Loving Of..." slows down to almost semi-balladic dimensions, but "Majestic March" is heads-down speed/thrash, fast and sharp. The remaining tracks keep the intensity, and on some (the closing "Night Under Terror") the spirit of the legendary "Heresy" (Paradox) can easily be felt. With quality acts like that (Rainspawn, Urto, Thy Gate Beyond, Brutaliator, Death Mechanism, to name a few), it's just a matter of time before Italy becomes the new thrash motherland in Europe.
"Your Omen" is not a far cry from the debut, with the focus now firmly being on Paradox: well-played classic speed/thrash with a modern production, quite close to "Collision Course", and "Electrify" on the mellower parts. "Your Omen" is a brisk energetic opener, followed by "Go Fuck Themselves" which, despite the not very decent title, offers fast riffs and nice melodies, plus a catchy chorus. "Church of Tomorrow" is a sudden switch to technical thrash, reducing the speed a bit except on the furious outburst at the end. "Filthy Lucre" carries the spirit of the 90's power/speed metal movement, but "Liar #1" cancels it, being a more ordinary slower power metal composition. After this shaky middle section things get back on track, with the speed/thrashing delights "No Politics" and "Thrash is Back in Town", and the excellent lashing closer "I Hate my Family", a speed/thrashfest at its finest, also recalling the best from the Polish Hellfire. "Thrash is Back in Town", no doubt about it, and hopefully it'll spread over the whole province...

Possessed Full-length, 2007
Your Omen Full-length, 2009

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NEURO TOXIN (USA)

Based on the "World Wide Hatred" demo, these guys pull out classy technical thrash quite close to Gammacide, only more choppy and not as fast. The sound smells death metal in the more intense parts ("Inside the Dark"), but just a little, and the tempo changes will make your head spin, as well as the great technical guitars. The musicianship is on a really high level, also displayed by the great bass work and the sparce, but very stylish leads, all this shaking hands on the magnificent instrumental "Acid Death" near the end.
"End of Design" is a bit of a letdown, with the aggression reduced to a certain extent, and although the riffs are heavy and still quite technical, and sometimes the music picks up speed, this demo is not as impressive. "Public Execution" is the only exception here, which brings back the flamboyant style of the debut demo, but only for 2.5 min.

World Wide Hatred Demo, 1990
End of Design Demo, 1990
Neurotoxin Demo, 1994

NEUROOT (HOLLAND)

These guys have been stalwarts on the Dutch hardcore scene, and on this album their roots are clearly audible. This is fast energetic thrash/crossover with gruff semi-death metal vocals, and the occasional nod to heavy metal ("The End"). The approach is pretty one-dimensional, though, consisting of speedy very simplistic riffs, with few adherences to pure thrash ("Curse Of Wealth").

Plead insanity Full-length, 1988

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NEUROSIS (USA)

These progressive/sludge/hardcore legends entertained themselves on their first album, playing some cool thrash/crossover, quite similar to early Prong and D.R.I. The tempo is energetic and brisk, with some more unusual tracks ("Black"), still far from their future exploits, but having this slightly avantgarde touch. On the other extreme we have the short, 1-2min aggressive bombs ("Training", "Stalemate"), and a couple of tracks which carry the late 70's early-80's punk spirit ("United Sheep", "Progress").

Pain of Mind Full-length, 1988

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NEUROSIS INC (COLOMBIA)

Based on "Verdun 1916", this band play competent thrash/death metal which recalls Pestilence's debut and Death's "Spiritual Healing". "Involucion" shows the band's slower and more technical side which features some nice Chuck Schuldiner (R.I.P.) riffs typical for Death's later period; an impressive debut which comes with the perfect balance between aggression and technicality, with more concentration on the latter.
"Subversivos Espirituales" is another strong effort, showing the band focusing on death metal a bit more, without losing the technical edge, here also accompanied by haunting keyboard tunes, which decorate almost every song. The track "Thrash Metal" ironically is the softest one here, being crossover and not really hard-hitting; could have been considered a parody of the genre, if it was coming out of the hands of some non-thrash metal act. "Subversivos Espirituales" is a very good operatic instrumental, with a great interplay between the guitars and the keyboards. "The Hate Song" finally pays tribute to thrash, coming again with atmospheric operatic sections- a fine mid-paced thrasher, with impressive guitar work. Next comes a nice version of Venom's "Countess Bathory", very well suited to the majestic atmosphere of the album. But this is not the end, as right after that comes the brilliant "Bautizados en Rencor", a death/thrash riff-fest which sounds like a leftover from the debut, and the short up-tempo piece "Open Wound".
"Masters of Thrash" consists of covers only, starting with two Slayer ones ("Post Mortem", "Raining Blood"), and later adding Metallica, Death, Destruction, Hallows Eve, Asphyx, among others. The unlikely cover is Motley Crue's "Knock'em Dead Kid" (I doubt if they have ever been "masters of thrash"!? Maybe I miss some of their albums!?), although it comes from the band's finest work "Shout at the Devil". All covers are well done, faithfully, but lacking the stylish flavour which their original works used to carry (keyboards, technical licks, etc.).

Verdun 1916 Full-length, 1995
Karma Full-length, 1996
Subversivos Espirituales Full-length, 2005
Masters of Thrash Full-length, 2007

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NEUROTHING (POLAND)

Thrash/death metal of the modern type, but not very fast, and quite technical at times, carrying this mechanical, dry atmosphere typical for the works of bands like later period Obliveon, or the Americans Baghead. It becomes slightly monotonous later, but fans of the more clinical, cold, industrialized sound will enjoy that.
The music on "Murder Book" has become even more clinical and drier, and there is a certain amount of groove added, which stifles the few attempts at a faster play. As a whole the approach is jumpy and hectic, but there are not many really technical riffs. Since the pattern is repeated on almost every track: jumpy mechanical guitars in mid-tempo, trying to overcome the groove which is not very easy, another obstacle being the forceful hardcore shouter behind the mike.

Vanishing Celestial Bodies EP, 2005
Murder Book Full-Length, 2009

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NEUROTOXIN (USA)

Based on the full-length debut, this band mix quite well classic and modern thrash. The music stays closer to the classic school most of the time recalling some heroes from the Bay Area scene: Forbidden, Heathen, etc.; it's quite energetic without becoming very aggressive, with a few mid-paced pieces thrown in. "Blood-Stained Sunset" is a short, but very effective technical thrasher where the band slow down, but come up with arguably the best riffs on the album. "Ashes Through the Sky" is the other highlight, not fast, featuring nice lead guitar and heavy, meaty riffs, speeding up admirably near the end.

Harvest Your Wrath EP, 2004
Harvest Your Wrath Full-length, 2004
VSL Demo, 2007

Official Site

NEUS (COLOMBIA)

A 3-song EP of raw old school thrash, which reminds me of late period Bulldozer (two of the songs), with several slower, atmospheric black metal-tinged sections, and one all-out aggressive thrasher ala Protector ("Welcome Terrorizer").

Retroceso EP, 1993

NEVER NIGHT (ITALY)

A decent mix of classic and modern thrash akin to mid-period Squealer with references to both speed and power metal the former gracefully reflected on the brisk speedster "Night Of Death". Harder speed/thrash can be heard on "The Reaper" which comes after two peaceful balladic inerludes called "Fly" (1 & 2). the problem is that afterwards the music takes mellower proportions with plenty of melodic hooks seldom leaving the mid-pace. The singer has a cool clean mid-tenged tember again recalling Andy "Henner" Allendörfer (R.I.P.) from Squealer.

Never Night Full-length, 2008

Official Site

NEVERMORE (USA, New York)

This band combines American power metal (the opener) with the speed/thrash aesthetics of early Metallica and Flotsam & Jetsam: this is cool mid to up-tempo speed/power/thrash, which nicely speeds up whenever it's necessary: the excellent galloping "Maker of Man", and even thrashes with force: "On The Outside", which could have been lent to the band by the Flotsams (joking, of course), after failing to qualify for "Doomsday for the Deceiver". "Break On Through" is the odd choice here: a cover of The Doors' hit, with a cool fast thrashy ending.

Nevermore EP, 1989

NEVERMORE (USA, Seattle)

Nevermore was formed by the members of Sanctuary (it's not very clear what caused the name change; anyone?). At least on the debut one could clearly hear shades of Sanctuary among the heavy, doomy, semi-technical riffs. Warrel Dane's vocals on the Nevermore albums are generally lower-pitched, with very rare reaches for the higher notes. On "Politics Of Ecstasy" the band went heads-down into thrash, and combined with the dark progressive music of the debut, they forged a unique sound which would often be imitated by many bands in the years to come. Throughout the years these guys managed to establish themselves as one of the leading bands on the scene. All their albums are highly recommended; this is the definitive progressive power/thrash metal act of modern times.

