The Thrash Metal Guide

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

PACE OF HEARSE (GERMANY)

"Thrash The Heads" offers short, direct raw thrashers, not too far from Hirax, but more aggressive, and with a worse sound quality. The singer adds to the raw and aggressive sound of the recording, with his sinister, hoarse voice. "Troops of the Hearse" is longer, but doesn't waste time, and thrashes without mercy, having also a cool lead guitar section.

The DemoN Demo, 2005
Thrash The Heads Demo, 2006
ReHEARSEal Demo, 2007

PACK OF WOLVES (USA)

Groovy post-thrash of the jollier type, not hitting hard in any department, except in the vocal one, where the guy rends his throat to the point of hysteria. The music is mid-tempo to slow, with references to doom, and crossover on the faster parts.

Betrayer Full-length, 2009

PAGAN RITES (SWEDEN)

The guys from the heavy/black metal outfit Devil Lee Rot, along with Devil Lee Rot himself, have decided to harden the course a bit, under a new name. Based on "Pagan Metal - Roars of The Anti Christ", this is black/thrash, sounding like a more vicious version of the Devil Lee Rot music, not very fast or aggressive, also recalling another Swedish act: Bewitched. An interesting moment are the doomy tracks ("Unholy Ancient War"), which bring the sound close to the old veterans Bathory, Celtic Frost and Venom. The rest is a cool, simplistic, headbanging stuff, including some songs which sound as though directly taken from the Devil Lee Rot albums ("Pagan Metal").

Sodomy in Heaven EP, 1994
Bloodlust and Devastation EP, 2000
Mark of the Devil Full-length, 2003
Dancing Souls Single, 2005
Pagan Metal Single, 2006
Pagan Metal - Roars of The Anti Christ Full-length, 2006

PAGAN WAR MACHINE (USA)

A side project of the Dreams of Damnation members; here the music is cleared of the aggressive proto-death parts of the other band's style, which makes it more melodic and less enjoyable. The concentration is on heavy 90's aggro thrash akin to Pantera and Machine Head, and on vocals Steve Gaines does a good job to impersonate Phil Anselmo.

Demo 2002 Demo, 2002
Bayonets And Battle Scars Demo, 2003

PAGANDOM (SWEDEN)

A typical modern 90's thrash metal band; one of the many Pantera and Machine Head-clones.

Crushtime Full-length, 1994

PAGANFIRE (PHILIPPINES)

Based on the EP, this young band plays black/thrash of the raw amateurish variety, with vicious rending black vocals. The guys bash the whole time, and don't conceal their infatuation with the early efforts from the Brazilian scene (Sarcofago, Sextrash, Vulcano) and the Sacrifice debut, but they have to work harder in order to reach those acts.

Paganfire Full-length, 2005
Hate Vanishing Point EP, 2008

PAGANIZER (SWEDEN)

This band started mixing thrash and death metal of the old school on their debut; crushing and mostly fast-paced music, with a certain use of blast-beats, which could have been avoided, because they break the integrity of the compact, and quite cool thrash/death sound. Later on thrash metal stepped down, and their subsequent releases have embraced the death metal idea tighter, again doing a good job, along the lines of the early Swedish heroes from the movement: Grave, Entombed, etc.
"Scandinavian Warmachine": the music is more death metal-oriented, quite fast again, with a more polished, and more technical guitar sound, recalling Morbid Angel. The slow atmospheric compositions are a nice touch ("Colder"), with an epic, Amon Amarth-like touch. "Thule in Flames", on the other hand, is pure black metal madness, hyper-fast and relentless. The technicality reaches its heights on the excellent stomper "Distracting the Gods To Enable the Slaughter Of Millions".

Deadbanger Full-length, 1999
Warlust EP, 1999
Promoting Total Death Full-length, 2001
Dead Unburied Full-length, 2002
Murder Death Kill Full-length, 2003
No Divine Rapture Full-length, 2004
Scandinavian Warmachine Full-Length, 2009

PAGANOS (ARGENTINA)

At the time when the veterans on the Argentinian metal scene were modernizing their sound, here came a band to put them all to shame. The album-title is misleading as there is nothing experimental here: this is all-out classic speed/thrash metal with great guitar melodies and catchy headbanging tracks- just listen to "Mi Legado" and jump around till you drop. Well, you can have a break on the next track which is a cool balladic piece- "Creando Tu Destino", but after it the assault goes on unabated with "Ni Muerto"- the most aggressive number on the album. This work must have been one the first sparkles to rekindle the interest in retro thrash in South America.

Experimental Full-length, 1999

PAIN (USA)

Aggressive Slayer-esque thrash, not bad, but the muddy sound quality is a major obstacle at times. Nevertheless the guys try hard, and the leads are more sensible than the ones of Kerry King. The music is fast and intense all the time, topped up by gruff, semi-death metal vocals.

Into The Bloodbath Demo, 1988

PAINGATE (USA)

Based on the debut, these guys pull out boring alternative 90's post-thrash, soft and edgeless, coming as an awkward mix of Helmet and mid-period Machine Head.

Sacrifice Full-length, 1995
Do the Wrong Thing Full-length, 1996

PAINGOD (USA)

Finally the band Raped Ape have decided to change their obscene name. Unfortunately, as Raped Ape the band were able to pull out some nice thrash metal riffs of the classic school, whereas here we have just another modern thrash act, with touches of hardcore.

Paingod Full-length, 1997

PAINMUSEUM (USA)

Metal Mike Chlasciak's (Halford, Testament) new band, ably supported by Bobby Jarzombek and Steve Digiorgio (you know their backgrounds). With a stellar cast like that you would expect nothing but a masterpiece, and this is probably close on the most inspired moments. Everyone is in top form here, especially Mike whose guitar pyrotechnics are outstanding. The style is not too far from Halford's solo efforts, or Fight's "War Of Words", but is more thrashy and there is a certain modern edge ala Pantera in the guitar approach. And I haven't said anything about the singer yet, who is an acquired taste, with his gruff singing which sometimes doesn't really fit the music. This is a solid if a somewhat flawed release.

Metal For Life Full-length, 2005
You Have The Right To Remain Violent EP, 2006

PAINSTRUCK (PORTUGAL)

Swedish thrash/death metal made in Portugal; the soundalikes are as follow...

Aggressive Ways to Pacify Full-length, 2001
A Whole New Perception Full-length, 2002
The Scalpel EP EP, 2006

PAJSZER (HUNGARY)

A 4-track EP offering well played Germanic thrash, with sharp riffs, more melodic leads, and gruff, low-tuned vocals. The music is up and mid-tempo, with both tempos taking turns the whole time. Two of the songs are longer, and show the more ambitious side of the band; one of those compositions ("D÷gevo") is a nice nod to late 80's Metallica. The last number "HadvezTr" is softer, more heavy/speed metal-based. The only complaint would possibly come from the drum department: the hollow sound of the drums could be a detraction to some.

Pajszer EP, 2008

PALE CREATION (USA)

This is a very obscure band; the style is crossover/thrash: more thrash on the first demo, more crossover on the second one.

Demo, 1992
Demo, 1994

PALE HORSE (USA)

This band were previously known as Hostility. The name change carries some style-changes, too, but not too many: the music is still a blend of death and thrash metal like on the Hostility EP, but this time the concentration is more on thrash, and even speed metal; the tempo is faster with the traditional doom sections preserved here as well, and a slightly more aggressive vocal delivery. It was good for the 90's that there were acts like this one to carry the old school spirit.

Mournful EP, 1993
Bitter Fruits of Temptation EP, 1994
Until the Last Seal is Opened Best of/Compilation, 2005

PANACEA (GERMANY)

Panacea is a side project for two Accuser members and their debut is pretty close in sound to early Accuser, with a touch of Bay Area thrash: an excellent album although a bit short (only 6 tracks). The guys thrash with conviction and aggression, as evident from the smashing opener "Megalomania". Later some calmer, but quite hard-hitting songs come up ("Masquerade", "Delusion"). The tracks easily go over the 5-min range, although there is nothing too technical going on, maybe just occasionally. The style changed along with Accuser's, adopting a groovy modern sound on the second album.

Is It A Human ? Full-length, 1993
Promo-CD EP, 1994
Pray Full-length, 1995

PANDEMIC (USA)

This act offers really cool dark-sounding retro thrash which "marries" the progressive depth of Nevermore with the more aggressive technicality of Terrahsphere and late 80's Kreator. "Infecting the World" opens the album in a thunderous manner with heavy steam-roller riffs; those same steam-roller riffs are very well blended with fast lashing ones for "Ode to Odin" which is aggressive technical thrash with a heavy doomy twist. "Left for Dead" is a fine tribute to Nevermore, a smashing mid-pacer with super-sharp riffage. "Conspiracy of Silence" is a brilliant heavy semi-ballad, which kind of influences the remaining material which features another similar "exploit" ("Sins"), the other tracks being heavy 10-ton hammers in mid-tempo the melody mostly coming from the lead sector. The final "Anointing the Flesh" still decides to thrash more intensely, and the few faster passages there liven up the situation quite well after the almost unbearable heaviness of the preceding couple of songs. The guys would have founded a place under the metal sun quite easily, even in a saturated scene like the modern one, but they are now operating under a new name: Sarcoma, having released two demos in 2007.

Infecting the World Full-length, 2006

PANDEMONIC (SWEDEN)

Underground heroes from a couple of black and death metal bands have gotten together with the intention to play some classic thrash; and they have done exactly that: excellent classic thrash in a fast and energetic tempo, with great sharp riffs, recalling Razor's later (and better) period, and early Destruction. Those of you who grew up listening to "Shotgun Messiah", will spend days with this album. Apart from the non-stop riff-fest, some nice lead guitar could be heard, too. With the majority of the bands coming from Sweden nowadays, concentrated on the more modern thrash/death hybrid genre initiated by The Haunted, it's really cool to hear such a well executed classic thrash metal work.

The Authors of Nightfear Full-length, 2000

PANDREA (ROMANIA)

One of the stalwarts of the Romanian metal scene from the 90's, and this millennium, this band play strange, non-conventional doom-death/thrash, mixing both the classic and modern influences, but the guys' refusal to speed up, at least a bit, makes all songs sound quite samey, with casual stylish, avantgarde deviations: the doomy, black-ish "Lucifer Satanas Historiam". "Ingeri Antiteroristi" comes too late to pour some life into the album, and remains the only one of its kind. The closer "El Grand Finale" is another avantgarde decision, but more on the awkward, unlistenable side: it's 10-min long, but most of the time it's just strange noise, which at the end turns to funeral doom and some haunting organ music to save it... too late again.

Instituta Suprema Full-Length, 2005

PANIC (BRA)

Based on "Rotten Church", Panic are a typical representative of the branch created by the works of early Sepultura and Sarcofago: brutal thrash bordering on death metal, obviously influenced by Possessed's "Seven Churches"; short on technicality, but long on evil atmosphere and enthusiasm.
"Best Before End" is a much better effort, with its aggressive riffs and fast tempo, strongly recalling Sepultura's "Beneath the Remains". The aggression is interrupted by some good slower, stomping thrashers ("Hannibal The Cannibal"), melodic power/thrash metal numbers ("No York, No York"), and a joke song at the end ("Shoobydahbydoobah").
"Boiling Point" is strongly influenced by the 90's groovy trends, and is the band's weakest hour, despite the presence of some interesting attempts at more stylish play ala mid 90's Voivod ("Beholder", "Satanacrack").

