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, but in a much better way.

Mayhemic Destruction Demo, 1985
Second Demo Demo, 1985

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 very 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; a very cool band.
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 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 to 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 some 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 some 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 excellent semi-technical thrash, even 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 some 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 very 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 finest albums to come out of Japan ever. 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

NASTY SAVAGE (USA)

A magnificent representative of the American metal scene. Their debut is power metal of the very heavy variety, with some timid nods to thrash, a really promising debut, with a sinister, dark sound. The heaviness of the debut was translated onto "Indulgence", which was full-out thrash, with great riffs and a crushing, steam-roller like delivery; some 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 some 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 marvellous technical thrash from "Penetration Point" since there are very few shades of technical 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 finest comebacks, attempted by the old veterans in 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), and some gehuine technical moments, recalling early Sadus (minus the messy debut), and fine solo work. The album is quite atmospheric, with orchestral song-structures, and some use of keyboards. Some 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. Some 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 some 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)

Intense thrash mixing classic with modern riffs, with a heavy pounding sound, and a shade of groove.

Demo Demo, 2008

My Space

NATHRATH (GERMANY)

Instrumental black/thrash, rich on atmosphere, which to these ears sounds like 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 best thrash metal albums to ever 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, some 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 high 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 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-two-minutes intense thrashing, and should have been more frequently heard there.

National Napalm Syndicate Full-length, 1989
Resurrection of the Wicked Full-length, 2006

Official Site

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

NDE (USA)

Based on "End of Trust": this band offer ordinary, unimaginative groovy thrash. There's litle 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 pull 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.).

Nebukadnezza Full-length, 2002
Onslaught Full-length, 2004

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

NECRODEAD (CHILE)

Based on "Frustrated Message", this band play first rate technical thrash/death, quite fast and vicious at times, reminding of Hellwitch and Atheist, with great technical guitars, nice change of tempos, and fine deviations from the pattern (the opener "Rebelious Feeling" is a great 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 is pretty much one of the summits of 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 brilliant 1-min acoustic instrumental.

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

NECRODEATH (ITALY)

The greatest thrash metal band that Italy gave to the world. This, however, could not have possibly been said after their debut which was a raw and amateurish hesitation between thrash and black metal. Two years later the band sounded like an almost different band with a great technical and, at the same time, aggressive sound tinged with some black metal again. Their style was very appealing and looked pretty much in pace with what was going on on the metal scene at that time, but Necrodeath split up. "Mater Of All Evil" is probably the best comeback album made so far, showing that despite the long absence the band haven't lost their touch to play some high quality metal. With four brilliant albums released after the reformation so far, Necrodeath are on top again like 17 years ago.
"Draculea" starts and finishes with some long atmospheric, symphonic instrumentals (quite good, by the way), but what comes between them, is nothing short of brilliant. The band do not betray their magnificent mixture of aggression and technicality; fast, intense tracks take turns with slower, black-tinged ones which work almost as well, 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", with great lead guitars.

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

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

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 1987 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 (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 Full-length, 2004
Antiklerical Terroristik Death Squad Full-length, 2007

My Space

NECRONAUT (CANADA)

Very good energetic classic thrash in the tradition of Slayer and Sepultura. This is great headbanging stuff, with some 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 some 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 unmitigated 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 some slower, more moderate breaks, and admirably succeeds, coming up with a more complex, almost progressive arrangement: a "tool", which later found 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 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 act 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: "Fireball"; 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: direct, relentless thrashing pieces come from all sides, leaving you no room to breath. 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...

Necronomicon Full-length, 1986
Apocalyptic Nightmare Full-length, 1987
Escalation Full-length, 1988
Screams Full-length, 1994
...Possessed Again Demo, 2000
Construction of Evil Full-length, 2004

My Space

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 home land: 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 some sudden proto-death parts, and some occasional original guitar work, at times coming close to semi-technical thrash ("Beyond and Back", which is a fine multi-layered track). There is some 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. Some 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 some 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 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)

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 Full-length, 1992
Fears Full-length, 1994

NECROPLASMA (SWEDEN)

This 2-man band played on their early demos some 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 secondary part to black metal. The band's music of more recent times still is 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

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

NECROSIS (CHILE)

Probably the first Chilean thrash metal band. Their debut is impressive heavy thrash reminiscent of late 80's Slayer, with some more technical attempts; the guys alternate long, more complex tracks with shorter, faster ones; both work fine, accompanied by some 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 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 Phil Rind and Phil 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.