Nevermore Full-length, 1995
In Memory EP, 1996
The Politics of Ecstasy Full-length, 1996
Dreaming Neon Black Full-length, 1999
Dead Heart in a Dead World Full-length, 2000
Believe in Nothing Single, 2000
Enemies of Reality Full-length, 2003
This Godless Endeavor Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NEW EDEN (USA)

This band was founded by the talented guitarist Horacio Colmenares in the mid 90's, who wanted to give a lesson in history to the young metal generation, by telling them about the glorious power/thrash metal scene which The US had 10 years ago. "Through The Make Believe" was a splashing debut of vintage American power/thrash with a nice technical edge, quite close to the works of Helstar, Liege Lord, Aftermath, Attacker. The opener "Nightmare" is a mighty up-tempo shredder, with razor-sharp riffs and great leads. It sets the tone for what follows, until the coming of the semi-ballad "Now That You Have Gone", which is placed in the middle, followed by the speed metal killer "Unlock the Door" and the technical piece "Symptoms of Time". "Piracy" is the more melodic power metal number, but its less hard-hitting approach is cancelled by another fine technical shredder: "Sunshine". The closing "Empty Man" is the most complex, progressive song, exiting this promising debut with style.
Having done a job 10 times better than the last offerings of Helstar and Omen, the band quickly attracted a lot of attention from both sides of the ocean. And it didn't take too long for some of the old stars to seek shelter under their banner. James Rivera was the fastest to offer his services, and the band's future with him on board looked even brighter. What followed, however, remains one of the biggest mysteries from the metal scene of the 90's: while the fans were eagerly expecting a follow-up, Colmenares announced a completely new line-up, with all his old colleagues, as well as Rivera, gone. Whether Rivera cunningly sneaked into the band's camp just to steal those talented musicians in order to use them for his new band, or they left on their own will, following the more experienced, and well established on the scene authority, again, remains a mystery. Instead of holding a grudge against those who suddenly "abandoned the ship" (Helstar had a song of that title from "Distant Thunder"), or making a big deal out of it, Colmenares made use of his time to find new people, and finally "Obscure Master Plan" became a fact.
This work considerably toned down the aggressive thrashy riffage from the debut, and elaborated on the more power/speed metal side of their style: a tendency clearly shown with the heavy, more complex opener "The Promise". "Evil Logic", which follows, is a cool speed metal piece, but later on the music loses the energy, opting for a more laid-back, more elaborate approach: "Epitaph", "Flicker Of Faith", the semi-ballad "Shades Of You". The more direct fast-paced riffage comes back for the short "Shadows", but the real winner here is the final "Land Of Filth And Money", which is a fine progressive power metal composition. Thrash metal seems a distant memory on this one, and after this one fans of the more appealing and more hard-hitting style of the debut must have joined the band formed by Rivera and the former New Eden members Destiny's End.
The sophomore album was also warmly welcome by the fanbase, but now the band had a very strong rival in the face of Destiny's End, and Colmenares now had to think carefully, before making his next step. This time the thinking process took longer, and resulted in the change of singers; the former Steel Prophet singer Rick Mythiasin came on board, but he played it fair, and stayed with Colmenares, without luring away any of his musicians. "Stagnant Progression" is a great effort, showing the band returning to the more thrashy riffage last heard on the debut, by increasing the complexity. "Threshold Of Tolerance" starts in an awesome technical fashion, followed by the mighty thrashy riff-monster "Contemptous World". "Advocate" is another killing number, which could fit very well into "Nosferatu", boasting some brilliant lead guitar work as well. "No Ill Intent" and "Mortal Realizations" are marvellous exercises in technical shredding. "Emptiness" is the obligatory ballad, but watch out for the next "Pawn For The King": brilliant raging thrasher. "Stagnant Progression" is standout technical speed/thrash, but all this comes overshadowed (this depends on the taste, of course) by the 8-min progressive multi-layered masterpiece "Freezing My Darkside", which alternates fierce speedy passages with atmospheric quiet moments. Considered by many the band's finest achievement, and again having received a hot reception by the fans, it shouldn't take too long for Colmenares and Co. to come with a follow-up.
Apparently both acts (New Eden & Steel Prophet) seem to co-operate quite well together, as both Mythiasin and Colmenares are taking part in the recording of the new Steel Prophet album.

Through The Make Believe Full-length, 1997
Obscure Master Plan Full-length, 1999
Stagnant Progression Full-length, 2003

Official Site

NEW MEXICAN ERECTION (USA)

The band name already suggests that these guys shouldn't be taken seriously and if you do that, you wouldn't be very disappointed: this is melodic modern thrash with a certain amount of groove reminding of Anthrax of the 90's, or later period Machine Head, with some timid attempts at a more technical play. The pleasant surprise here are the vocals which are of the melodic, clean type sounding like a mix of Warrel Dane and John Bush; not very fitting to the music, but bringing a breath of fresh air, and a touch of originality.

Groovecore EP EP, 1999
Innuendo Full-length, 2003
Co-Dependent Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NEW TESTAMENT (RUSSIA)

Many musicians have been a part of this band's line-up throughout the years: members of Aria, Valkyria, Korrozia Metalla, Hellraiser, Black Coffee, Kruiz- the whole Russian metal spectre. Based on "Apocalypse", these guys play quite good doom metal ala Bolt Thrower (the closing riffs from "Legions of Death" are directly taken from Bolt Thrower's "This Time It's War" from "The IVth Crusade"), and Black Sabbath and Saint Vitus (most of the songs) mixed with a certain doze of thrash. At times the sound is pure doom, but at others it speeds up quite a bit, like on the first and last tracks, coming up with some sharp, headbanging riffs. The doom metal presented here is also of the faster mid-tempo variety with the occasional slow, sleepy parts.

Halleluyah Full-length, 1991
Exorsist Full-length, 1992
Apocalypse Full-length, 1994

Official Site

NEWBREED (POLAND)

Based on "Child of the Sun": these guys pull out good progressive thrash with a modern edge, quite complex, with long, 8-9min compositions, sounding like a cross between Opeth and Spastik Inc. Almost every song starts with an aggressive thrashy riff, but later develops into a multi-layered, elaborate affair, with many different moods changing, numerous acoustic, dream-like sections, and more. The singer is a pullback, with his very melodic, pop-ish voice, recalling Porcupine Tree. Despite the promising beginning, the tracks might get on the nerves on the regular thrash metal fan, because of their non-conventional, sprawling nature, but fans of Opeth and the long, progressive songs will be delighted.

The NeW Way of Human Existence EP, 2002
Lost EP, 2003
If I Were the Rain Full-length, 2005
Child Of The Sun Full-length, 2007

Official Site

NEXT (MEXICO)

"...Y Los Restos" is melodic power/thrash of the classic school, energetic and all, but lacking an edge. "Invasion Nuclear" is a commendable debut, with a more aggressive approach and faster speed/thrash-based songs. The guitars are quite sharp, although the sound quality is a bit muddy, and the vocals are quite unpleasant hardcore-ish mid-ranged ones, very close to Wattie (The Exploited). "Pelea O Muere" is still quite thrashy, and most of the time sounds way more aggressive than the debut ("Epidemia Fatal IV", "Pelea O Muere", and the excellent brutal closer "2.32"). This could be the band's best release, featuring a cool headbanging material all the way.
"MCMXCVI" sounds a lot more 90's, having acquired the groovy spirit of the time, but is not completely lacking energy: the short, but melodic "Slam", the nice intense "Desorden", parts of "Rabia". "Dias Obscuros" is a cool heavy, pounding thrasher, and "Ya No Quiero Seguir" is a very good melodic balladic instrumental, but the rest is more ordinary modern thrash, without any highlights.

Invasion Nuclear Full-length, 1988
El Juicio / Silencio Nocturno Full-length, 1989
Pelea O Muere Full-length, 1992
...Y Los Restos Full-length, 1993
MCMXCVI Full-length, 1997
Next Full-length, 2004

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NIFELHEIM (SWEDEN)

Based on "Envoy of Lucifer", this band come up with fast and energetic black/thrash of the old school, not too far from the works of the Japanese representatives of the genre: Sabbat, Abigail, Barbatos. Naturally, the music goes into hyper-blast black metal extremes at times, but there is enough thrash here to satisfy fans of the genre.

Nifelheim Full-length, 1995
Devil's Force Full-length, 1998
Servants Of Darkness Full-length, 2000
Unholy Death EP, 2000
Envoy of Lucifer Full-length, 2007

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NIGEL FOXXE'S INC (GREECE)

This is actually the band Thanatos Inc. founded by the former Flames guitar player Nigel Foxxe. The band had to change their name after negative reactions on the side of the Dutch Thanatos who had chosen this name first. The music is less thrashy than the one heard on Thanatos Inc.'s only album. There are some classic heavy metal songs, and you might find yourself wondering whether their place is on a thrash metal album. However, when the guys thrash, they could rank with the best ("Warning Signs"). On the second half of the album the songs become longer, start dragging and sound much less interesting. Apparently the name change had taken some of the good sides of the band's music.

War of the Godz Full-length, 1988

NIGHTCRAWLER (SPAIN)

These Spaniards pull out capable power/speed/thrash with a classic sting alternating faster galoping riffs with slower sharp ones. The "duel" in the vocal department between the high melodic female and the deep growling male ones is quite cool, although from all the 8 tracks featured ony two are studio recordings, the others being live with a worse sound which gives the guitars a very buzzy sound. The end comes in the form of a faithful, but ruined by the bad sound, cover of Rage's "Set the World on Fire" from "Unity", and the medley between Kreator's "People of the Lie" and Carcass' "Heartwork", which is surprisingly doog with a much better sound quality with more preferences towards the Kreator composition.

Burning Like Flesh On The Rotten Soil Demo, 2009

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NIGHTMARE (BULGARIA)

On their only album these obscure Bulgarians pull out capable, technically-decorated thrash/death along the lines of No Return's "Contamination Rises". The band never adhere to pure blasting sections like the French, and on their most inspired they are not too far even from Pestilence's "Testimony of the Ancients", or Death's "Human", similarities also called by the singer's early Chuck Schuldiner (R.I.P.)-like delivery. The guitar work is really good, and again recalls the mighty Chuck quite a few times. The album is split by the cool speedy cover version of the Venom immortal hit "Black Metal", which is slightly off-context, but stirs up the mood. Afterwards the band afford some loose pieces, like the short doomy "Go Away", the atmospheric ambient, and scarily non-metal "Dreams", but also one straight thrash headbanger ("Holocaust"). The closer "Return of The Death" safely brings back the sound to the previous technical thrash/death formula, proving the rule once again that there are no odd/casual acts coming out of Bulgaria.