Rotten Church Full-length, 1990
Best Before End Full-length, 1992
Boiling Point Full-length, 1996

PANIC (USA)

The band appeared late on the scene, but their style was typical 80's thrash with a playful attitude, sounding like a less aggressive Anthrax, or early Mordred. The music has this jolly, up-lifting quality, but the guitars are too sharp for this to be defined as crossover. On the other hand some tracks ("High Strung"), as well the vocal style, strangely recall Skid Row's "Slave to the Grind"; still, some pieces are really intense thrashers ("Morbid Curiosities"). The debut is the faster and better effort, whereas "Fact" introduces quite a few modern, groovy elements, bringing the sound close to 90's Overkill.

Epidemic Full-length, 1991
Fact Full-length, 1993

PANIC CELL (UK)

Based on "What Doesn't Kill Us": these guys pull out decent power/thrash of the modern variety, with catchy choruses, and a good vocalist, whose semi- clean, proto-Anselmo delivery is the best choice for this kind of music. There are both energetic, close to the classic school tracks ("From Father to Son", which is the opener, and raises the hopes high, but remains one of its kind), some light balladic pieces ("Fallen"), as well as the obligatory leanings towards the 90's groove ("Forced Down"). The album never reaches the Pantera-like intensity, but this is hardly the target here.

Rockaphilia EP, 2004
Bitter Part Of Me Full-length, 2004
What Doesn't Kill Us Full-length, 2007

PANIKK (SLOVENIA)

Excellent retro thrash crossing the early German school with the more technical side of the Bay-Area (Metallica, Testament); after the initial fierce attack with "Trible" the music takes a more moderate direction, first with the up-tempo crusher "The Wave of Death", then with the early Testament worship "Indestructible Destruction" where the singer nicely follows the guitar tunes in a way no worse than Chuck Billy himself. "Direct" is another "direct" speedy assault finishing this promising demo which could be used as the backbone for a commendable full-length.

Demo Demo, 2009

PANNYCHIDA (RUSSIA)

Based on "New World's End", this band play a dark, atmospheric blend of doom/death and some thrash. So don't expect blasting fast music- this is mid-paced stuff, with some female vocals, accompanying the gruff death metal main ones from time to time, a strong, but not annoying presence of keyboards, and meaty, heavy riffs. The probem is that very often the band adhere to the typical for the genre peaceful, melodic interludes which stifle the more aggressive nature of the rest, and near the end they try to vary things, adding some industrial and groove on the last two songs, and end up sounding like an almost different, but not better, band.

Here You Are! Full-length, 1996
Defragmentation Full-length, 1999
New World's End Full-length, 2006

PANTERA (USA)

The masters of modern 90's thrash who actually invented the whole scene along with Exhorder. Their beginnings (not included here) were in classic heavy metal, but with "Cowboys From Hell" they made a major claim at greatness. The early 90's were phenomenally successful for the band, but with Phil Anselmo taking part in numerous projects and especially after the untimely, tragic death of Dimebag Darrell (R.I.P.), Pantera's impact on the contemporary metal scene would not be as strong as before.

Cowboys from Hell Full-length, 1990
Vulgar Display of Power Full-length, 1992
Biomechanical EP, 1993
Hostile Moments EP, 1994
Far Beyond Driven Full-length, 1994
Alive and Hostile E.P. EP, 1994
The Great Southern Trendkill Full-length, 1996
Becoming EP, 1996
Unofficial Hits (CD Sampler) EP, 1998
Reinventing the Steel Full-length, 2000
Extreme Steel Plus EP, 2001
Rhino Hi-Five - Pantera - EP EP, 2006

PANTHER (GERMANY)

Based on the "Total Chaos" demo, this band come up with quite a mixed bag: at their best the guys pull out awesome speed/thrash ala Destruction and Angel Dust (the opener "Terror Invasion", and the follow-up "Shame for America" which features riffs directly stolen from Destruction's "Life Without Sense"), but there is a considerable doze of hardcore here, as well as some more intense, but inappropriate death metal parts ("Nuclear War"), and the vocals change style on every song alternating between cleaner and harsh, death metallic ones. It's most likely a compilation of smaller demos reflecting on the band's development through the years, but put together this mish-mash doesn't seem to work all the time.

Empire of Death Demo, 1989
Total Chaos Demo, 1989

PANTOKRATOR (VENEZUELA)

4 songs of cool classic speed/thrash, with a heavy meaty guitar sound and galloping rhythms, strong bass bottom, and kind of unsuitable gruff low-tuned vocals. The music will remind you of Attacker, the Chileans Vastator, Helstar.

El es la Luz Demo, 2005

PANTOKRATOR (SWEDEN)

Based on ôBlodö, this band play fairly good progressive thrash/death metal, with frequent switches from one style to the other, maybe staying closer to death metal, with a dual vocal attack: low death metal growls, and vicious snarls ala Jeff Walker. The music will remind you of CarcassÆ ôHeartworkö quite a bit, with the addition of some doomy, slow sections where the sound smells doom-death. Seldom can one hear guitar melodies in the vein of the Swedish melo-death wave, betraying the guysÆ origins, as well as some blast-beats. Near the end the band take a break from thrash/death with the folk/gothic number ôTidevarvö, and with the short atmospheric instrumental ôO Guds Lammö.
ôSongs of Solomonö is not far from ôBlodö; itÆs maybe more atmospheric and slower, doomier. ôAurumö slows down, but not much, and is quite inferior to ôBlodö; the influence of the Gothenburg school is stronger, although the music preserves the progressive tendencies most of the time. A highlight or a disappointment (depending on the taste) is the massive 14-min doom epic ôThe Feeble Flameö, which could make even bands like Katatonia (early) and Opeth proud.

AllhSrskare EP, 2000
Songs of Solomon EP, 2001
Blod Full-length, 2003
Aurum Full-length, 2007

PANZER (BRAZIL)

The guys who play here are all veterans from the Brazilian metal scene, mostly serving in thrash metal acts: C.O.A, Reviolence, Mystic, etc. Based on "Inside", the style here is heavy modern, mid-paced thrash, with a certain hardcore attitude. On the slower moments the music may remind you of Carnivore (their 2nd effort, in particular), but rest assured that the fierce thrashing has not been neglected: "N.S.A.", albeit only on a very few tracks. Still, the softer moments predominate, topped by the cover of Kiss' "Detroit Rock City". There is heavy riffage aplenty, but it's kind of monotonous, and quickly gets boring. By all means the guys have done a much better job in the other formations.

Inside Full-length, 1999
The Strongest Full-length, 2001

PANZERH+LLE (GERMANY)

A cool, quite fast fusion of thrash and death metal, spiced with slower, semi-groovy breaks in the tradition of Six Feet Under. The guitar work is quite good, alternating sharp with melodic riffs to a good effect: check out the excellent "Battlefield". The singer's deep growls are maybe not the best choice, bringing him close to the more brutal voices of death metal, like Karl Willets (Bolt Thrower).

And Then There Was Violence EP, 2008

PAPSMEAR (USA)

Based on the "Lunch for the P.M.R.C." demo, this is pure "Reign in Blood" worship, and very well done at that; aggressive and hard-hitting music.

Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas Demo, 1986
Lunch for the P.M.R.C. Demo, 1987
Scraping the Walls Demo, 1991
The Inhuman Condition Demo, 1992

PARABELLUM (COLOMBIA)

Based on "Sacrilegio", this is a very brutal record which could have been considered a pioneering work if it had been known back in the 80's. So what we have here is some vicious, ultra aggressive black/thrash metal sounding as though coming from the deepest bowels of hell (enough with the Lovecraft influence!). One can even catch some proto-death passages. Good production qualities are, of course, out of the question, but the utter brutality makes it an essential listen just for one to hear where the actual roots of the most extreme metal genres lie.

Sacrilegio EP, 1987
Mutacion Por Radiacion EP, 1988

PARADOX (GERMANY)

An outstanding speed/thrash metal band; the debut is excellent speed metal similar to early Helloween and Warrant, with bold hints at thrash, but with the extraordinary "Heresy" the band easily left most of the competition behind. One more album like that was needed to put them on the very top, but the band split up instead. Their comeback "Collision Course" is quite good, with a more modern and complex sound, going even into a progressive territory at times, also including a nice cover version of one of the first real speed metal classics: Scorpions' "Dynamite".
Apparently not willing to capitalize on the success of "Collision Course", the band took quite a long break, before they strike again. The style is not miles away from "Collision...", being more technical, albeit with more melodic guitar lines, coming as a mix of power, thrash and speed metal, and this time resembles the Polish Hellfire quite a lot on the faster sections. This is fast-paced stuff, with progressive overtones, and some nods to the 90's power/speed metal scene: "Monument", mostly in the catchy chorus. The guys take a break from speed more often than they have ever done before, which I personaly find a not very desirable tendency: "Portrait in Grey" and "Cyberspace Romance" are heavy, balladic pieces which would probably suit better mid- period Squealer, or modern day Helloween. While "Collision Course" was a truly satisfying slab of hard-hitting speed/thrash, recalling the incredible "Heresy" on a few moments, "Electrify" show the band spreading their wings to reach more metal sub-genres. Maybe this is the first step towards leaving the thrash metal field some time in the future?!
Well, the leaving of the thrash metal field is indefinitely postponed, since with "Riot Squad" Charly Steinhauer and Co. give a reasounding "Yes" to thrash, which reverberates back to the 80's, merges with the legendary "Heresy", and even goes beyond that. One can not help, but fall into a spontaneous headbanging on the smashing opener "Suburban Riot Squad", which lashes fiery riffs from all sides until it starts to hurt. "Hollow Peace" continues the damage further, thrashing like there's no tomorrow, also introducing the band's characteristic choruses. "Riptide" is the definitive mid-paced thrasher, offering razor-sharp riffs galore. "Rise in Rank" provides more fast speed/thrashing mayhem, a glorious speed metal hymn, short and immediate, recalling the band's debut. "Evolution Reset" is aggressive thrash, something not familar in the guys' catalogue, an extreme number which will sprain your neck. "Nothingness" is more than welcome to offer some relief from the intense material, being slower, reminiscent of the more laid-back songs from "Electrify", but this one is a no-brainer with its neverending overflow of whipping riffs and a great memorable chorus. There would be no place to survive from the next "No Place to Survive", an ultra-speed/thrash explosion on which the compulsive headbanging is again guaranteed, albeit for just under 3-min. "Dream Hero" is a compelling mix of mid-paced and fast passages, producing a virtuoso mid-section, also excelling in the lead department. "Planet Terror" blends the two tendencies together again, concentrating more on the heavy pounding side, but rest assured that full compensation will be offerd on "Psychofficial": hyper- speed/thrash, a textbook of speed from which even acts like Fastkill, Solitaire and almost every other band will have a lot to learn. This very extreme song will finish you for good, and (un)fortunately this is the closer to this glorious return to form. It is very rare for an old timer to be able to reach the very heights of their career after a comeback, and Paradox are by all means on top of the list in this line of thought, since the thrash metal "resurrection" started in the late 90's.