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

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 yet to come.

Asphyxkinner Full-Length, 2007

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 superb 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 some more sprawling, longer song structures where they insert slower atmospheric sections, not too far from early Celtic Frost, plus some 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; a real pretender for the top ten of 2007. 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

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 two-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" (apologies for the song-for-song review, but I can't help it) 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. No more comments.

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, and is apparently one of the fastest songs of the Swiss.

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

NEMESIS (COLOMBIA)

Typical for its time and place thrash metal demo offering something similar to their Brazilian counterparts: MX, Holocausto, Sarcofago.

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- a masterpiece! "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 most 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

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

My Space

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

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 striking 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"). With quality bands like that (Rainspawn, Urto, Thy Gate Beyond, Brutaliator, to name a few), it's just a matter of time before Italy becomes the new thrash motherland in Europe.

Possessed Full-length, 2007

My Space

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-and-a-half min.

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

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

My Space

NEUROSIS INC (COLOMBIA)

Based on "Verdun 1916", this band play very 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 very 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", although it comes from the band's finest work ("Shout at the Devil"). All covers are well done, faithfully, but lacking the original 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

My Space

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.

Vanishing Celestial Bodies EP, 2005

My Space

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

NEVERMORE (USA)

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 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 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 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 really 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-range ones, very close to Wattie (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 very 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

My Space

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

My Space

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

NIGHTMARE (POLAND)

Based on "Cryptic Songs", this band offer 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 atmopsheric 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 more 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

My Space

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

My Space

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 1989 Demo, 1989
Nihilist Demo, 1989
Demo 1990 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 great 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.

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

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 some slower moments in the Celtic Frost tradition, and even some riffs ala Destruction come up from time to time (the instrumental "The Message" is a very good example for that).

Time of Changes Demo, 1988
Time Of Changes Re-Release Best of/Compilation, 2003
Demo Demo, 2007

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)

Very 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 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 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 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; 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 quite well. Their last self-titled debut is much less interesting, offering pretty average modern thrash/death metal.

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

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 some very 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 six years since the appearance of their only demo, and hopefully the girls are alive and well ready to follow on the steps of this very capable first 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)

Very good groovy thrash, with some industrial overtones, and 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 mighty turn to 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

NOCTURN (HOLLAND)

Another great act from the long list of technical bands which Holland has been keeping all these years. This band has a really unique approach to thrash; their style is 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 riff-fest of the highest order.

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

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)

On one side we have modern thrash/death 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" on the debut.

Sterilize and Exterminate Full-length, 2002
Fog of War Full-length, 2005

Official Site

NOCTURNAL GRAVES (AUSTRALIA)

Based on the "Deathstorm" demo: a 3-song demo of brutal 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.

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

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

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 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 quite 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 very 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 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 just 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: a very unconventional take on modern thrash metal. This is industrialized music, very thrashy at that, similar to Voivod's 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. 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 really unusual and engaging thrash metal, this album is a must. "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 really 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 fast 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, than Hellhammer. The singer doesn't stray from the Tom G. Warrior style, and the music really 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

NORTHWINDS (USA)

A very 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

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 SACRED (AUSTRALIA)

Nothing Sacred are perhaps the first thrash metal band from Australia. Their debut EP is very similar to the 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 very 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 realm 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 very 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 on 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.

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

My Space

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 as equally 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.

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 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 good original ideas.

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

Fan 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 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 SIMPHONY (ITALY)

If you've noticed, the band's name is "Simphony",but not "Symphony"- not that it matters at all (could probably mean something in Italian!?- kidding, of course!). Their only effort is excellent 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 on the remaining, much more aggressive material, as well as one short lead instrumental: "Rhapsody of Sadness", which is another great 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)

Brilliant 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 first rate stuff recommended to all fans of good quality metal.

Alter The Regular Full-length, 1995

NUESTROS DERECHOS (HOLLAND)

A very good young band who have chosen the retro thrash metal path to follow. This is actually a speed and thrash mixture recalling Paradox, Necronomicon and Mandator. The music is fast, but one could catch some stylish technical hooks here and there; a very 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 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

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 superb 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 a bit the unprepared). 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 great). 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


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