Mental Derangement Full-Length, 1994

NIGHTMARE (JAPAN)

Fast, aggressive thrashcore; don't look any further than early Prong and Beyond Possession... Short 1.5-min tracks, often graced by melodic punk passages.

Nightmare EP, 1988

NIGHTMARE (POLAND)

Based on "Cryptic Songs" this band offers cool, still more classic-sounding thrash with a dark gothic edge, also coming from the raw death metal vocals. The music is mostly in mid-tempo with slower atmospheric breaks, where the riffs start biting more. The style bears resemblances to late 80's Slayer, but here the guitar work is heavier. "Fallen Love" is a nice more complex number, also graced by operatic, cleaner vocals. "Looking for Paradise" is an effective mix of faster guitars and some doom-laden parts, followed by the most aggressive thrasher here "Picture of Evil". Get ready for some more intense thrashing on "The Lost", and on the short furious closer "The Awakening", which will do exactly what the title promises.

Cryptic Songs Full-length, 1993
Cold Full-length, 1995

NIGHTSHADERS (MALAYSIA)

A modern cross between thrash and Swedish death metal, with some more atmospheric, gothic-tinged passages.

Rougayah’s Revenge Demo, 2007

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NIHILIST (MACEDONIA)

Modern thrash mixed with hardcore, reminding me of Pro-Pain quite a bit. The guys vary things by adding some heavy, groovy tracks to the overall energetic tempo. Some more light-hearted, rock-ish songs are also included: "Underground Of The Underground", "Real Game", but then comes the most brutal part of the album: the death metal-tinged "Spanish Inquisition For The TV Soap Production". The rest bears no surprises, being a mixture of the two aforementioned styles.

Another Dispersion of Hate Full-length, 2005

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NIHILIST (USA, Atlanta)

Based on the 1990 demo, these guys present a different style on each of the three tracks: "Terminus" is good Bay Area thrash in the vein of Forbidden and Vio-lence; "Shallow Graves" increases the aggression going towards Slayer, with a cool slower, doomy break in the middle; "Grunge" is a very heavy, smashing piece which precedes the aggro-thrash of 90's bands like Pantera and Machine Head.

Demo Demo, 1989
Nihilist Demo, 1989
Demo Demo, 1990

NIHILIST (USA, California)

Based on the EP, this band mix in a not very convincing way Bay Area thrash with Slayer. The problem here is that the music sounds uninspired at times, and there is no much variety, even in the almost 10-min long "Chaos Season" which moves along the lines of late 80's Metallica, but the riffs are repetitive and boring, and fortunately near the end the guys throw some more vibrant Slayer-like riffs to improve things a bit. "The Ballad" is, of course, a ballad which is too far from the Testament standards that it tries to follow. "The Cleansing" is the only worthy number here, a good headbanger, again, along the lines of Slayer's "Reign in Blood".
"Call Down The Thunder", unfortunately, is even more toothless, abandoning the Slayer-esque aggression, which used to pop up here and there on the EP; all songs are in the same vein: mid-tempo melodic power/thrashers recalling Iced Earth. The only track which packs a punch is "Nihilist Kills", as the song-title is more of a wish for the future works of the band, rather than a reality. The Judas Priest's cover version of "Freewheel Burning" sounds even softer than the original, and has nothing to do with thrash metal. Apparently the guys do not consider themselves a full-blooded thrash metal act, and if you get used to their not very aggressive style, you might find something to like here.
"Blood Portraits" finally hits the mark, and is the guys' finest hour so far. It is based around classic speed/thrash (more speed than thrash) ala Destructor, the Germans Vectom and Exciter, so expect direct simplistic tracks with melodic hooks aplenty and some fast rhythms. The album is quite consistent speed-wise, even longer, more serious songs like "House of the Dead" keep a dynamic pace throughout, slowing down for the occasional break. Pure speed metal releases are a rare breed nowadays, and those of you who were not very happy with the last Exciter output, will definitely lift up their mood with this one.

Guilty of Kicking Ass EP, 2001
Kill Or Be Killed Full-length, 2002
Call Down The Thunder Full-length, 2006
Blood Portraits Full-Length, 2009

My Space

NIHLIST WORKSHOP (USA)

Modern groovy thrash with female vocals, which speeds up here and there, acquiring some 90's Chastain-like tendencies; the girl does a fairly good job behind mike, spicing her gruff delivery ala more intelligible Dawn Crosby, with some fine melodic clean lines. Some attempts at mixing groove with crossover sound misplaced ("Nothing"); the same can not be said about the stoner/doomy delight with a faster twist "Direct Retribution", or the dark hypnotic "Revenge", in the best tradition of early Fear of God, with a groovy shade.

Demo Demo, 2004

My Space

NIHILOSAUR (POLAND)

Industrialized progressive thrash in the vein of mid-90's Voivod, Mastodon and the Canadians Soulstorm, but more complex, with low death growls, quite good, with some interesting decisions, hypnotic dissonant guitars, in the mid-range, with frequently changing moods and riffs. This is a creepy menacing musical experience, large on atmosphere, certainly not a headbanger's paradise. The fact that at times the album loses completely the dynamics, settling for slow-ish almost doomy riffage ("Broken Against False Knowledge"; "Three Hundred And Sixty Thousand", which will also remind you of Godflesh, with its monotonous, but effective main theme) is hardly a complaint, since the guitars retain the technical/progressive edge and the bite. The lack of variety at the end is compensated by some beautifully surreal abstract sections on "A Sort Of Emotional Anaemia" and the closer with the very silly title "Blood Sweetened With Shit", which also adds some lyrical melodic guitar hooks, nicely contrasting to the otherwise bleak, but captivating musical landscape.

The End is Within Sight Full-length, 2007

My Space

NIMROD (CHILE)

Although this band have often been classified as a death metal act, at least on their "Time of Changes" demo there is no big reason for that; the guys play well constructed up-tempo thrash metal reminiscent of Possessed, Slayer and Devastation, introducing slower moments in the Celtic Frost tradition, and even riffs ala Destruction come up from time to time (the instrumental "The Message" is a very good example for that).
"Return to Babylon" would be quite a surprise to the demo fans since it offers an entirely different approach deeply immersed in the classic power/thrash metal idea, maybe to better suit the new singer Eric "La Bestia" Morales, also known from the epic doom metallers Dantesco, whose passionate clean voice seamlessly blends with the fast vigorous music. The guys press the pedal on speed from the beginning, with the epic speed/thrashers "Night of the Witches" and "I Am", before the peaceful balladic instrumental "Return to Babylon" calms things down. "Broken Wings" pounds in a heavy semi-technical manner, but the guys feel restless, and start thrashing again in the 2nd half. "Ready to Burn" is a first-rate doomy thrasher with a shade of Memento Mori and Sanctuary's "Into the Mirror Black"; please be prepared for the brutal proto-death break in the middle and the brilliant Oriental tunes right after. Heavy pounding riffs aplenty await you on the formidable "Death Behind" which flows into the semi-ballad "Betrayer of the Soul" which also offers great leads and a good chorus. It was high time for more dynamics added, and "Time of Changes" comes right on time to satisfy the hunger for speed scoring high in the technical department as well. "Dark Land" adds more fuel into the fire being another speedy thrasher with a few slower twists. The closer "Nimrod" is more than a satisfying exit from this grand effort, finally recalling the brutality from the band's earlier output, being an aggressive thrash/proto-death shredder with an atmospheric doomy middle.

Time of Changes Demo, 1988
Time Of Changes Re-Release Best of/Compilation, 2003
Demo Demo, 2007
Return to Babylon Full-length, 2008

My Space

NITROUS (ESTONIA)

This is a mix of heavy, modern sounding thrash metal and some "Reign In Blood"-like aggression.

Dominant Force Full-length, 2006

Nme WITHIN (SWEDEN)

A very diverse album containing elements of thrash (of the more modern variety), traditional 80's metal and even some hard rock numbers; the music packs a punch although this is not a very heavy stuff.

Son of a Gun EP, 1995
Science Krucifikkton Full-length, 1997

NO DIRECTION (USA)

Good classic thrash sounding like a mix between Exodus' "Bonded by Blood" and Slayer's "Hell Awaits"; the music is speedy, except on "Brain Daze" which slows down a bit taking some crossover qualities, but nicely speeds up near the end. "Blind Reproach" acquires some funky, but also technical tendencies, and is quite an enjoyable piece.

Demo Demo, 1988

NO MADE SENSE (UK)

This trio pulls out industrialized groovy progressive post-thrash with long sprawling compositions which feature fast-paced passages and quite a few stylish guitar decisions (check the leads on "Entases Of Azure (Chapter II)", which also boasts a very cool speedy ending), but the soft, stretch-your-nerves moments are also here, stretching (and your nerves as well) into whole songs ("Milachis Depths"). The music has something in common with Neurosis and more recent Mastodon, but these guys have loads of patience going through a very long monotonous passage with no intentions to change it. The music is by no means without merits, but from a thrash-metal-point-of-view this is hardly the fan's paradise.

NoMadeSense EP, 2007
The Epillanic Choragi Full-length, 2009

My Space

NO MERCY (USA)

This is a side project of two Suicidal Tendencies members (including the legendary Mike Muir). The sound is pretty much the same: thrash/speed/crossover; a very good stuff if you enjoy crossover and the Suicidals (especially "Join the Army" and "How Will I Laugh..."). Some of the tracks are also included in the Suicidal Tendencies' Best of Compilation "Controlled by Hatred".

Widespread Bloodshed Love Runs Red Full-length, 1987

My Space

NO PROMISES (SLOVAKIA)

This is a diverse cocktail, serving classic headbanging thrash/death ("Torturer Dance"), gothic-tinged doomy death ("Pirouette Of Fallen Angel"), pounding, semi-technical dark thrash ("Photoalbum"), and more. This is not a very focused effort, but the charm of it lies in the wide variety, where everyone may find something to like.