Product Of Imagination Full-length, 1987
Heresy Full-length, 1989
Collision Course Full-length, 2000
Electrify Full-Length, 2008
Riot Squad Full-Length, 2009

PARALYSER (USA)

Good power/thrash typical for the American scene of the 80's with high-pitched, dramatic vocals recalling Warrel Dane's first attempts at singing in his first band Serpent's Knight. They fit the music, however, which is fast most of the time, recalling a more aggressive version of Attacker's "Second Coming", and Liege Lord's "Burn to My Touch". But you have to get used to the vocals, though, which might put a few smiles on your face for their sheer, and partially laughable, dramatism.

Demo Demo, 1988

PARALYSIS (HOLLAND)

A standout progressive/technical thrash band, who started in a marvellous way with "Arctic Sleep": an exquisite opener for their career, with its five explosive songs of stupendous technical thrash, with its mighty super-technical riffs and mind-blowing leads; the tempo is fast, but frequently changes forming whirlwinds of riffs and melodies; Helstar's "Nosferatu" comes to mind quite often, too, when listening to this, but here the guitars are sharper; this short masterpiece ranks among the highest achievements of the technical genre. Every track is an exemplary "representative" of the genre, combining intense, speedy sections with swirling complex ones, the culmination probably being the closing "Arctic Sleep", which is the fastest and the most intense piece, which sudden tempo changes makes it also a very compelling elaborate affair. The vocal performance is by no means bad, but the music overshadows it a bit, which is a pity, since the guy has a powerful high-pitched voice, coming as a cross between Jeoff Tate and James Rivera. Such a strong beginning inevitably raises the question: "what happens next?".
Apparently the guys were carefully thinking over their next step, so it was no wonder that their next offering appeared whole 3 years later. When "Altered States" starts one knows that this won't be the same experience; the opener is slower, longer, and despite the presence of great technical guitars, is kind of underwhelming. After the next "Experimental Factor Genocide", which carries on in the same vein, the listener will put his hopes to hear some fast and intense music to rest (there is only one track which could fit the debut: the short bombastic technical "Twisted"), and from now on will have to adjust to the new style; and if he manages to do that, he will come across some impressive progressive thrashers: the more dynamic, up-tempo "The Waters Cry", the doomy thrasher "Tardis", the atmospheric, dark "Enemies Within". "Escape from Yesterday - Suniptar" is a magnificent ballad, finished in a quite aggressive, thrashy manner: a sudden, unexpected, but satisfying touch (which could be another song, albeit too short). Despite its numerous good moments, this album remains in the shadow of the much shorter (this one here has whole 13 tracks) debut EP.
"Wonderland" sounds like a smaller version of the preceding album; again no speed involved, this time even the technicality is missing, making this small effort sound like pretty standard power/thrash, still good, relying on old songs to make it stand out: the ballad from the previous work "Escape from Yesterday", and the great technical number from the debut EP "Inhumane".
Certainly after the last not very impressive offering the interest in the band was expected to diminish, and "Architecture Of The Imagination" did not enjoy the same acceptance as before. Still, it was quite a worthy slab of progressive power metal, quite close to Hexenhaus' "Dejavoodoo" and their continuation Fifth Reason, with few moments of thrash. Songs like the excellent technical power/thrasher "Picture Picture" and the slower, but very good progressive piece "Trip" stir the mood, but the insertion of some modern elements, which were strange to the band's sound before, and the lack of any more speedy passages, might make this album a somewhat tiring experience for the regular thrash metal fan, although as a piece of well executed progressive metal, this work delivers the goods on all counts.

Arctic Sleep EP, 1991
Visions Full-length, 1994
Wonderland EP, 1996
Architecture Of The Imagination Full-length, 2000

PARANOIA (ARGENTINA)

These Argentinians play heavy abrasive thrash of the more classic type with the metallica debut an obvious influence on the edgier material ("Chicos De La Calle"), but there are also moments where the music is plain heavy metal ("Luchar Para Existir", the hard'n heavy hymn "Heroes Olvidados"). "Imperio Del Mal" is an excellent speed/thrasher also recalling Angel Dust. The singer is not really an asset singing in a dispassionate semi-clean manner.

Luchar Para Existir EP, 2006

PARANOIA (RUSSIA)

Power/thrash metal with weak vocals and one-dimensional tracks of the heavy/power metal variety, with just a couple of decent thrashy headbangers present.

Mest' Zla Full-length, 1993

PARANOIA (USA)

Good thrash/crossover, not too far from the more thrashy D.R.I. releases.

The Many Faces Of Full-length, 1989

PARANOID AGONY (AUSTRIA)

An obscure addition to the fairly barren Austrian thrash metal scene; and quite a worthy one, sticking to the 80's laws, with hard-hitting riffs and stylish semi-technical decorations. The vocals are brutal low-tuned death metal ones, and the guys are expert at mixing faster and slower moments to a quite impressive effect: the haunting dark "Prisoner Of Egotism". There is a gloomy gothic atmosphere permeating the whole album, but rest assured that gothic dreamy pieces are nowhere to be heard; well, "The Unknown" could pass for one, with its slightly retouched guitars in the spirit of the Swedes Cemetery. But right after it comes the best song here: "Diabolic Force", which is a lashing headbanging thrasher, followed by the explosive, but also melodic "Educational Result". The end is preserved for the punk-ish/crossover cover of the Austrian singer Reinhard Mey's "_ber Den Wolken".

A View in Agony Full-length, 1998

PARASYTIC (USA)

Thrash/crossover in the vein of D.R.I. and early Ratos de Porao; the guys play fast and tight, coming up with some cool headbanging winners. Still, personal favourite here is the mid-paced hammering "Spiral", with the lighter speed metal delights "Mad Men", and especially the blitzkrieg speed/thrashing "Hogs", very close seconds. The closing "Animal Sacrifice" is also worth mentioning, being a longer more complex composition, alternating furious super fast sections, with some more elaborate, even technically-sounding ones.

Hymn Full-Length, 2008

PARIAH (UK)

This band have changed their name a few times having started as Satan, then performing as Blind Fury, before settling on this one. The style is a good mixture of the NWOBHM-sound of the past releases and thrash with nice guitar work and a very consistent song-writing. The style might remind you of mid- period Testament, but the guitar sound here is more pounding, and the faster sections are not that many; this is mid-paced to up-tempo music, with several more intense numbers present (the nice Sabbat-influenced "Killing for Company" from the debut). The debut contains the more aggressive, thrashy material, whereas "Blaze of Obscurity" offers a lighter sound, with nods to the heavy/power metal scene, and is the lesser achievement. Two of the band members joined Skyclad, and the band ceased to exist for about a decade, when they returned with "Unity" which is also very good, albeit more melodic, with a sound deeper rooted in the NWOBHM.

The Kindred Full-length, 1988
Blaze of Obscurity Full-length, 1989
Unity Full-length, 1998

Vibrations of Doom

PARITY BOOT (GERMANY)

Based on the first demo, this is modern, industrialized at times thrash metal with some alternative elements added as well. A nice touch is the clean vocals as opposed to the synthesized, hardcore-ish apocalyptic shouts, but they would be more suitable for a gothic/wave act. The style will probably remind you of thrashy Misery Loves Co. (Sweden) or Die Krupps.

Demo Demo, 2004
Demo Demo, 2006

PARRICIDE (UK)

3 songs which tread the agressive thrash path in a way not too dissimilar to Sepultura's "Beneath the Remains" and Attomica's "Disturbing the Noise"; good intense music with a slight technical edge ("Carrion") and cool semi-clean vocals which become quite gruff and sinister when needed. "Presumed Dead" shows more courage, lashing out in a furious proto-death manner also touching Incubus' "Serpent temptation".

Self Inflicted Biopsy Demo, 1990

PARRICIDE (USA)

This is the band where the Ritual Sacrifice guitarist Bill Pincins continued his career, albeit briefly. This 4-track EP is very capable old school thrash, with nice semi-technical tendencies, recalling Possessed's "Eyes of Horror" and Torture's "Storm Alert". The tempo is energetic, adhering to some blasts (from the past): "Ends Will Meet". Thrash with no mercy is what one will hear on "A Future Of Suffering" and "Inhuman Condition", whereas on the other two the pace varies, with the strong bass support being present all over. The singer rends his lungs out, in a way no worse than Steve Reynolds (Demolition Hammer).

A Future of Suffering EP, 1995

PARTYONWAYNE (USA)

This is rough sludgy groovy post-thrash, which wears thin even for a 5-song demo, simply because the band refuses to speed up even on occasions ( a solitary short section from "Tiki Barber Sneak Attack" is the sole exception), playing in a predictable slow-ish fashion, with repetitive riffs and song- structures. The singer does a further damage with his rending agonizing mid-tuned death (literally) growl.

Let Me Go Demo, 2009

PASCAL (POLAND)

Based on the "Collection of Destroyed Brains" demo, these guys try to offer something out of the ordinary, and succeed most of the time. This is technically-minded thrash with death-ish vocals, clearly rooted in the 80's sound, which reminds me of the Chuck Schuldiner (R.I.P.) side-project Control Denied, but with a considerably more thrashy edge: the riffs keep flowing and they are quite interesting and change often, without being too aggressive or fast. Another band their music could be compared to, is their compatriots from Astharoth, maybe less adventurous, and with a better bass bottom which is so good that often just overshadows the other instruments completely. And that's why the guitar work really tries hard to be in pace with it, which creates the impression that the guitarists compete with the bassist, and from this the listener only wins, as there are plenty of pyrotechnics from both sides to satisfy him. This is an engaging listen, with a lot of musicianship involved, and the intricate nature of the music might not be the headbanger's paradise, but those who are willing to take more care into the proceedings, will surely be rewarded.
The majority of the acts who released nice demos in the early 90's failed to fulfill the promises with their future full-lengths; apparently the early 90's still carried some echo from the 80's, which with every passing year was fading away. Pascal are no exception to this rule; after the good demos came "About a Man", which shows an obvious fascination with the 90's tendencies for the sake a complete loss of the technical flair from their older material. This is hard to be classified as thrash, based only on the edgier "My Soul is...", which is still miles away from even the average songs from the past. The othe rplace where someone may raise his eyebrow, would be the really aggressive "Vision and Prayer part IV" and "To Others Than You", where some brutal death metal grunting has been included on a power/doom/thrash background. The rest is a pretty awful mix of alternative, post-thrash and ballads, not even a shade of technicality or a more intriguing play. This release gives a perfect picture of the very bad state of metal during the mid-90's, and particularly in 1995; albums like this could have only been released back then...

Pascal Demo, 1991
Collection of Destroyed Brains Demo, 1992
About a Man Full-length, 1995

PATECABRA (CHILE)

Vicious, brutal, fast black/thrash metal is what is on offer here. The band seldom slow down; the music is close to Alastor from Portugal, but played much faster, and with a more aggressive attitude.