Face Human Soul Full-Length, 1997

NO QUARTER GIVEN (UK)

The EP provides heavy groovy thrash with dynamic, even up-tempo at times riffs, some cool guitar hooks (the acoustic exit from "Cleaver" is really nice) and very angry semi-death metal vocals.

The Embodiment Begins Full-length, 2008
Hold Your Serenity EP, 2009

My Space

NO REMORSE (AUSTRALIA)

First-class speed/thrash metal recalling Iron Angel, Toxic's "World Circus" (but without the technical leanings) and Agent Steel; fast, sometimes quite aggressive music which will keep you headbanging for days; this is by far one of the best kept secrets of the Australian metal scene, highly recommended.

Demo Demo, 1988

NO REMORSE (SWEDEN)

This demo offers a mix of some straight-forward mid-paced thrash, crossover, and even some doomy elements; not bad, with the inclusion of one good ballad: "Call It Destiny". The band later moved into a doom/death metal territory, and respectively, changed their name, to Temperance.

Wake Up or Die! Demo, 1990

NO RETURN (FRANCE)

One of the most resilient French metal bands, No Return brought the Bay Area thrash to France with their excellent debut. They could have been perfectly well-off continuing in the same vein, but the trends were going towards death metal and "Contamination Rises" was the answer to them; a great thrash/death hybrid calling to mind Sepultura's "Beneath The Remains" and Pestilence's "Testimony Of The Ancients" (in the more technical sections). Having proved themselves as equally capable to handle more than one thrash metal sub-genre, the guys were quick to disappoint with "Seasons Of Soul", a bland modern thrash offering which considerably spoiled the impression made by the band.
Six years later No Return were back in the game with another thrash/death metal mixture, this time with a modern production and a certain doze of modern elements; a big improvement compared to the last release. "Machinery" went back even further, introducing some Bay Area thrash not heard since the band's debut, which mixed with the more aggressive death metal material, worked well. Their last self-titled debut is much less interesting, offering pretty average modern thrash/death metal.
The guys apparently entertain themselves, alternating strong with weak material, since after the listless self-titled previous effort they come up with first-rate classic thrash, again with a death-y edge, which pulls out all the stops on quite a few times. "Manipulated Mind" is the obligatory strong opener: a really fine blend of technical and melodic riffage, decorated by great melodic leads. "Puzzle of Life" is old school thrash at its absolute best; could have been left out from the debut? (kidding, of course!). "Rising" misleads with its blasting beginning, as later on it carries the thrash flag sky-high, accompanied by a mighty technical play and great leads again. The technical performance stays around for "Take Me Beyond": technical death/thrash of the highest quality, last heard on the last Death album. "New Items" is less than 3-min of classic thrash brilliance, after which the technical guitars return (who says that there is No Return?!) for "Blackness", which is more aggressive, clinging towards the death metal side, again recalling Death. "Carnal Violence" beats almost everything with its lashing fast-paced precise technical riffage, and the magnificent more quiet middle progressively-laced break. "The Right Course" combines straight headbanging delivery with twisted technical play, accompanied by excellent leads, for the upteenth time (the lead guitarist is arguably the best performer here). "Out of Control" is exemplary technical thrash/death, which will make you listen to it many times in a row: this is an overwhelming song, a stunning combination of energetic, speedy guitars and some breath-taking atmospheric calmer sections, plus the compulsory very technical riffage and, of course, the expert lead guitar work. Four months before the end of the year, it looks like 2008 has found its champions; this masterpiece completely erases any bad impressions made by any of the band's last offerings, and puts them on the very top of the French metal scene, where it would be really hard for anyone to dethrone them.

Psychological Torment Full-length, 1990
Contamination Rises Full-length, 1991
Seasons Of Soul Full-length, 1995
Red Embers EP, 1997
Self Mutilation Full-length, 2001
Machinery Full-length, 2002
No Return Full-length, 2006
Manipulated Mind Full-Length, 2008

My Space

NO SISSY STUFF (GERMANY)

With a name like this what could we possibly expect? Well, definitely not glam metal, like some of you might have thought initially. This is an all-female band (something not very common for the contemporary metal scene) who present us with a cool mix of thrash and traditional metal. Music-wise these girls remind me of another girl-band from the past: Ordained Fate, or the Americans Mid-Evil, but the Germans' music is heavier and more hard-hitting than both. It's been 6 years since the appearance of their only demo, and hopefully the girls are alive and well ready to follow on the steps of this capable 1st effort.

Last Poem Demo, 2001

Official Site

NO WARNING (USA)

There is not enough information about this band, so if anyone can help... Style-wise this is a mix of hardcore and the aggressive thrash of Slayer and Dark Angel. The music is pretty fast, with a few proto-death moments ("Life's a Bitch", "Use Your Mind", etc.).

Back from the Dead Full-Length, 198?

NOCODE (SPAIN)

Good groovy thrash with some industrial overtones, some surprisingly melodic touches, and some cool more dynamic catchy tracks ("Americanizados", "Subasta de Dolor"); "Enjoy the Silence" is a very cool cover of Depeche Mode, with heavy meaty guitars, and very cool vocals, quite reminding of Dave Gahan; could be another singer, since the main vocals (which also spring up on this one near the end) are shouted, hardcore ones. The album closer "No Hay Salida" is a nice turn to a more aggressive play, featuring great, totally unexpected leads, which might make one regret why they were not even slightly hinted at earlier.

Reversible Full-Length, 2007

NOCTEM (SPAIN)

This is mostly black/death metal, with hints at thrash on the slower material. The music is quite diverse, sometimes technical, sometimes melodic and catchy, sometimes hyper-blasting, sometimes orchestral and epic in the tradition of Bal-Sagoth, so there is a wide coverage of moods and tempos. The vocals are the typical raspy black metal ones, interrupted at times by gruffer death metal-ones. "Religious Plagues" is the only full-blooded thrasher, with a progressive edge and nice melodic tunes.

Divinity Full-length, 2009

Official Site

NOCTURN (HOLLAND)

Another good act from the long list of more technical bands, which Holland has been keeping all these years; this band has a fairly interesting approach to thrash: their style is semi-technical thrash with long engaging numbers infused with a considerable amount of doom, even doom-death at times, bringing the music close to bands like Asphyx or Beyond Belief (both acts are from Holland). Overall the sound is very heavy, doomy, but the thrash breaks will guarantee to keep you awake although this might not be a very easy listen to some. Somewhere in the middle there is a riff stolen from Candlemass' "A Cry From The Crypt" (you find where).

Estranged Dimensions Full-length, 1991

NOCTURNAL (GERMANY)

Of the modern-day thrash metal bands this is the one who probably come closest to the vintage sound of early Destruction. The band shred like there's no tomorrow and leave very little room for solos (if any). The vocals are screechy, similar to Mille from Kreator, his earlier ones. This is a direct old school riff-fest with no compromises.
"Violent Revenge" is another slab of quite good all-out classic Germanic thrash, fast and relentless, this time not bearing too many resemblances to Destruction, offering more ordinary straight riffage, more in the speed/thrash vein ala Exumer, early Deathrow, and Toxic Shock. "Death Is The Answer" is a nice speed/thrash fest, the best song here, but short direct bombs like "Disgracer" and "Beast of Hades" are not to be ignored, either. The melody has been increased a bit, but it only makes the album sound more appealing, especially the riff-work on the short speed metal killers near the end "Swarm Of Insects" and "Creation Of The Possessed". On the last song the guys take it easy settling down for a more thrash/crossover-based approach on the still raging "Hells Forces". Behind the mike we have a girl, going under the pseudonim Tyrannizer, who had sung before for the British death/black metal outfit Necrosadistic Goat Torture.

Thrash with the devil EP, 2003
Arrival of the Carnivore Full-length, 2004
Temples Of Sin EP, 2005
Violent Revenge Full-Length, 2009

Official Site

NOCTURNAL BREED (NORWAY)

A black/thrash metal band; with members from a few black metal bands together one knows what to expect, but the music is actually very good 80's German thrash with Sodom and Kreator being the prime influences, with only the vocals belonging to the black metal field. There is not much variation between the albums, but for fans of retro thrash this band is highly recommended.

Raping Europe '97 EP, 1997
Aggressor Full-length, 1997
Triumph of the Blasphemer EP, 1998
No retreat...no surrender Full-length, 1998
The Tools Of The Trade Full-length, 1999
Warthog 7” EP, 2004
Fields of Rot Full-length, 2007

Official Site

NOCTURNAL FEAR (USA, NJ)

Based on the "Spontaneous Combustion" demo, this band play raw simplistic thrash along the lines of early Venom and Celtic Frost, maybe more up-tempo. The singer tries to be the next Cronos, but his voice is rougher, and more aggressive. "Freedom of Speech" abandons the heaviness, and goes head-over-heels into Slayer territory.

Nocturnal Fear Demo, 1989
Spontaneous Combustion Demo, 1990

NOCTURNAL FEAR (USA, MI)

Based on "Sterilize and Exterminate": on one side we have modern thrash/death metal similar to The Haunted and The Crown; on the other one we have 80's, Sodom-like riffs. Not bad, especially with the addition of the cover version of Sodom's "Outbreak Of Evil" near the end.
"Code Of Violence" is furious, well executed thrash/death with a genuine semi-technical edge, and could well pass for the band's finest hour. The guys thrash with no mercy, playing intensely and fast most of the time, walking the fine line between the two styles, with preferences towards the thrash side, which produces the best songs on the album: the speed/thrash fests "Rotting In Hell", "Rising Hatred" and "Flamethrower Holocaust", which could make any veteran from the 80's scene proud. "Skull Splitter" shows the band's more technical side, combined with some of the most furious and fast-paced riffs on the album. "Mind Control" begins with a curious saxophone intro ala Goran Bregovich (from the Emir Kusturica films), which flows into a heavy Slayer-esque riff, before it bursts into the next smashing speed killer, which in its turn is followed by the last two songs, the most aggressive and fastest ones. This is a nice companion to the other relentless assault to come out of the States recently (Merciless Death's "Realm Of Terror"), and a worthy addition to the overall marvellous thrash metal picture of 2008.
"Metal Of Honor" is quick to capitalize on its predecessor's success, and comes out less than a year later to offer another vicious slab of thrash/death metal which takes no prisoners, an attitude very well expressed on the damaging opener "Cast From Heaven". Things take a nice both more melodic and a more technical shape with the still quite speedy "Nuclear Deathstrike", a tendency continued on the next "Death Before Dishonor" which preserves everything from the previous numbers by adding a couple of blasting sections. "Soul Destroyer" is a destructive technical speedster, a superb raging piece, the highlight of the album, after which the sound becomes more aggressive with the more death metal-oriented "The Victor And The Vanquished" which still contains a few technical licks in the second half. The latter come aplenty on "The Enigma Of Steel", another seamless mixture of speed and technicality with great melodies and tempos. This great example is followed by the remaining 3 blitzkrieg pieces with the closing "Triumph Of Steel" (this is not a Manowar cover, folks) being a real "triumph" of speed inevitably including a few blasting hyper-fast passages to wrap it up. These guys are getting better and better; from the rough-around-the-edges debut they managed to evolve into one of the most potent forces of the US thrash metal circuit. If Kiss had to re-write their hit from the distant past now, then it should sound like this: "Detroit thrash city..." (Nocturnal Fear are from Detroit).
"Fog of War" is closer in spirit to the debut rather than to the more technical and tighter performance of the next two efforts, and is a cool slab of the good old school thrash/death metal played in an energetic fast tempo seldom crossing the border towards purer death metal ("Ressurected From The Past", which also goes away with all the technical pretensions), but the more carefree crossover spirit ("Kill the Enemy") is just around the corner.

Sterilize and Exterminate Full-length, 2002
Fog of War Full-length, 2005
Code Of Violence Full-length, 2008
Metal Of Honor Full-length, 2009

Official Site

NOCTURNAL GRAVES (AUSTRALIA)

This band is a colloboration between members of one the major Australian metal acts of recent years Destroyer 666 and the Americans Toxic Holocaust (actually this is only one man: one of the most prominent underground metal heroes of recent years Joel Grind). Based on the "Deathstorm" demo: a 3-song demo of brutal black/thrash/death metal, with shades of grind-core even ("Deathstorm"); there is little more than violent bashing here, which stops on the last song for a while: "Face The Dawn", which begins with some calmer, more interesting guitar work, but it soon degenerates into the previous aggressive, one-dimensional delivery.
The full-length carries on in the same merciless relentless vein already heard on the demos. The musicianship, however, is better, and some of the leads are quite cool. Thrash metal takes a larger portion, and more than half the tracks are nice headbanging thrashers, even recalling Destruction at times ("Skullthrone"). Some tracks are unecessarily brutal and violent ("Whore Of Sodom", "Satan's Cross"), and partially ruin the brisk thrashy atmosphere, created by the rest.

Profanation of Innocence Demo, 2004
Deathstorm Demo, 2004
The Demo's 2004 Best of/Compilation, 2005
Goatwatchers United - Satans Goats Tribute II. Assault Split, 2005
Demonic Profanation Best of/Compilation, 2006
Necromancer Single, 2006
Satan's Cross Demo, 2007
Satan's Cross Full-length, 2007

Official Site

NODE (ITALY)

One of the stalwarts on the modern technical thrash/death metal arena, this act mixes the dry mechanical riffs of Meshuggah with the more dynamic approach of Darkane ading a strong industrial flavour ala Fear Factory, consequently edning up sounding not far from the French Gojira at times on more recent works. This amalgam doesn't, however, apply to the very cool debut which is fine technical death metal with touches of Death and Pestilence on a more modern base. On "Sweatshops" the guys incorporated the thrash and industrial elements, but being busy increasing the diversity and the appeal they seem to have forgotten about the higher level of musicianship, and from this album on the band's style is modern thrash/death with a technical twist the latter fading further and further away with each subsequent release.

Ask EP, 1996
Technical Crime Full-length, 1998
Sterilized EP, 2000
Sweatshops Full-length, 2002
Das Kapital Full-length, 2004
As God Kills Full-length, 2006
In The End Everything Is A Gag Full-length, 2010

Official Site

NOFUCK (ITALY)

From the name one understands that he can not possibly fuck with this band which offer a wild hectic mixture of thrash, death and hardcore. The music constantly jumps from heavy slower sections to brutal speedy ones, seldom adding cool melodic hooks ("Tragedy"), which should have been more frequently present. An interesting moment is "Existenzminimum" near the end, which is a stylish turn to modern technical thrash, with intriguing riffs and more complex arrangements, citing Coroner and Cynic along the way. The opener supplements it well, lashing a couple of hard headbanging riffs with a surprisingly classic flavour. The vocalist will scare you, with his very angry low-tuned tember.

Existenzminimum Full-length, 2007

Official Site

NOKTURNEL (USA)

Based on "Fury Unleashed", this band mix brutal death, black metal and a little bit of thrash. There are some cool technical riffs, and if the guys concentrate on this side of theirs for the future, the best probably for them would be yet to come. Now this wild mixture doesn't work very well, especially for the thrash metal fan.

Nothing But Hatred Full-length, 1993
Anti Grunge EP, 1994
Fury Unleashed Full-length, 2001

NOLE (USA)

Modern thrash/death metal of the melodic type, with some black metal dramatism thrown in, helped by the apocalyptic black metal screeches. The guys do a better job when they don't rely too much on speed, like on the dark galloping number "Undone Again", or the very good progressive/technical opus "Religion is a Whore", which combines atmospheric sleepy passages with some complex guitar-driven ones.

Sin To Live Full-length, 2009

NOMED (FRANCE)

One of the first French thrash metal bands who started playing aggressive thrash apparently influenced by their American colleagues. Their debut EP delivers exactly that: furious fast thrash with short pounding tracks. "Like..." comes with a better production and a more polished sound, but the thrash attack is pretty much the same. This time there are some hardcore numbers included, which work very well, combined with the forceful thrashers. The comeback album in 2000 is more of a thrash/death metal mixture, but effective, with interesting vocals ranging from black metal shrieks to low death metal growls.

troop of Death EP, 1988
Like... Full-length, 1989
Silent Scream EP, 1997
A Vision Of God Full-length, 2000
Feel the Pain EP, 2001
Requiem EP, 2007

Vibrations of Doom

NOMENCLATURE DIABLERIE (AUSTRALIA)

This is a 2-song demo of aggressive thrash/death metal, perhaps the first effort of the kind in Australia. "Premature Creation" has a cool semi-technical thrash break in the middle, before it explodes into another merciless death metal assault. "Lovecraft" is pure death metal madness: fast and brutal.

888 Demo, 1988

NON-HUMAN LEVEL (SWEDEN)

This band features two members of the technical death/thrash metal wizards Agretator and Darkane, so expect something high class. And, indeed, the music is not too distant from the flamboyant style of these two bands, but is more varied with some groovy parts, and is more thrashy, with an abundant presence of the lead guitar; a worthy addition to the metal field of recent years.

Non-Human Level Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NON COMPOS MENTIS (AUSTRALIA)

This is the formation where the guys from Nothing Sacred tried their hands on some metal for the first time. The opening "The Ballad Of Phil Gresik" is a very misleading doomy, slow number, with almost no ties to thrash. Later things become much more interesting, with great speedy thrashers, like "Kidney Punches", "NCM", which might pull you back because of the very screechy, hysterical direction the vocals sometimes take. "Excreter" is a heavier, slower thrashing piece, and the last track is another exercise on slow, doomy metal: "Habeus Corpus", this time without vocals, and better (with some notable meaty guitar work), since the brutal death-ish delivery of the singer is hardly the most suitable one to the much better music.

You're Next Punk Demo, 1986

NONEUCLID (GERMANY)

This band is a side project for members of the black metallers Dark Fortress. This album is a shift from their main band into a technical thrash/death metal territory, and quite good at that. At times the music is pure thrash delight ("Worm", "Coming in Tongues"), at others it gets quite fast, and at the same time considerably more complex, with a certain progressive shade ("The Digital Diaspora"), and this is when the band strangely remind me of the Brits Bal-Sagoth. "Void Bitch" is a very ambitious composition, which in its almost 8-min will offer you thrash, death, gothic and symphonic metal, mixed really well together. The follower "Xenoglassy" is an awkward piece, containing some noises and semi-whispered voices, and no music at all. "Time Raper" returns the album safely and confidently into thrash metal waters, before the closer "Murder of the Worlds" brings it again into other directions (doom metal, above all), with its brooding, slow riffs and industrial noises. As a just one-album collaboration it works fine, but if the guys intend to turn it into a full-time occupation, it would probably be better if they don't stray too much from the thrash/death metal path.

The Crawling Chaos Full-length, 2008

Official Site

NONEXIST (SWEDEN)

Nonexist is a side project for the progressive metal act Andromeda's guitarist Johan Reinholdz who invites Johan Liiva, a former singer of Arch Enemy, to take part in the recording process. The style is closer to Arch Enemy than to Andromeda, but is more technical with some nice guitar work showing Reinholdz as equally gifted to deal with several sides of the metal spectre. The music is more in the thrash metal department with some shades of the Gothenburg-sound. Apparently this would remain the band's only album as both Reinholdz and Liiva are being busy with things outside Nonexist for the past few years.