Patecabra EP, 2005
El Horror Full-length, 2007

PATHOS (SWEDEN)

One of the best Swedish metal bands of the past 10 years; progressive power/thrash with touches of doom. The debut is a smashing beginning, which came right on time to replace Hexenhaus on the top of the Swedish thrash metal scene, and is the band's finest hour: fabulous technical thrash not too far from masterpieces like Mind-Ashes' "The Views Obscured" and Hexenhaus' "Awakening". The vocals are very close to Messiah Marcolin, but the music seldom smells doom. "Uni Versus Universe" is not too different from the debut, and is another stellar effort, but the sound is more complex, the guitars are even more technical, and the tracks are longer, with power metal saying its word more often.
"Katharsis" starts in an awesome way with the title carrier, another great technical thrasher; then the music softens a little, but remains on a very high level. Progressive metal has stepped even further, and some tracks will probably remind you of Abstract Algebra, Fifth Reason, and even Memento Mori, until the time when "Detonation" hits- a great headbanger, finished with a marvelluos progressive passage. After it the course hardens for a couple of songs, and stays like that till the end. I hope these guys are still together; this is arguably the finest Swedish metal band for the past 10 years.

Hoverface Full-length, 1997
Uni Versus Universe Full-length, 1998
Katharsis Full-length, 2002

PATRIARCA (PARAGUAY)

The fourth metal band from Paraguay I have listened to, making me want to dedicate a certain part of my life researching the metal scene over there. This is Bay Area thrash with some brilliant guitar work which might put many Shrapnel heroes to shame. These guys can certainly go far.

Destrucci+n Massiva Demo, 2002
Metal Hasta La Eternidad Demo, 2004

PATRIARCH (BELGIUM)

A relative late comer on the thrash metal scene, Patriarch play an interesting brand of epic power metal, "accompanied" by a healthy "pinch" of thrash, somewhat along the lines of Drifter, but Patriarch are more power metal-based. Worthy of note are the excellent vocals ranging from forceful, thrashy notes to wailing, high- pitched ones. Both albums are in the same style, but the debut is decidedly the better effort. The compositions mix more intense thrashy riffs, with epic/power metal ones, and those latter ones bring some nice melodic choruses with them. The longer, progressively-laced songs are by far the band's more attractive side: "Shadowland" is a masterpiece of progressive power/speed/thrash; still some of the shorter numbers pack a punch no worse, like the energetic speed/thrasher "Father Kreator", and the fine stomping heavy thrash instrumental "Prophecy". But at least half of the songs are mid-paced, melodic power metal with hints of thrash, not bad at all, with cool melodic hooks. The sophomore release emphasizes on the melodic aspect, leaving the thrashing a bit behind.
The veterans are back after 10 years of absence, and it was high time for another act from Belgium to emerge in order to provide some competition for the up-and-coming After All, although in this particular case After All have no reasons to worry whatsoever. "Mankind The Virus" is just a decent effort, offering a style similar to the one heard on the band's older releases, in other words melodic power/thrash with some progressive tendencies on the longer compositions ("Mankind The Virus"). The best comes when the guys seamlessly blend lyrical melodic passages with sudden hard-hitting outbursts ("Drowning In Madness"), but this only happens once. "No One Wins" is a nice pounding galloping number, but later on the album loses steam, introducing some echoes from the groovy 90's ("Broken White", "Prise Of A Nation"), as well as some not really impressive heavy metal pieces ("Inside"). The closer "Legion" tries hard to capture lost ground, and succeeds, thrashing with a nice technical edge in mid-tempo for more than 8-min. The band doesn't betray their vintage sound, but in a heavily populated scene like the modern one, with high quality acts springing up from all parts of the world, it takes more to be the order of the day.

Prophecy Full-length, 1991
World Within Worlds Full-length, 1993
Deity EP, 1998
Mankind The Virus Full-length, 2008

PAURA (BRAZIL)

Based on "Reverse The Flow", these guys play hardcore-ish thrash with a modern edge, which sounds quite hard-hitting and enjoyable, implemented by some cool melodic hooks. The music meanders from some fast thrashers ("Drive By Fire"), which are the predominant ones, to some heavy, crushing ones ("Old Tools Work").

First Release Full-length, 1996
The Myth is Dead EP, 2002
Youkillusweovercome Full-length, 2005
Reverse the Flow Full-length, 2007

PC DEATH SQUAD (USA)

Energetic thrash/crossover with a slight alternative bite, sounding like a mix between D.R.I. and Rage Against The Machine. The track "Fuck Metallica" has a more than a clear message, but this should be more fitting for a band who are at least half as proficient musicians as the band mentioned in the song title. These guys are not...

Too Fat For Love Full Length,2005

PEARL HARBOUR

This obscure act offer heavy mid-paced post-thrash, showing a band which have quickly grasped the modern trends, and more particularly, the style of the Black Album, spiced with a couple of off-beat tunes (funk, etc.), which are very tastelessly used. By all means skip the closing ballad "For Those Who Made My Days", which is the farthest thing from thrash imaginable, and might make you hate yourselves for listening to the preceding, below average material.

Ladt Zum Tanz! EP, 1992

PEATH2 (JAPAN)

Modern all-instrumental thrash mixing energetic up-tempo moments, heavy groovy sections and complex progressive arrangements quite well, with the lead guitarist clearly being the star of the show whose pyrotechnics are not far from those of masters like Joe Satriani (who is the main influence on the guy) and Steve Vai. The riffs are not given much room to develop, though, as the leads take a considerable space, stifling the cool thrashiness on edgy hectic numbers like "Deathscythe And A Cluster Amarlls".

Red Hazard Full-Length, 2009

PEDIFILE (USA)

Another worthy band who passed unnoticed, and quite undeservedly. This band played fast, aggressive thrash/death metal akin to Possessed's "Seven Churches" and Dark Angel's "Darkness Descends", probably a tad more intense. The opener from their first demo "Shackle The Jackal" could easily pass for the first real death metal track. The second demo surprisingly comes with a much worse, fuzzy sound which considerably takes away from the music quality, but the intense delivery from the debut demo is almost completely preserved. This band is another proof that there were forces working in the underground which did as much to establish the more extreme metal genres as the much more famous and celebrated ones.

Die a Violent Death Demo, 1986
Round 2 Demo, 1987

PEDO (ARGENTINA)

A 4-track demo of thrash/crossover with merry, punk-ish overtones not miles away from Lawnmower Deth; well, this definition goes for the 3 songs; the last one is a sudden switch onto more aggressive proto-death riffage, and it stretches into whole 6-min, which is quite a lot, compared to the twice as short length of the other material.

Holocausto Fecal Demo, 2007

PELVIC FURY (USA)

Elaborate progressive modern thrash/death, which base is the Gothenburg school, but there is quite a cocktail mixed on it. Some compositions are more straight-forward, with galloping rhythms and melodic guitar hooks ("The Pusher"), others are really complex affairs, with the jumpy frantic sections, and super-technical riffs (the multi-layered masterpiece "Unrequited", which will stun you with the immaculate guitar performance, both in the lead and riff department). The instrumental "Crossing the Seas" crosses the two tendencies, focusing more on the melodic side. "Instrumentum Diaboli" is a direct up- tempo thrasher, followed by another, this time purely acoustic, instrumental: "Dissociative Fugue In E Minor". The more technical and aggressive delivery returns with "Bedshift", and the lead performance hits the top on the energetic speed/thrashing "Reparations". The closer "Carrion Baggage" is a bit of a drawback, offering some not very impressive, conventional thrash/death for more than 7-min, a situation partially saved by the superb leads again.

Non-Euclidean Nightmare Full-length, 2008

PENDEMIA (UK)

A very obscure thrash metal band from the UK whose style reminds of Violence's "Eternal Nightmare" (strong similarities in the vocal department) and Evildead's "Annihilation Of Civilization"; quite good, aggressive stuff, albeit a bit short- only 6 songs. There is certain hardcore aesthetics in the approach, brought also by the good, forceful vocals, coming as a mixture between Billy Milano and John Connely.

Narcotic Religion Full-length, 1990

PENDULUM (USA)

Based on the "Atrocity Sin" demo, these guys come up with a fairly interesting slab of classic thrash. The music is by all means technical, but is quite heavy, and features too much: very stylish melodic guitars with an Oriental shade (the beginning of "Atrocity Sin"), intense proto-death sections ("Sardonic Wrath"), very proficient lead guitar work all over, but above all numerous original moments, which climax is the technical thrash masterpiece "Crown of Thorns"- an encyclopaedia of amazing riffage which would stand proud even on Nasty Savage's "Penetration Point", and could easily be the highlight there as well. There is so much you would hear throughout its 8-min, from the brilliant lead in the beginning to the closing aggressive guitar section, that you might want to take a break from metal for a few hours after that. Now the big hunt begins for their other works...

Skull Fuck EP, 1989
Atrocity Sin Demo, 1990
Vlad the Impaler EP, 1991
Vlad the Impaler Demo, 1991

PENETRATOR (FRANCE)

Based on the "First Penetration" demo: this is simplistic thrash with a clear classic edge, but with a horrible sound quality, especially the one of the guitars which are so fuzzy that create the impression that all that had been one of the earliest products, where everything has been made on a computer, and very quickly. This is quite aggressive stuff which sounds not far from Necrodeath's early efforts. "Spermrace" goes well beyond that, and ventures into brutal death/black metal territories. The vocals are horrible, hysterical black-ish shrieks which might scare the unprepared.
"Beyond Your World" offers much more proficient, albeit more melodic, stuff, very well executed retro thrash with interesting, quite avantgarde, eccentric melodic vocals, which plainly slubber, but in an enjoyable (this depends on the taste, of course) way, at times, and fast energetic tempos. The album begins vigorously accelerating gradually until it reaches the semi-technical bombastic "Eros Abused" reminiscent of early Rigor Mortis with a twist. Speed/thrash at its best is offered on the next "Happy Beer's Day", again with a slight technical touch, followed by the similar speedster "Through the Screen". More variety is offered on the power/speed/thrash mixture "All Bitches" which will startle you with the raging super-fast ending. "Suicidal Army" settles for a more laid-back up-tempo delivery, but "One Night" will tear down the walls being another heads-down speed/thrasher with interesting melodic variations in the middle. "P.E.N.E.T.R.A.T.O.R." is 3-min of aggressive furious thrash, a headbanging fest at its finest, overshadowing the final "Birds" which is a lengthy more complex number sustained in mid-pace except for the speedy mid-break. This is a really pleasant, albeit a very obscure, surprise from the early-90's French scene ranking as high as same year's No Return's "Contamination Rises" and Massacra's "Enjoy the Violence" although this one has no ties to death metal.

First Penetration Demo, 1987
...Live! Demo, 1989
Just a Rehearsal Demo, 1989
Now... EP, 1990
Wishing Demo, 1990
Beyond Your World Full-length, 1991
Maria Gave Me Rock 'N' Roll EP, 1993
White Hell Demo, 1991

PENTAGRAM (CHILE)

A great underground band who beat the majority of the more famous Chilean acts easily. This is one of the big influences on the more extreme side of the metal scene which evolved from the works of bands like this one. The style is agressive thrash with proto-death passages, recalling Possesssed and Slayer. Two of the band members later formed another very good, but on a different level, act: Dorso.

Rehearsal Tape Demo, 1986
Demo l Demo, 1987
Fatal Prediction/Demoniac Possession EP, 1987
Demo #2 Demo, 1987
White Hell Demo, 1991

PEOPLE AGAIN (USA)

Based on the split, these guys offer noisy hardcore/thrash, not fast, but mostly mid-tempo with a few twisted riffs ala Hellhammer involved as well. There is some industrial aesthetics ala The Norwegians Red Harvest present, too.