Deus Deceptor Full-length, 2002

NOPLACETOHIDE (NORWAY)

Based on the debut: an unconventional take on modern thrash metal; this is industrialized music, very thrashy at that, similar to the Voivod efforts with Eric Forrest, or the Canadians Obliveon. There are some straight headbanging tracks, but then come the time changes and the abstract riffs which one might find awkward and illogical, at least at 1st listen. There are not too many easy riffs to swallow here; one has to take his time with these guys, because this is multi-layered stuff which requires repeated listens, but it will be a reward, rather than a disappointment in the end. For fans of the unusual and more engaging thrash metal, this album is worth tracking down. "Zukunft", on the other hand, has very little to do with thrash, being a much more ordinary industrial death metal affair.

Vergangenheit Full-length, 1995
Zukunft Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NOPRESION (SPAIN)

Based on "Vision", this is cool 80's thrash mixed with some death metal, recalling Merciless' debut, or Attomica's "Disturbing The Noise". The Spaniards are more diverse, with some slower, heavy songs also included ("Vision", "Ulcera"). The bass bottom is very strong, and at times dominates over the guitars. The vocals are a mix between hardcore and death metal-styled.

Visión Full-length, 1993
Sobre Fosas y Vampiros Full-length, 1995
Hello! Full-length, 1999

NORACE (BRAZIL)

This young Brazilian band play good speed/thrash with nice guitar melodies, more classically inclined. The style reminds of a more thrashy Exciter ("Changed By Force") at times, at times it is great Germanic thrash-worship ("Worthiness"), at others carries some slight 90's power/speed metal atmosphere ("Hate and Fear"), or is openly aggressive (the excellent opener "Tears of Nature"). The leads are particularly impressive, being very fast and melodic. The music is speedy and energetic all the time, with very good snarly vocals ala Rob Urinari (Sacrifice), or Schmier.

Tears of Nature Full-length, 2008

NORDIC MIST (USA)

This band, unlike the other one from this split, stay closer to the old Celtic Frost sound, rather than Hellhammer. The singer doesn't stray from the Tom G. Warrior style, and the music delivers the goods, with meaty heavy riffs and some stylish insertions, like female vocals and atmospheric orchestral passages, echoes from "Into the Pandemonium", apparently.

Cracking the Hoarfrost / Into the Psyche Delve Split, 2006

My Space

NORM REJECTION (MALTA)

The EP offers groovy post-thrash with an alternative/grunge edge, and some industrial overtones ala Puncture and Soulstorm. Sometimes the music abandons the boring groovy patterns, and that's when some more up-tempo rhythms can be heard: "Caged".

Deconform Full-length, 1998
0002 Full-length, 2000
Malta Not For Sale EP, 2008

My Space

NORTH SYNDROM (RUSSIA)

An obscure work of good semi-technical thrash reminiscent of 80's Megadeth with a shade of the Bay-Area school, similarities with the Mustaine's gang also in the vocal department. "Barricades" opens the album in a brisk headbanging fashion ala early Testament, but "Just a Horrible Place" is vintage mid-90's Megadeth, slower, melodic and carefree. "Ancient Wheels" follows the same path, but is both more dynamic and more technical thrashing with gusto for most of the time. Then the guys lose it on the middle with the awkward bluesy ballad "Into the Fire" which is miles away from the nostalgic atmosphere of "Tout Le Monde" although it hardly has this song as a model opting instead for a classic heavy/doom metal feel ala Black Sabbath. "O, Russia!" is even more confusing being an acoustic tender piece, and one may find this break from thrash a bit longer than what the good taste allows. "As Wolf Alone" returns to a thrashy Megadeth territory moshing in mid-pace without any technical gimmicks influencing the following "Unspeakable Chads", but the closing "Seek What We Lost" is a revelation with its intense sharp riffs ending this effort in the way it started, in a vigorous Bay-Area-sque manner. Despite the few setbacks in the middle, thic act is a cool addition to the ones from Russia and the former Soviet republics who embraced the Megadeth idea tighter through the years (the Ukrainians Trashmachine, Shah (mostly on their swansong "P.S.I.H.O"), Deadxhead of more recent ones).

Seek What We Lost Full-length, 1994

Fan Site

NORTHERN DISCIPLINE (FINLAND)

Heavy groovy 90's thrash, energetic and intense, touching the Black Album (the semi-balladic "Nothing Remains") and GZR on the best moments. The "duel" between the pure hardcore shouts and the semi-clean vocals ala Chris Holmes is not bad, and the closing "Killed By Suffocation" manages to thrash a few hearts out at the end with its brisk up-tempo approach.

Northern Discipline EP, 2003
Burn-Beaten Soil Full-length, 2006

Official Site

NORTHWINDS (USA)

A potent mixture of power, speed and thrash metal, which recalls Aftermath and Heathen; some of the tracks have this ambitious, but also hectic angle, typical for the works of Aftermath, as though the guys want to insert elements from all the three aforementioned styles in just one composition, like on the opener "Inside You Forever". Fortunately this doesn't happen very often, as the rest is more controlled, and quite memorable. Due to the great choruses (and not only) the songs differ from each other. There is a certain level of complexity in the song-writing, but not a very big one, and some great faster pieces, like "Father's Home Now", or the really intense killers "Lostology" and "Abraham", will make you headbang in no time, and sing along the very infectious choruses. This cool music has its epic/pagan flair as well, carried by the fine "Evermore", a track which acts like Falconer are yet to offer. The last song, with the suggestive title "Generic Mosh Song", is exactly what it promises: aggressive, hardcore-tinged number: good, but too out of context, compared to the rest.

Sleep With Evil Full-length, 1990

NOSTRADAMEUS (SWEDEN)

We have quite a few speed/power metal acts from the 90's leaving the oversaturated field they represented initially, to concentrate more on the "dark" thrashy side of things (Eidolon, Manticora, Eldritch, Courageous, Squealer, Sacred Steel, etc.). Nostradameus definitely belong to this list as well; the line-up features three mebers of Pathos, but the music has very few technical pretensions. The guys started promisingly with the excellent speed metal-based debut which comes quite close to early Blind Guardian and early Helloween music-wise (the singer Freddy Persson's voice seldom leaves the mid-range, also missing something in the emotion department). "The Prophet of Evil" is not too far behind, but the sound is more 90's-based and happier and consequently less impressive, except for the colossal 12-min opus at the end "Final Battle", which is followed by the Europe cover of "Scream of Anger". "The Third Prophecy" is a commendable work of classic speed/power metal mixing all-out speedsters with crunchy heavy pounders with a shade of thrash.
"Hellbound" is an explosive slab of retro power, speed and thrash metal full of instant speed/thrash classics pouring loads of sharp intense riffs, energetic tempos and a couple of really infectious choruses. The approach is much more aggressive than the one on their previous output, and some tracks are full takes on vigorous exhilirating thrash. "Pathways" arrives after a lengthy 3-year break, and introduces a more modern and a less satisfying sound, reminiscent of Squealer's "Confrontation Street"; the tempo is mostly mid, and the high speed antics from the past are badly missing, since now the approach is too samey lacking energy ("P.I.R." is a brisk speed/thrasher, and partially "Wall of Anger", but that's basically it) and pace, emitting a dark depressing atmosphere contrary to the jolly feeling permeating the older albums.
The electronic intro of "Illusion's Parade"'s opener "Art of Deception" may throw you into consternation, but all will get back to normal after the galloping riffs overtake later on; this one sounds almost like the preceding album never happened: uplifting classic speed/thrash with a great chorus. "Mariner" shows no sings of loosening up, thrashing with full force, the only relief coming from the nice melodic chorus. "Walk of Pain" is the trade heavy power metal break, but "Nothing" is already edgier and faster. "Eclipse of the Sun Cult" is a similar to "Final Battle" exercise in more thought-out almost progressive metal, a bit underwhelming lacking the excitement and pace of the rest, which completely disappears on "Broken Soul", which is a laid-back sleeper with semi-balladic pretensions. The guys eventually switch back to thrash, with the furious steel-laden "Armageddon Forever", which overshadows the closing "Time for Madness", which takes a more melodic sing-along approach, but is a fitting dark power/thrasher. Although this effort can not be ranked as high as "Hellbound", it sees the band abandoning the not very desirable modern tendencies from the last album, putting the speed a level up and generally bringing back the happy optimistic nuances which have always done them good in the past.

Words of Nostradameus Full-length, 2000
The Prophet of Evil Full-length, 2001
The Third Prophecy Full-length, 2003
Hellbound Full-length, 2004
Pathways Full-length, 2007
Illusion's Parade Full-length, 2009

Official Site

NOT FRAGILE (GERMANY)

This great band remained in the shadow of many less striking acts, despite their almost constant presence on the scene and a career spanning 3 decades. Their debut is an essential speed/thrash metal classic, one of the finest products of the Euro-speed metal movement, second only to "Walls of Jericho" perhaps. This is "Reign in Blood" of speed metal: pure relentless speed attack, frequently bordering on thrash, lasting for a bit more than half an hour, with no melodic deviations, like on Iron Angel's "Winds of War" (remember "Son of a Bitch" and "Born to Rock"), or epic/progressive opuses, like on Blind Guardian's "Battalions of Fear" (remember "Majesty"). The singer Torsten Buczko has a good high-pitched melodic voice, perfectly fitting the fast-paced music, resembling a less hoarse, and more intelligible Kai Hansen. They had an immediate follow-up ready less than a year later, under the title "One Way to Glory", but for some mysterious reason only 3 tracks from this album saw the light of day at the time, in the form of a 3-song EP titled "Lost in a Dream". In the early 90's this effort was released twice: as "Hard to be Alive" in Japan in 1992, and as "Lost in a Dream" again in Europe in 1993. The style is pretty much the same bombastic speed/thrash, with the band giving an enormous push to the 90's speed metal scene (and the scene needed it, since in those times Helloween have already digressed into something too awful to be described, Gamma Ray were still treading heavy/power metal waters, and Blind Guardian were becoming more and more epic and slower), although very few were the bands who could equal these guys in terms of intensity and consistency.
"The Return" is a collection of older and newer material, with the band getting ready for a longer break. The new millennium saw the guys on top of the speed metal movement again, with a string of excellent energetic fast-paced works, with "21st Century Ballroom" containing a mellower material, and "Yesterday's Heroes" being more speed/thrash-fixated in a way not quite dissimilar to the debut.
"Time To Wonder" is glorious speed/thrash in the best manner of Killer's "Habemus Metal" and, of course, the band's earlier exploits; a lesson in speed seldom surpassed in the new millennium. The music will sweep you from the very start with the raging speed/thrasher "Time To Wonder" which introduces all which made their early days so memorable: the sharp riffs, the catchy choruses, the melodic vocal lines, the screaming leads, etc. "The Beast In Black" is a bit more cheesy reminding of the Gamma Ray heydays, only more thrash-oriented, including in the vocal department where Torsten Buczko really recalls Kai Hansen quite a bit. "Starbreaker", which is not a Judas Priest cover, is staple retro speed metal, and the rest follows closely very seldom slowing down, often jumping on the pure thrash metal wagon: the fast-paced "Hellion's Dungeon", the doomy crusher "Queen Of The Sea", the mid-tempo shredder "Fortress Of Power". From the old timers from the German scene (Helloween, Gamma Ray, Grave Digger, Running Wild, Rage, etc.) these guys are by far in the finest shape of them all at present, and are the most fierce competition of the newcomers on the field from Germany and worldwide.
"Scratch the Surface" is the band's heaviest work to date, most of the time being pure thrash, a tendency clearly shown with the explosive opener "Speed Loader" which aggressive delivery by the staple melodic chorus. More laid-back mid-tempo power/thrash can be heard on the next "Master Machine", but the intensity goes up with another faster thrasher carrying the album-title. The jolly roller-coaster speed metal is finally brought with "Rocket to the Moon", but "Power to the Universe" is hard-hitting thrash in up-tempo. "Centurion" is a curious, but listenable mix of modern groovy metal and speed/thrash, and the instrumental "Keep Your Mouth Shut" follows a similar mixture thrashing a bit faster. "Perfect Sledgehammer" justifies its title being a short speed/thrash metal bomb, after which more time for the early speed metal scene is found on "10000 Black Demons". "Holy Man" is a nice heavy ballad followed by 3 brisk speed/thrashing pieces, blending pounding proto-modern thrash riffs with the trade mark speedy ones ("Cathedral of Power") or lashing out pure classic speed metal ("Tear Into the Weekend"). The guitar sound is really heavy and smashing, and the band would have been hard to recognize if it wasn't for Torsten Buczko's melodic emotional vocals and the characteristic catchy choruses. Still, this effort delivers on all counts showing the band's "dark side", being angrier and more aggressive.

Who Dares Wins Full-length, 1988
Lost in a Dream EP, 1989
Hard To Be Alive Full-length, 1992
Lost In A Dream Full-length, 1993
The Return Full-length, 1995
21st Century Ballroom Full-length, 2001
Yesterday's Heroes Full-length, 2003
Time To Wonder Full-length, 2005
Scratch the Surface Full-length, 2007

Official Site

NOT US (USA)

This is the same band who were known as Natas previously (see the review on the same page). Based on the EP, this is aggressive thrash/crossover, quite chaotic and hectic at times, but without any technical merits. There are some grindcore elements scattered throughout ("Dare to be Different").

Think What You Want EP, 1989
Wild Rags Limited Edition Split, 1990

NOTHING (AUSTRALIA)

Wel, these guys offer more than nothing, like their name might suggest; a lot more, actually. This trio pulls out some fairly good technical thrash which sounds quite close to Coroner's "Mental Vortex" on the best moments; the opener "Jar of Dirt And Fear", which with its twisted riffs and illogical tempo changes will remind you of "Semtex Revolution" from that same Coroner album, and the closer "Gordian Knot": a brilliant instrumental, an encyclopaedia of mighty technical riffage. The rest is probably less striking, with some modern thrash elements inserted, as well as gothic ones on the beautiful, but too melodic "Baroque", including angelic female vocals in the beginning.

Involution EP, 2007

My Space

NOTHING FACE (BRAZIL)

The "Dying Age" demo: 3 tracks of intense modern thrash, which starts in a somewhat unpromising manner, with the ordinary mid-paced "Dying Age", before switching onto more aggressive thrash with "Smog Clouds" and "Whos The True"; not bad at all, there's plenty of energy and hard-hitting riffs to be enjoyed here; it's just that the rough hardcore-ish vocals ala Wattie (The Exploited) are kind of not up to par with the good music.

Dying Age Demo, 1995
Brave New World Demo, 1999

NOTHING SACRED (AUSTRALIA)

Nothing Sacred are perhaps the first thrash metal band from Australia. Their debut EP is very similar to the Americans Aftermath debut: a mixture of power and speed metal with some hints of thrash. "Deathwish" is a heavy/power metal track; "No Rest" picks up a little more speed, but remains within the confines of the power metal genre. "Old Man" is a very cool ballad, and could be considered the highlight. "The Curse" is a nice up-tempo power/thrasher, with nice Oriental guitar tunes, and is the only song which carries the thrash spirit.
"Let Us Prey" is their real initiation into thrash metal, a good album with short forceful headbangers reminiscent of Razor, with a touch of Destructor on the less intense material. "Damaged" and "Grey Slayer" remind of the debut, being heavier and slower power/thrash numbers, and is a nice change from the faster pattern, followed for most of the time. This same pattern bears some really "tasty fruit": the intense "Freddy Kruger", which would stand proud even on "Shotgun Messiah"; the aggressive thrashing madness "Let Us Pray", which goes even beyond the realms of thrash for a while; the awesome Agent Steel-esque "This is War". Even the catchy power/thrash metal hymn "War Heads", with its slightly cheesy chorus and attitude, is quite cool.

Deathwish EP, 1986
Let Us Prey Full-length, 1988

My Space

NOUVELLE GAIA (CHILE)

Based on "El Arte De Engendrar El Miedo": this band offer prototypical modern thrash/death, with strong nods to the Swedish school, which at least stays clean of the detrimental clean vocal insertions, although the singer here is not the most pleasant hardcore-ish shouter. The music hesitates between more up-tempo thrashers and slower, softer tracks, undesirably favouring the latter.

Todos Los Sueńos Mueren Sofocados En El Progreso Full-length, 2003
El Arte De Engendrar El Miedo Full-length, 2008

My Space

NOVEMBER 17 (USA)

A cool album of heavy industrial thrash in the best tradition of Ministry's "Psalm 69"; the difference is that these guys seldom introduce more dynamic sections, and their music stays mostly in the mid-tempos. The sound here is more sterile, clinging more to the industrial side, but the harsh riffs will keep satisfied the fans of the genre on all counts. The good thing is that, unlike Minsitry and other simlar industrial acts, you won't find any pure abstract experiments in industrial: all songs feature the guitar sound with the last track being a pleasant take on more aggressive faster thrashing.

Trust No One Full-Length, 1998

NOWEN (FINLAND)

Based on the "Cursed Or Blessed" demo: this band come up with a cool blend of thrash and death metal, more on the modern side (think the Swedish scene), graced by nice melodic guitars. The tempo is energetic, without being too aggressive; "Cursed Or Blessed" is an ambitious progressive track, which inserts some atmospheric gothic elements along with the melodic death/thrash riffs, and the sparce black metal-ish hyper-blasts.
The EP is not too far stylistically from the demo, providing another blend of thrash and death metal. The tempo is fast and energetic, with occasional deviations into slower waters ("Breaking Point"). The progressive tendencies are not developed further, except on "Where Hell Begins", which partially reminds of them in the middle, and "With Pain" which could have been appealing, if it hadn't clung too much towards the Swedish school.

Cursed Or Blessed Demo, 2002
Where Hell Begins EP, 2005

My Space

NOX NOCTIS (RUSSIA)

Old school black/thrash, coming as a mix between Darkthrone and early Bathory; the music is energetic, with the prototypical buzzy guitar sound involved as well, and the vicious mean Khold-like vocals. Certainly there are quite a few blast-beats, as well as a couple of stomping Celtic Frost-influenced passages. "Svita u Trona" is an effective sinister doomy sleeper in the vein of Khold and Barathrum, and the last song is a cover version of Darkthrone's "Under a Funeral Moon" from their 1993 album of the same title.

666 Seconds of Raw Black Dirt Demo, 2008
Iskuplenie Demo, 2009

NUCLEADOR (BRAZIL)

Another retro thrash resurrector from Brazil, again sounding quite good; this is fast stuff with a couple of more technical leanings, reminiscent of Anger as Art- check out the excellent "Zombeer Fest". The songs are short, but the nice guitar work and the energetic delivery make them a fairly satisfying listen the whole time; this is how a good dress rehearsal for a capable full-length should sound.