People Again - Sarjan Hassan Split, 2009

PERFECT CHAOS (FINLAND)

Based on "The Eightbound Five", these guys pull out your average modern thrash which hesitates between frantic jumpy sections and more ordinary groovy ones. There are a couple of straight headbanging moments directly taken from the Gothenburg textbooks ("Blind Horizon", "Ill Whispers"), and the guitar work is not bad; it's just that this stuff has been, and is being, played by quite a lot of bands.

Breed Hate : Steer Fate Full-length, 2004
The Eightbound Five Full-length, 2007

PERGAMENT (SERBIA)

Very good thrash metal, similar to Forbidden and Heathen; up-tempo to fast, energetic riffs, fused with some stylish technical passages. The EP softens the course, and is the lesser effort, introducing more melodic, but equaly as effective, technical riffs. The music is not fast all the time, and some stomping thrashers sound even more appealing than the rest: "Red Hot Frontier". "Baby You Are Fire" is a letdown, with its pop-ish guitars ala Ratt. The last song ("Children of A Savage Kind") is just a little improvement over it, being a melodic galloping power/speed metal number.

Vruca Linija Full-length, 1988
Mr.War EP, 1990

PERISHING MANKIND (AUSTRIA)

Thrash metal acts from Austria are a rarity these days, but this country would need more talented bands than the one here, to put it back on the metal map. What we have here is (based on "Wonderland") quite typical modern thrash, mixing faster parts with slower, groovy ones. Those second parts are more melodic, reminding of Machine Head's mid-period. There are shades of the Gothenburg sound in the guitar department, but it's the drier, less melodic numbers which work better: "Charge". Some heavy-handed funky/alternative passages can be heard on "Sad Day".

Fall of Men Full-length, 2005
Wonderland Full-length, 2007

PERPETUAL (SPAIN)

This band offer a mix of the retro sound and some modern implements, with a certain technical edge, which makes it a nice companion piece to Ktulu's same year's "Orden GenTtico". The music is mid-paced to up-tempo, with several more intense moments, and some stylish technical hooks: the cool technical thrasher "Domination", the excellent up-tempo riff-fests "Perpetual Sacrifice" and "Fatality Night", the heavy galloping "Walking to Destroy". "This is the World" and "Walk Strong" are more direct thrashers, put near the end, followed by the album closer: "Ger a Life"- a magnificent instrumental piece, with outstanding guitar performance (the leads in particular), and a whirlwind of tempos and moods. Quite well conformed with the demands of the day, this remained the band's only effort, who were apparently not willing to join the growing cohorts of modern thrash acts.

Everything will End Full-length, 1994

PERSECUTION (AUSTRALIA)

An excellent 4-track demo of aggressive thrash metal sounding like a nice combination between Slayer and early Death, with fast, semi-technical riffs ala late-80's Destruction also present. The sound quality is great, the musicianship is top-notch, but the mystery remains: where did these guys go after such a promising start?! With so much talent displayed it was obvious that this band could have owned the Australian extreme metal scene of the early 90's...

Tortured Existence Demo, 1989

PERSECUTOR (POLAND, Pabianice)

The "Wings of Death" demo offers furious black/thrash, quite fast, and throughout the 9 compositions included here one will seldom here anything more than speedy, to the point of absurdity sometimes, blasting black/thrash. The 2nd half calms down desirably, and some sensible thrashers spring up: "Nihilistic Force", the 1.5-min of thrashing shredding instrumentality "Nuclear Command", and even some mid-tempo riffs on the last "Branded by the Reaper".

Army of Damned Demo, 2007
Wings of Death Demo, 2008

PERSECUTOR (POLAND, Zielona Gora)

Cool thrash ala late 80's Slayer with a nice alternation between heavy, crushing riffs and faster, more intense ones; there is some presence of a more modern sound akin to Sepultura's "Chaos AD" ("The Art of Killing").

Demo Demo, 2007

PERSEIDAN (SPAIN)

This band's debut is very diverse- at times it's modern death metal, at times it's stupendous technical thrash, at times it acquires some gothic tendencies. The vocals also vary according to the sound changes- particularly impressive are those which are dead ringers for John Tardy from Obituary, as opposed to the more predominant, Chuck Billy-like ones. The album really starts very promising, with the first 2 tracks offering excellent aggressive technical thrash in the vein of Gammacide and early Invocator, but later the guys show a lot more up their sleeve, with the longer, calmer, gothic-laced "God's Rehearsal". After it faster, thrash/death songs take turns with softer, slower ones, creating a somewhat disjointed feeling. "Outside" is particularly impressive, "marrying" both sides of the music into one, resulting into a really fine dark progressive thrash/death piece, with never a dull moment throughout its 9-min. "Generous Murder", the closer, attempts something similar, but the overuse of Swedish death metal guitars, and the very long orchestral interlude in the middle, make it the lesser achievement.

New Method of Virtual Fiction Full-length, 2005

PERVERSIFIER (FRANCE)

The demo shows a band playing fast-paced retro thrash ala early Whiplash. This is really good stuff also reminding of more recent practitioners like The Swedes Cranium and The Portuguese Alastor. "Alcoholic Necrolord" is a softer offering with a jolly Motorhead/Exciter flavour, but all heads will fall down on the merciless speedster "The Goatkult Perversion". "Total Evil" is not too far behind it also nodding towards the German school with its rolling riffs. "Post Nuclear Armaggedon" justifies its title with sharp fast riffage and the heavy Slayer-esque mid-break. Venom's "Black Metal" awaits you at the end turned into an uplifting speed/thrasher well adjusted to the band' style. The singer, actually, recalls Cronos with his drunken rough tember, but music- wise both acts have not much in common.

Thrash'n'Black Assault Demo, 2009
Nuklear Metalkoholik Attack Split, 2010

PERVERSOR (CHILE)

The EP offers 4 tracks of evil misanthropic black/thrash, quite fast and brutal, assisted by agonizing tortured black metal vocals. The guys certainly slow down to up-tempo ("Enthrone the God of Blasphemy", the Motorhead-ish section on "Command"), but the rest is pure bashing madness, still intelligible although it goes well beyond the "exploits" of Impaled Nazarene, for example. There are only two guys behind this project, and they also keep themselves busy with two death metal outfits: Etagord with whom they had an album released in 2006, and Mandingazo where they are still on a demo stage.

Cult of Destruction Full-length, 2008
Demon Metal EP, 2010

PERVERTED SON (CHILE)

These are the same guys who earlier on released a couple of demos and an EP under the name Evil Offering. The sound here is more technical, bordering on progressive, the tracks are longer, and the guitars twist and turn into quite a few directions: check out the meandering serpent-like "Partial Truth". "Lost Essence" scores even higher, being exemplary technical/progressive thrash, still thrashing quite intensely at times. Generally the band tries to add more aggressive riffage into the complex song-structures, and consequently the music never gets lost into too much technical show-off. "To The Abstract" is for the more level-headed, being a bit more direct technical thrasher with a nice jazzy break. "Desert" is a short 1-min acoustic instrumental, followed by another dynamic technical thrasher: "Return To The Unconcious", which mixes fast-paced riffs with some abstract ones to quite an impressive effect, recalling Voivod, Mekong Delta and Coroner; the end is minimalistic atmospheric doomy guitars: quite a stylish, unusual decision, but perfectly conformed with the less than ordinary nature of this very good effort.

To the Abstract Demo, 2006

PERZONAL WAR (GERMANY)

The modern answer to Metallica; from the vocals which are very close to James Hetfield, to the riffs which on the first two albums are closer to the old, 80's Metallica, the similarities are very big. The last three albums stick close to Metallica, too, but the sound has moved towards the Black Album, and has become more modernized and more melodic with some alternative passages; far less impressive than their early works.
"Bloodline" boasts a more aggressive, heavier sound, and is firmly in the classic thrash metal camp, finally showing the guys in a better light, thrashing with full force, although traces of Metallica are almost nowhere to be heard (except perhaps, for the nice semi-ballad "Dead Meaning", and the mighty riff- monster "Shred", which touches again the Black Album), but the music is more along the lines of more recent Kreator, spiced with some scattered alternative touches, which work quite well, embedded in the intense riffage. "Dying Race" is a pleasant deviation, a fine nod to mid-period Paradise Lost, with a good vocal performance, followed by the album highlight: the dark, brooding thrasher "New Confidence". The closing "Same Blood" is a cool ballad, a trade mark for the band. If these guys have been taken with something in mind, after this effort the number of the skeptics will be considerably decreased.

The Inside Full-length, 1998
Newtimechaos Full-length, 2000
Different But The Same Full-length, 2002
Faces Full-length, 2004
When Times Turn Red Full-length, 2005
Bloodline Full-Length, 2008

PESSIMIST (CZECH)

This act is a nice addition to the technical/progressive side of the thrash/death metal hybrid, in a way not too dissimilar to their compatriots Scenery. These guys here are more fusion-oriented coming close to Cynic as well, a tendency stretched into a few calm instrumentals (mostly on the debut). The music is mid-paced without any faster "temptations" except on very few occasions. So the headbangers will not be very delighted with these two albums, but fans of the more serious thought-out undercurrent of the genre will find a lot to like here. The complexity never reaches very abstract forms, and there are more direct rhythms to be heard, too. The band is still active although at present the guys pay more attention to their other formation Mindwork with which they give a more intense dynamic edge to their already very technical style, and the latter could be considered the better offfering by some.

Ignorace Full-length, 1998
Ke hvezdám Full-length, 2003

PESTILENCE (HOLLAND)

This legendary technical death metal band have started with excellent thrash metal- aggressive and fast, with slight technical moments, which later became the trade mark for the band, and distant death metal passages. "Malleus Maleficarum" opens the album in an aggressive, stylish way, with blistering technical guitars and aggressive vocal delivery, courtesy of the omnipresent Martin Van Drunen. "Parricide" thrashes with even more intensity, and already the thrash fan knows that this will be a perennial headbanging delight all the way. And this is exactly the case; "Chemo Therapy" suggests at the bigger technical potential of the band, later to find full realisation on the later releases. "Bacterial Surgery" is a thrashing masterpiece, where Van Drunen even tries to scream sky-high, and probably has found out that for the future he should try this only if his life depends on it. "Cycle Of Existence" is another ball of fury, a hint that the band might be one of the first to join the growing death metal legions from Europe. Seldom can a debut album sound so professionally executed; a masterpiece after which it is not so hard to come up with another similar one, like "Testimony of the Ancients".

Malleus Maleficarum Full-length, 1988

PESTILENCE (USA)

Well executed aggressive thrash similar to Sepultura's "Beneath the Remains" and Devastation's "Signs of Life"; the tempo is fast, the music is straight-forward without any technical hooks, but the sheer intensity of the material will keep you headbanging throughout the 4 tracks. Later the band changed their name to Horde of Torment where their style remained almost the same, only acquiring slight hardcore tendencies.

Infected Demo, 1988

PHALANX (GERMANY)

Based on the debut, Phalanx play classic, semi-technical thrash somewhat akin to the Swiss Poltergeist (and more particularly, their debut). The tracks never get lost in technical wankery, but tend to lose their thrashy edge at times ("A Winter Day's Thought"), spiced with quiet balladic sections, but are very catchy aided by the good melodic vocal lines.
"Look Behind The Mask" starts quite promisingly, with the heavy retro thrasher "Silent Conselt"; the new singer has a deeper, emotional, semi-clean delivery, and things look bright. "Face The Facts" carries on in the same spirit, and the fans will be quite happy to discover another act of the 90's who have held true to the 80's traditions. "State of Mind" slows down, being a heavy semi-ballad, but with "Yanus" the album picks up speed once again, and even excels in the lead department. "Scratch The Surface" is another major retro delight, but from there on the music takes an unexpectecd turn towards modern groove with "Why Speak?". "Remnants" is a very good ballad, where the singer shows what he is also capable of in the more melodic field. More groove later on, finished with the slightly faster, but less impressive, cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" (it's a Charleston mix, as the cover says, although the lovers of this very old music style will not find a lot to dance to). Still, more than half of the album is well above average, although it has little to do with the light-hearted speed/power/thrash approach of the debut.

. The Judas Touch Full-length, 1993
Look Behind The Mask Full-length, 1998

PHANTASM (RUSSIA)

This band play dark, brooding thrash/death metal with elements of doom, sounding like a fusion of Benediction and early Celtic Frost, enriched with cool semi-technical guitars ala Morbid Angel. The tempo stays within the mid-range, but at times the guys speed up quite a bit, even adhering to blast- beats whenever necessary.

Keeper of Death Full-length, 1993

PHANTASM (USA)

This band was formed by Ron Mcgovney after he left Metallica. Unfortunately, unlike Dave Mustaine, he couldn't break it big despite the recruitment of the drum wizard Gene Hoglan and Katon W. Depena from Hirax on vocals. The style is actually not too distant from Hirax consisting of short speed/thrash outbursts, but is a bit more technical and aggressive. Looked like a beginning of a successful career, but...

Demo '84 Demo, 1984
Wreckage Demo, 1987
Wreckage Best of/Compilation, 2001

PHANTASMAGORIA (POLAND)

Based on the "Furiosis" demo, these guys play decent, aiming at the old school power/thrash. The final track is a somewhat dodgy version of Iron Maiden's smashing hit "Aces High". There is certainly a potential here, but it has to be displayed in a better way.

Furiosis Demo, 1999
Psychical Seeings Demo, 2003

PHANTOM CREW (USA)

This very obscure band play some awesome Bay Area thrash in the Testament, Exodus, Metallica- vein. For some mysterious reason, they never made it to the full-length album stage. Based on the "Thrashing Spree" compilation, their music was quite intense, featuring some more aggressive thrashers ("All Saints' Day"), but the predominant pace is mid to up-tempo, with sharp, cutting guitars and some stylish, but short leads. Some songs in the second half show that the band have acquired some of the modern tendencies, by adding groove, and reducing the cutting edge of the guitars ("Temptation", "Numb").

Phantom Crew Demo, 1989
Phantom Crew II Demo, 1991
Existence Demo, 1993
No Compromise Demo, 1994
A Visit From the Sewage Fairies EP, 1997
Still The Evil Stands Best of/Compilation, 2004
Thrashing Spree Best of/Compilation, 2005

PHANTOM WITCH (USA)

Based on the split with Taking Over, this young band pull out quite good speed/thrash, reminiscent of the early works of Razor (but this is better) and Slayer, with touches from the American power metal scene ("Dark Allegiance"). "Necromancer's Curse" is an aggressive speed/thrashing delight, which will also remind you of Rigor Mortis, whereas "Spellbound By Satan" is pure Slayer worship, done with style.

Phantom Witch EP, 2007
Taking Over vs Phantom Witch Split, 2008

PHOBIC INSTINCT (GERMANY)

This is the next band with whom one of the legends of German thrash Mem Von Stein got involved with, after his exit from Exumer. This album was recorded in 1989, but it saw the light of day almost 20 years later. The style is not a direct continuation of "Possessed by Fire", but is potent and intense thrash/crossover, which on its best moments reaches towards Slayer's "Reign in Blood": on "Fatal Result", "Paranoic Stares", and most of the time the music is closer to thrash. The more crossover-based, jolly parts will definitely remind you of Suicidal Tendencies from around the same time ("Cop State"). The slower numbers are kind of awkward and unfocused ("Split Image"), sounding like pure hardcore. Stein's vocals are dirtier and lower-pitched, and that's good, because his apocalyptic high vocals could have sounded awkward here. "Plastic Brain" near the end recalls the bombastic speed/thrash of the Exumer debut, accompanied by the slightly higher vocal delivery of Stein, and is the best song. This solitary effort remained Stein's last flirtation with metal for a few years, until he had a one-album spell with another obscure, but much better act: Of Rytes.

A Second of Thought Full-length, 2008

PHOSPHORUS (CANADA)

This is black/thrash with a crisp guitar sound and screechy black rasps; the music is up-tempo to very fast with the obligatory hyper-blasts frequently "bothering" the listener. The sound is more modern rubbing shoulders with more recent Dimmu Borgir.

Phosphorus Demo, 2009

PHOSSATERY (BRAZIL)

Very well done aggressive thrash/death metal, sounding like a more brutal and faster version of Sepultura's "Beneath The Remains". This is fairly speedy stuff, also recalling Pestilence and Hellwitch; the guitars have a certain technical edge at times, but the concentration is clearly on speed, sometimes on the edge of falling apart, like on the insanely fast "For Whom It May Concern" and the 1.5-min outbreak "I'm Innocent", which is accompanied by some super vicious screechy vocals (the main ones are typical death metal growls). "The Last Night" reduces the speed on most parts, and is a really good stomping thrasher, with some melodic lines. "Army of Tomorrow" follows a similar pattern, but the ultra-fast middle break will make your head spin. "Depression", the album closer, finally shows mercy, being a much much slower, doomy atmospheric piece.

Obscure Feelings Full-length, 1994

PHYSICAL ATTRACTION (SWEDEN)

The crossover opener "Stones Are Cold" is totally misleading, as later one would hear more serious, and much more aggressive music. The sound is classic, with very slight modern leanings, and the riffs are crushing, with a slight technical edge at times. The tempo varies quite a bit, and the overall style recalls another one album wonder: Wrekking Machine and, respectively, Anthrax. The modern moments ("Life In Pain") are close to Flotsam & Jetsam and to a lesser extent, to Pantera. The crossover beginnings jump up here and there ("People With Power", "Someones Else's Words"), but are more intense and thrashy. "Master Of Disaster" opposes to the surrounding it faster-paced tracks, and introduces slower, pounding riffs, and some clean background vocals.

The Fool Lead the Blind Full-Length, 1994

PICA FIERCE (NORWAY)

Another great technical metal act is rising up from Norway. These guys follow on the steps of their compatriots Scariot; based on the "A Spiral of Violence" demo, this is first rate technical thrash/death metal which is not too far from the first two Scariot albums. Smashing technical riffs and nice melodic guitar work will make your day. The vocals are similar to Scariot again, a mixture of rough death-ish and clean ones. The band have achieved a kind of a feat, performing a full heavy metal version of the opera "Faust" with the Kristiansund Symphonic orchestra in the Kristiansund Operahouse, with Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind) singing one of the main parts.
"Reptile" offers a much more straight-forward music: these are 3 songs of intense classic thrash (if we exclude some parts from "The Weight Of Condemnation" with a gothic/epic flavour), without any technical gimmicks, and is decidedly inferior to the preceding work.
The self-titled debut is finally out, and it was interesting to see which style the band would stick to. The surprise would be pleasant to both sides, since this is a seamless, perfectly executed blend of both the more technical, and more aggressive approach. The opener "Decadence" is the proof for that: an awesome technical thrasher, a great tribute to the mighty Chuck Schuldiner (R.I.P.). The technicality remains, but the speed disappears for the next "The Weight of Condemnation", which is something unexpected: a mid-paced steam-rolling piece, with some exemplary technical riffs. Back to some more intense thrashing, with "Reptile", which sounds as though directly taken from Death's "The Sound of Perseverance". And yes, Death is the most obvious influence here, although the complexity on some tracks goes beyond that: the superb progressive multi-layered "The Coming of The 4th World", boasting some of the finest guitar work around. The closing "A New Beginning" is the other elaborate affair, starting with a brilliant orchestral intro, before turning into a feast for the ears with its timeless melodic hooks and technical riffs, surrounded by a very strong keyboard background, and the most melodic deviation on the album at the end. "Swan Song" switches onto more aggressive thrash/death, with sinister guitars and some wonderful more laid-back main theme; the synthesized vocals could have been left out, though. "Spiral of Violence" is the other track, where death metal reigns supreme, offering a whirlwind of stunning technical riffs, and sudden jumping frantic tempo changes, not missing in the blast-beat department as well: a delight which the Canadian scene is yet to offer. "Urbania" is another masterpiece of up-tempo technical thrash, where the moshing goes on until the end, graced by brilliant guitar performance. "Consumers Consumed" will delight you with both its first-class technical shredding, and the nice catchy melodic chorus, an approach also applied to some other compositions throughout the album. There is no need to continue reviewing the rest of the songs on this incredible album: the finest thrash metal offering for the past 10 years to come out of Norway, along with the same year's Scariot's "Momentum Shift".

Urbania Demo, 2001
A Spiral of Violence Demo, 2002
Reptile Demo, 2004
Pica Fierce Full-length, 2007

PIECE DOGS (USA)

A typical for the early 90's power/thrash affair, hesitating between the classic and the modern sound; at times the music leaves the thrash field, and goes for some pop-metal, and even hard-rock-ish elements.

Exes for Eyes Full-length, 1992

PILEDRIVER (CANADA)

Piledriver is the main band of Gord Kirchin who was also responsible for Dogs With Jobs and Convict. With the help of Edward Pursino from Virgin Steele, he manages to create one of the legends of Canadian thrash. The debut is a cool, melodic affair, mixing classic heavy metal with thrash. The songs are catchy and memorable, topped by the characteristic vicious, semi-clean vocals of Kirchin. The complaint is that with the exception of the short energetic "Sodomize The Dead" and the more aggressive "Pile Driver", the other material flows in the same vein, mid-tempo to slow, reaching its culmination on the slightly boring and repetitive, 7-min long "Wutchunt". The album closer "Alien Rape" is even longer, but at least there is more variety, including some attempts at a faster play.
"Stay Ugly" is a much better effort, now a full-blooded speed/thrash metal affair, boasting intense, and very catchy numbers, like the speedy opener "The Incubus", the marvellous combination of speedy, galloping and stomping riffs "Chaos", the great galloping thrasher "Lords of Abomination", the sinister "Flowers of Evil", and every other one. Although here the pace is mostly fast and doesn't really slow down a lot, because of the relative short length of the songs and the sharp, energetic guitar work, this album is a very satisfying listen, with not a single dull moment. The band later transformed into Dogs With Jobs- another good band, but more melodic, with a more ordinary power/thrash metal sound.

Metal Inquisition Full-length, 1985
Stay Ugly Full-length, 1986

PILGRIMZ (DENMARK)

This album sounds like a remnant from the groovy 90's, and could well fit into the Machine Head catalogue of that time, if the Danes had added some more up-tempo compositions ("Paramount" is the only intense thrasher, but still ruined by a groovy section). Now this mid-paced wall of modern riffs would hardly make a few heads turn nowadays, when there are hundreds of acts offering the same stuff.