Zombeers Infest EP, 2008

NUCLEAR (CHILE)

Based on the debut, this band come up with excellent energetic thrash of the old school, recalling quite a few of the old heroes in a great way: Vio-Lence, Slayer, Forbidden, etc. Although the predominant tempo is fast-paced and intense, the guys prove they are equally as capable providing some very good heavy, slower numbers ("Mind Insane", "7 Days"), along with the faster-paced material. Some first-rate exercises on speed/thrash will one find here: "Dolo", the raging "The Wind", which even touches some death metal ala At The Gates on the more aggressive sections.
"10 Broken Codes" is a cool companion piece to the debut, without adding anything new to the picture. This is energetic retro thrash, this time perhaps more Slayer-oriented, but hardly reaching a "Reign in Blood"-like intensity; more along the lines of the faster numbers from "Soutn in Heaven" and "Seasons in the Abyss". The album thrashes hard, blasting out short brisk bombs, some of which would also remind you of the thrash/crossover scene: "E-Faith". "Sadistic Method For Crime" nicely clings towards speed/thrash, with cool melodic lines, but expect no mercy on the next "Engine Of Aggression", which fully justifies its title, being the most aggressive track on the album.

Heaven Denied Full-length, 2006
10 Broken Codes Full-length, 2008

My Space

NUCLEAR ASSAULT (USA)

A legendary thrash/crossover band; they literally wrote the rules of the genre with their works of the 80's, with the unique high vocals of John Connelly and the fast furious thrashing infused with a great sense of melody. The band entered the 90's determined to vary things a bit, and on "Out Of Order" we have a slower, heavier sound with longer tracks and attempts at some more technical playing. This album was not met very warmly, being quite a departure from the band's distinctive sound. "Something Wicked" was a bit better, with more emphasis on thrash this time, but failed to generate very big interest, and soon after that Nuclear Assault were no more.
Their comeback album in 2005 is probably the weakest attempt made by an old veteran to be back in the game; it's close to the style of "Out Of Order", but the guitar work is simply bad with dull, repetitive riffs and boring, samey tracks having almost nothing in common with the band's 80's works. Of course it's early to cross the band off the list, but there is a lot to be done in order for things to be put back on track.

Brain Death EP, 1986
Game Over Full-length, 1986
The Plague EP, 1987
Fight To Be Free EP, 1988
Good Times Bad Times EP, 1988
Survive Full-length, 1988
Handle With Care Full-length, 1989
Out Of Order Full-length, 1991
Something Wicked Full-length, 1993
Live promo EP, 2003
Third World Genocide Full-length, 2005

My Space

NUCLEAR ATTACK (COLOMBIA)

Retro speed/thrash done with confidence; look no further than the Angel Dust debut. The songs are speedy with a slightly more melodic edge and short shouty choruses, but thrashers like "Warriors of Steel", which "flirts" with a couple of tunes from the Metallica debut, and the explosive speed/thrash on "Nuclear Attack" will bang your head in a major way.

Metal Force Demo, 2009

NUCLEAR CRUCIFIXION (USA)

Both demos display cool aggressive thrash with some stylish semi-technical guitar work reminiscent of Torture's "Storm Alert". The music is not all-out speed all the time; there are some slower, heavy moments which alternate with fast, proto-death ones. It frequently changes pace, creating the impression that something really complex is going on, but as a matter of fact this is very well executed thrash of a more conventional nature, except for a few times when the guys come up with some more original ideas.

Killing Ourselves to Live Demo, 1987
Torture Of Humanty Demo, 1988

Fan Site

NUCLEAR DISASTER (PARAGUAY)

3 songs of retro thrash ala Sacrifice with shades of the Bay-Area. The music is up-tempo with sharp guitar work and semi-hardcore vocals ala M.S. "Scruff" Lewty (Hellbastard). Some of the band members are busier with the heavy metal rockers 220 Voltios.

Thrashers Attack Demo, 2009

Official Site

NUCLEAR HELL (BRAZIL)

This band is a side project of the guys from Chakal. The music on this 2-song demo is a tad more melodic, and with more technical guitar work, and overall better: there are some intriguing guitar lines which can not be found on the Chakal efforts. "Evil Ghost" is a direct nod to early Destruction, but again with a more technical edge. This act could definitely have had a future, even perhaps brighter than the one of the father band.

Evil Ghost Demo, 1988

NUCLEAR REIGN (IRELAND)

These Dublineers pull out good old school thrash, with slightly underwhelming semi-hardcore vocals, close to the ones of M.S. "Scruff" Lewty (Hellbastard). The music alternates between fast-paced and slower tracks, both tendencies mixed on the highlight "M.A.D.", allthough the closing speed/thrasher "Death Of A Dreamer" is not too far behind.

Mutually Assured Destruction Demo, 2007

My Space

NUCLEAR SIMPHONY (ITALY)

If you've noticed, the band's name is "Simphony", not "Symphony": not that it matters at all (could probably mean something in Italian!? Kidding, of course). Their only effort is excellent semi-technical thrash recalling the Swiss Apocalypse's debut and Mandator's "Perfect Progeny". The tempo is quite energetic, with brisk sharp riffs and some nice melodic guitar lines. There is a nice short, acoustic ballad "Cry", which strarkly contrasts to the remaining much more aggressive material, as well as one short lead instrumental: "Rhapsody of Sadness", which is another very good touch. The songs are within the 5-6min range, topped by good semi-clean, high vocals.

Lost in Wonderland Full-length, 1989

NUCLEAR WARFARE (GERMANY)

Very competent 80's Germanic thrash in the Kreator-vein: aggressive, energetic and done with conviction; "Royal Fortune" slows down a bit ("Pirates", "Kill"), introducing some stomping, heavy, but equally as effective riffs, bringing the sound close to the Slayer's late 80's period.

War Is Unleashed Full-length, 2004
We Come In Peace Full-length, 2006
Royal Fortune EP, 2007

Official Site

NUCTEMERON (POLAND)

Based on the "Babyhood of Hell" demo, this is raw, amateurish thrash/proto-death metal, sounding like a more brutal and vicious version of early Messiah.

Babyhood of Hell Demo, 1987
Festung Breslau Demo, 1988

NUEAIREA (USA)

Quite cool progressive power/thrash metal recalling Toxik's "Think This", but a bit more straight-forward and heavier, with some very stylish guitar work. Don't get pulled back by the strange name: this is a very good stuff recommended to all fans of high quality metal.

Alter The Regular Full-length, 1995

NUESTROS DERECHOS (HOLLAND)

A good young band who have chosen the retro thrash metal path to follow; this is actually a speed/thrash mixture recalling Paradox, Necronomicon and Mandator. The music is fast, but one could catch some stylish technical hooks here and there; a promising beginning for one of the youngest hopes of Dutch thrash metal.
"Struggling with the Dark" sounds like pure modern thrash for most of the time, and is definitely underwhelming, lacking the spontaneity and the more immediate nature of the demos. The guitar work is by all means proficient, more polished, compared to the earlier efforts, but the speed and aggression have been sacrificed quite a bit: "Deimos" is a tender semi-ballad, and it's good that the guys wake up afterwards, for the excellent speed/thrasher "Nazgul", which remains the best song; "Insomnia", which follows suit, is a typical product of the modern thrash metal movement, and the closer "Darkest Before Dawn" is another peaceful piece, this time an instrumental. There are only 6 actual songs (excluding the closer), but this is probably a good thing, considering the modern orientation taken by the band.

Demo 2003 Demo, 2003
Split 'Em All Split album, 2005
Struggling with the Dark Full-length, 2008

Official Site

NUEVO PODER (ARGENTINA)

Based on "Power Trio", this band plays prototypical modern thrash/death metal, more towards the less intense dark side with melodic mid-tempo guitars and gruff brutal vocals. The leads score high every time, being short and melodic with a couple of technical hooks. "Slave New World" at the end is a Sepultura cover from "Chaos AD".

Nuevo Poder EP, 2006
Vivo Full-length, 2007
Power Trio Full-length, 2008

Official Site

NUISANCE (USA)

Crossover/thrash with some sudden fast outbreaks in the Slayer-vein; not bad, staying firm to the old school cause, except for the sole flirtation with groove "Make Me Laugh", and occasionally offering some nice guitar work (mostly in the lead department). "Leper Mosh" goes beyond Slayer, and provides some brutal grinding bashing for a while, partially cancelled by, again, the short, but cool lead. On the other extreme we have the soft, but speedy "Friction" and the jumpy funky "Windburn".

In My Eyes Full-length, 1993

NULLSAKE (USA)

A three piece-demo of cool technical instrumental thrash of a more eclectic nature, more along the lines of Electro Quarterstaff and Vomitron, rather than Mastery.

Demo Demo, 2002

Official Site

NUM SKULL (USA)

"Ritually Abused" is a strong beginning with its aggressive, proto-death sound and vicious, slightly overdone vocals (which might pull back the unprepared a bit). The album begins in an uncompromising brutal manner, joining the death metal legions with "Death and Innocence", but the rest is aggressive thrash, which slows down only on "Off With Your head", which is a heavy, mid-paced number, at least the first part, and on the album closer "Murder by the Minister": an up-tempo speed/thrasher in the Destructor-vein. This not very known act have done a job similar to Incubus on their debut, but their effort has been made 1 year earlier, and could pass for the first real thrash/death metal album.
"Future - Our Terror" tones down the brutality a little, and the music there is not too far from Slayer's "Reign In Blood" (which I don't understand since the band have already created a unique sound of their own on the debut, and it worked well). Their last offering is full-fledged death metal, with no relations to thrash.

Ritually Abused Full-length, 1988
Future - Our Terror Full-length, 1990
When Suffering Comes Full-length, 1996

Official Site

NYTHRO (SPAIN)

5 songs of thrash/death metal, sometimes sounding quite classic, with a nod to the Floridian school ("Esnythrofrenia"), sometimes heavy and groovy ("Sed De Sangre"), and much more modern sounding. Expect also mixtures of the two trends ("El Pijama De Madera").

Yo te Maldigo Demo, 2005

Official Site


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