Boar Riders Full-length, 2008

PILLAGE SUNDAY (USA)

Thrash/crossover close to Lawnmower Deth, maybe a bit heavier, and less enjoyable.

The Blitz Has Begun Demo, 1988

PIRANHA (GREECE)

Basen on 2-song single "Cancer", this trio play excellent dark gothic classic thrash, spiced with some haunting keyboard melodies, which work fine with the sharp, up-tempo riffs and the harsh, death metal vocals. The "Worlds Grave" EP is in the same vein, boasting a better sound quality, and a more pounding punishing rhythm section. The tempo is quite energetic, never loosening even on the longer tracks ("Burn"), and the bass is really strong, overshadowing the guitars a bit at times. A nice keyboard background can be heard, well contrasting to the sharp riffs and the brutal death metal growls.

The Exorcist Demo, 1990
The Gate Demo, 1991
Worlds Grave EP, 1992
Cancer Single, 1993
Promo Tape Demo, 1998

PIRANHA (USA)

This band was formed by Paul Baloff (R.I.P.) after his exit from Exodus. The style is not too far from the Exodus debut album, with Baloff giving his best behind the mike. His departure to pursue further glories in Heathen put an end to Piranha's existence. After things didn't work out in the Heathen camp, Baloff reformed the band, but either the lack of inspiration or interest left this stage of the band's career fruitless.

1988 Demo, 1988

PIRA-A (MEXICO)

An interesting EP featuring some both classic and modern thrash as well as some more intense, death-like moments. The last track sounds as though directly taken from Paradise Lost's "Shades Of God". The debut full-length is a very pleasant surprise, seeing the guys thrashing their souls out, producing some striking intense retro speed/thrash, which starts "killing" from the get-go, with the instrumental intro "We will Bite Your Brain", which in its turn is followed by the blasting thrashing madness "Smoking with Hellstrom". So far, so great... Unfortunately later on the band take it easy, slowing down considerably for a couple of tracks, before "Black Spiral Dance" comes thrashing down, smashing everything in its way. This outbreak is not followed by another "pause" and the guys continue to blast out, with "God Killer", "Sodomist Pig" and "Aim and Fire". Some calmer numbers can be found near the end as well, but by that time the listener will be totally exhausted. With 13 tracks featured here one can not expect a constant assault from beginning to end, but this is not so far, with more than half the tracks belonging to the extreme, faster side of the genre, along the lines of Necrodeath, early Kreator, even Hellwitch.

Pirana Attack EP, 2005
Destructive Animal Revolution Full-length, 2008

PIROSAINT (CHILE)

This is an interesting band: on their only EP you can hear 90's aggro-thrash riffs ala Pantera mixed with some quite technical ones, plus some more atmospheric moments where the lead guitar does a very good job. The music is mostly mid-paced, with some occasional up-tempo moments; quite well done recalling the style of the Andy LaRocque and Co.'s formation IllWill.

New God EP, 1997

PISSING RAZORS (USA)

Pretty standard modern thrash metal along the lines of Pantera and Machine Head, with some industrial touches recalling Fear Factory and Puncture.

Psycho Punko Metal Groove Full-length, 1996
Pissing Razors Full-length, 1998
Cast Down The Plague Full-length, 1999
Fields of Disbelief Full-length, 2000
Where We Come From Full-length, 2001
Evolution Full-length, 2003

PIT (USA)

Modern, heavy power/thrash metal with some classic heavy metal tunes thrown in for good measure. The debut is more classically-inclined, and contains the better and faster material, whereas the follow-up concentrates fully on the modern groovy side of the genre, still featuring a few more pleasant surprises: the heavy semi-ballad "Forever at Once" and the retro headbanger "Boneheads", which even blast-beats for a while, partially ruined by the awful synthesized vocals.

Carnival Licence Full Length,1996
Boneheads Full-Length, 1997

PITCH BLACK (PORTUGAL)

With an album-title like this, you really have to be confident about the quality of your music. And Pitch Black don't disappoint, providing us with a decent slab of mostly classic thrash with various influences-Exodus, Sepultura (their early 90's period), Slayer, Defiance. The music is moderately fast, never speeding up too much, and as such offers some cool thrashers ("Beheaded", "Divine Not Human", "Pitch Black", etc.). The guitars have a dry, mechanical sound, but the music is predominantly old school, with a modern production. This sound suits better the slower, stomping tracks: "Suffochate", but these are the moments when the band sound close to Prong. The vocals are also similar to the ones of Tommy Victor, sometimes sounding awfully industrialized.
"Hate Division" is more consistent, now thrashing in a sure-handed classic manner, with speedy sharp riffs in the Bay-Area and Slayer vein, very seldom slowing down, and when it does (the dark stomping "One Of Them") it sounds equally as convincing. The rest is heads-down thrash attack, and one more effort in the same spirit will do a lot to bring them closer to the "Thrash Metal Elite", like the title of one of the songs suggests. The singer this time is quite angry sharing some of the Phil Anselmo style, but also coming as a less intense death metal shouter.

Thrash Killing Machine Full-length, 2005
Hate Division Full-Length, 2009

PITCH BLACK FORECAST

These guys pull out modern groovy thrash, which nicely speeds up unexpectedly: the short headbanging number "Wrapped in Plastic", the longer half-groove, half-retro thrash "Lighthouse", and the slower, but still energetic "Ornament".

Absentee Full-Length, 2008

PITCHBLACK (DENMARK)

Very good thrash/death metal of the modern type, quite energetic, with some technical leanings, which brings it close to late period Death at times. There are the typical blast-beats and clean vocals, but they are not annoying, and are used appropriately. Apart from the faster, more technical numbers, one can hear some slower, softer moments ("Angelized", "Queen Of All Kings"), with some epic "decorations", as well as a great short acoustic instrumental ("A New Era"). When the guys decide to be merciless, they can rank among the best from the contemporary thrash/death metal scene: the speedy riff-fests "Satanic Majesty" and the closing "Heart Of Darkness".

Designed To Dislike Full-length, 2007

PITIFUL REIGN (UK)

Very good classic 80's thrash influenced by Slayer and Vio-lence, among others; the debut starts with the heavy, up-tempo "Toxic Choke", featuring very heavy, crushing riffs and very good bass support. Later more aggressive, faster tracks show up ("In The Pits"), adding more energy, which stays till the end, making this short (only 7 songs) affair a really good headbanging fest.
"Visual Violence" is another good retro thrash entertainment, again with nods to the Bay-Area school. The mixture resembles the one from the debut, alternating fast-paced with slower numbers, with both sides shaking hands admirably on the nice "Fatality". "Malevolence Of The Butcher" is something unexpected: a very good more complex composition, thrashing intensely for about 8-min, minus the cool more peaceful break in the middle. "Push To Prime" is relentless speed/thrash madness, the most aggressive track on the album.

24 Litre Killer EP, 2005
Toxic Choke Full-length, 2006
D.I.V.E EP, 2007
Visual Violence Full-length, 2008

PITONI (SLOVENIA)

Based on the first demo, this band play an interesting kind of thrash/crossover- heavy, groovy with more aggressive, lower-pitched hardcore-vocals (some semi-rap ones also involved). At times the music might remind you of the last Xentrix album, but Pitoni vary things more by including some atmospheric, progressively- tinged passages as well as other non-metal instruments (pipes on "Paranoia": a nice touch). Despite the very varied nature of this recording, it certainly contains enough smashing thrashy riffs to keep fans of the genre interested.

World Around Me Demo, 1997
Kdo Je Bogu Bog? Demo, 2003
Core9 (Korenine) Demo, 2003

PIXIE KILLERS (DENMARK)

One of the best thrash metal album to come out of Denmark; their name will call many other music genres to mind, but not metal. And that's a pity, because apparently this is the main reason why this band remained in the shadow of Invocator, Artillery, etc. In terms of musicianship these guys are by no means worse than those bands, and are actually better on a few moments. The music is awesome thrash which draws comparisons to early Testament, Anthrax, late period Helstar, and... Artillery (the technical guitar work at times). One can find straight aggressive headbangers: "I Recall Evil", but the concentration is on the heavier, more technical side of the music, and songs like "Conscience" and the magnificent closer "Poottah" could be very well fitting even on masterpieces like Helstar's "Nosferatu" or Testament's "The Legacy". The pace is quite energetic, and only gets lost for a while on the very good semi-ballad "Strubesnittersangen (Throatcuttersong)". The singer sonds quite close to Helstar's James Rivera, maybe a little lower pitched.

One Size Fits All Full-length, 1993

PLAGUE ALLEGIANCE (USA)

Excellent riff-oriented classic thrash metal; fast and aggressive, with an obvious Slayer and Devastation-vibe. The vocals are more melodic, bearing resemblance to Joey Belladonna. After the short aggressive opener comes a heavier, longer track ("101 ways to Die"), which slows down considerably, but the speed returns with the explosive "Pain Remains the Same", and never leaves again. The closing track "Things in the Wall" sneaks some more technical moments, but the very aggressive riffage stifles it.

Demo Demo, 1990

PLAGUE OF SHEOUL (USA)

This band are another pretender for the new At The Gates. Here the music is more of a thrash/death combination, and is quite fast, with frequent adherence to blast-beats. The sheer brutality actually nicely contrasts to the melodic guitar lines, and almost every track has a thrashy mid-break.

Spoken Into Existence Demo, 2006

PLAN 4 (ARGENTINA)

Based on "Dos Caras", this band pulls out 90's groovy post-thrash which changes the approach, sounding both faster and more intense, and mellower balladic at different times. The music is not stale, and moves around, although this is hardly anything that hasn't been heard so many times before.

Plan 4 EP, 2004
Cambio De Piel Full-length, 2005
Dos Caras Full-length, 2007
EXTRACHAOS VOL. 1 Full-length, 2008

PLECTOR (SWEDEN)

Modern thrash/death metal with brutal low-tuned vocals; the guitar work is fairly cool, with some jumpy riffs involved at times ("Destroy You"), but there is some groove present as well. The more attractive side are definitely the up-tempo thrashing pieces, like "Get Drunk Or Die Trying".

Suppressed Aggression EP, 2008

PLEUROSIS (SPAIN)

The full-length shows a band treading the line between hardcore and thrash, and as such is more prone to display its brutal side, resulting in a considerable number of short aggressive bombs, going well over the Wehrmacht intensity. On the other hand, the longer songs which are not that many, are heavy and modern-sounding with heavy groovy riffs. On the shortest material the sound becomes no-bars-held grind, although the singer on those sings in the same low-tuned gruff way. The guys have tried their hands on more classic-sounding thrash with their other formation Convulsion-A.T.

Nopresion / Pleurosis / Aspid Split, 1993
No Mas Nuclear Full-length, 1993

PLUNDER & PILLAGE (USA)

These are the same guys who also take part in two other bands: Bound for Glory, and Before God. Based on "Desolate", this band play a style close to the hardcore-tinged one of Bound for Glory. The music has its more energetic, thrashy momets ("Fry Mumia"), but often does it degenerate to dragging groove ("Unscarred", "The Liar", "Desolate). A cool touch is the couple of jolly, punk-ish numbers ("Live, Die, Understand", "Forceful Salutation"), which lift up the mood.

Lights Out Full-length, 1999
Desolate Full-length, 2001

POINT BLANK (USA)

Thrash/crossover quite similar to early Suicidal Tendencies, or more melodic D.R.I., finished with a jolly hardcore cover of Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water".

Point Blank EP, 1990

POISON (GERMANY)

After a long line of demos (the first ones contain some of the rawest-sounding metal ever recorded) dating back from 1984, this band finally made it to the official release stage with this one. The improvement over the demos is obvious, but the sound still remains raw, noisy, brutal and primitive. This is mostly black/thrash with touches of doom and even power metal with influences coming from Celtic Frost, Bathory, Bulldozer, among others; a cult release, if we ignore the almost complete lack of any musical merits.

Into The Abyss Full-length, 1993

POISON (JAPAN)

Based on the "Hot Rod" EP, these guys offer energetic speed/thrash with nice melodic guitar work, and gruff, undeveloped dirty vocals, which surprisingly come up with some cool melodic lines from time to time. There is a certain crossover vibe in the delivery, but pieces like the smashing "Combat" thrash with conviction and power. "Kill and Killers" is a good speed metal number, with a nice punk-ish melodic break in the middle.

Doku EP, 1985
Hot Rod EP, 1986
Mystery Temptation EP, 1986
Hi-Energy Single, 1988
Kick Rock Full-length, 1988
Attack of 4 Tribes Split album, 1988
Game of Death Split album, 1989
One Hundred Dragon Full-length, 1989
Poison Arts Full-length, 1989
Rising Sun Full-length, 2008

POISON ASP (GERMANY)

The demo is pure speed metal, quite well done, not too far from early Helloween and Vectom. The EP is truly a revelation, featuring some awesome thrash; the tempo is not that fast anymore, and the guitars are considerably more technical, calling to mind the Swiss Apocalypse's debut and early Megadeth.

Schizoid Nightmares Demo, 1987
Beyond the Walls of Sleep EP, 1990

POISONGOD (BRAZIL)

PoisonGod offer a sound similar to the one of quite a few of their compatriots, in other words classic Germanic thrash reminiscent of early Destruction, with touches of the Bay Area scene. The music is actually quite good, and nicely moves from some heavy, slower tracks ("Bullets") to some really cool headbangers ("Genesis Protocol"). Somewhere in the middle you might get startled by the sudden outburst of aggression, coming from "Daemoncracy"- a more death metal-based song with a strong nod to Death; a very good number with nice leads and sharp riffs. No more surprises till the end, as the rest returns to the retro thrash metal formula, but staying on a more intense level.

Daemoncracy Full-length, 2007

POLICE BASTARD (UK)

Classic-sounding thrashcore in the middle of the 90's is something rare, but these Brits manage to pull it out moshing in a mid to up-tempo with simplistic guitars and harsh quarrelsome vocals. The age takes its toll on a couple of heavy proto-modern moments, but most of the time the music doesn't stray too much from the path carved by veterans from the 80's British thrashcore school like The Exploited, Concrete Sox and early Hellbastard.

Traumatized Full-Length, 1995

POLLUTED (FINLAND)

Cool, Slayer-influenced thrash metal; good riffs and solos from the chaotic, Kerry King-type.

Nuclear Threat Demo, 2004

POLLUTION (SERBIA)

An excellent demo of hard-hitting speedy retro thrash which opens with the smashing instrumental "Absolute Pollution" (the guys care a lot about our environment, and that can only be a good thing) in the best tradition of Paradox and early Angel Dust. The attack continues on the equally as intense and fast "Manic Depression". "Violator" is headbanging fest at its best, with the riffs now coming close to early Destruction, cutting like a knife, a feeling helped by the good sound quality of the recording. "Our Way" is the last speed/thrash hammer here, the shortest one, more speed metal-based, with a nice catchy chorus and good melodic hooks. This very promising beginning will hopefully not remain the band's only legacy.
The EP is another 4-song portion of classic speed/thrash, which doesn't betray the high quality from the demos, coming with a very clear sound. All the tracks are intense, in up-tempo, introducing the odd heavy mid-section ("Ruined Planet"), or pleasantly surprising with cool melodic leads ("Deceiver"), bringing the wind of power/speed metal with it for a while.
As expected, "Modern Warfare" is built around the songs from the preceding EP, starting with the brisk retro thrasher "Black River". Things only get better later on, with the early Destruction worshipper "Devil's Henchman" and the excellent melodic speed/thrashing instrumental "Absolute Pollution". "Ruined Planet" nicely mixes heavy pounding rhythms and fast Germanic riffs, before "Manic Depression" switches onto full-blooded classic speed/thrash ala Toxic Shock and Exumer's debut. This tendency remains until the end which comes in the form of the nice blitzkrieg speed/thrasher "Open The Void" which would stand proud even on the Angel Dust debut.

Our Way Demo, 2008
Deadly Pollution Split, 2008
Massive Overload EP, 2009
Modern Warfare Full-length, 2010

POLTERGEIST (SWITZERLAND)

One of the few, but high quality Swiss thrash metal bands; "Depression" is a very good effort of 80's speed/thrash of a more ordinary nature, compared to the works of their compatriots (Celtic Frost, Coroner, Apocalypse). It still thrashes hard, with conviction ("Three Hills", "Depression"), sounding no worse than Paradox (decidedly better than their debut, but nos as impressive as "Heresy"), combining speed and thrash in a more conventional, but quite enjoyable way. The bass work is particularly strong on this one.
Then their singer Andr+ Grieder went to replace Marcel ``Schmier`` in Destruction for the recording of "Cracked Brain", but it was only a one-album spell. With his return from Germany, he must have brought some of the technical greatness of this album, because "Behind My Mask" is first class technical speed/thrash, the band's finest hour. The pace is quite energetic, but the guitars are much more technical and sharp. This time the guys sound almost as convincing, as Paradox on "Heresy", the similarity with this album coming also from the choruses. There is an improvement in the lead department, although the increased technicality in the guitar sound leaves little room for the bass. "Grave" is an interesting track, starting in a more aggressive, faster manner, but in the middle it becomes more experimental, with some funky passages, before it moves to a quiet, balladic ending. "Chato's Land" is another more peaceful track, slower and more melodic. The closing song "Drifting Away" follows a similar pattern, but at this point the listener has already received his doze of headbanging thrash.
On "Nothing Lasts Forever" the band adopted a more melodic power/thrash sound with longer, more complex songs of a more progressive nature. The opener "Only You Remain" will be a shock to those who would expect another high-octane, technically charged speed/thrash; it's melodic, atmospheric power metal with a nice chorus. "Empty Inside" is much more aggressive and thrashier, but the guitars are not that sharp. Later more complex, longer songs take turns with faster speed/thrashers, but numbers like the acoustic ballad "Never Again", the progressively tinged "You've Seen Your Future", and the American power metal-influenced "Darken My Mind" show that the band has moved on, broadening their horizon. It still has its appeal to the thrash metal fanbase, and is more than a worthy exit from the scene, compared to the transformations which other bands experienced during the 90Æs.

Depression Full-length, 1989
Behind My Mask Full-length, 1991
Nothing Lasts Forever Full-length, 1994

Vibrations of Doom

POLTERKRIST (SWEDEN)

The "The Death Cell" demo offers whole 9 songs of very good retro thrash, aggressive and fast, with the obligatory borrowings from death metal. The approach is direct, with speedy and sharp riffs, and will probably remind you of Slayer's "Reign in Blood" (check out the short merciless outburst "Blizzard"!), or Atomica's "Disturbing the Noise", maybe a tad more melodic, with one fine tribute to the speed/thrash scene ("Cyanide Attack"), reminiscent of their compatriots Cranium. With 5 demos released already, it's a wonder that noone has showed any interest in signing this very talented young act.

Cold Lazarus Demo, 2000
Killed With Domination Demo, 2001
Stabs You In The Back Demo, 2002
The Death Cell Demo, 2003
Force Of Evil Demo, 2004

POLYDRONE (HOLLAND)

This EP offers modern alternative thrash with a few more aggressive classic moments. Not bad, quite dynamic and jumpy, with a headbanging potential on more than just a few moments, although te clean alternative vocals which are supposed to be just "assisting" are much better than the shouty semi-death/semi- hardcore ones. The guitar sound is sharp, and the riffs meander creating a cool semi-technical picture ably supported by the straight hard-hitting passages.

/2 EP, 2009

POLYMETAL (CZECH)

Based on the "Trash¦N¦Roll" demo, this band offer what they promise: melodic speed/thrash with a rock'n roll edge, but this is a more intense stuff than the Motorhead, or Exciter works, albeit not much more. There are clear shades from the already formed 90's speed/power metal scene, mainly expressed in the infectious, catchy choruses, and the cool ballad with the very aggressive name "Agresor". The sound quality is a bit muddy, but it can not stand on the way on the good, melodic leads.

Hazardnf hrßF Demo, 1989
Ve znamenf k°fPe Demo, 1992
Trash¦N¦Roll Demo, 1994
Live 95 Demo, 1995
Rodnej hrob Full-length, 1995
Polymetal 96 Full-length, 1996

PONTIUS PROPHET (USA)

This band is the continuation of Agent Steel and this two-song demo follows the same direction of excellent speed/thrash, with John Cyriis' wailing vocals in top form, as always. Unfortunately, things didn't work out again, and the band members scattered in various directions leaving a small trace on the field.

Rites of Hatred Demo, 1988

POPULATION REDUCTION (USA)

Based on the EP, this is a blend of thrash, death metal and grind-core, which is becoming more and more popular these days; furious music, represented by short, explosive tracks, but there is a fair amount of thrashy riffage involved. The full-length bears no surprises, blasting out in a similar fashion, with a more thrashy edge this time, and slightly longer tracks.

At The Throats of Man Forever EP, 2005
Each Birth A New Disaster Full-length, 2008

PORTALL (HOLLAND)

Based on "In The Absence Of Light" demo, Portall play heavy, groovy thrash with some cool, melodic lead guitar.

First Demo Demo, 2003
Second demo Demo, 2003
In The Absence Of Light Demo, 2005

POSEIDON (GERMANY)

A cool 3-song EP of classic German speed/thrash metal along the lines of Vectom and Toxic Shock; the guys interestingly mix straight classic heavy metal sections with furious speed/thrash ones which, surprisingly, sound quite cool. This mixture repeats on each of the 3 tracks, only failing to achieve the desired result on the last one: "Violence" which, despite its violent title, is the softest piece here, sounding like early Vectom, and another German act from the same time: Steeler; it still carries the speed/thrash spirit, but the softer heavy metal sections seem to dominate.

The Final Gate EP, 1989

Vibrations of Doom

POSER DISPOSER (CANADA)

Based on the first EP: vicious, aggressive thrash/crossover with some brutal grind-core attacks and an interesting speed/power-like chorus on "Seagulls".

You don't Count EP, 2003
Victims of a Bong Raid EP, 2006
Waiting to Inhale Full-length, 2006

POSGUERRA (COLOMBIA)

Based on "Amazonas", these guys pull out thrash/crossover of the more classic variety, which hesitates between all-out thrash assaults ("Posguerra", "Hecatombe"), where they manage to capture the intensity of their neghbours Ratos de Porao, and jolly punk-ish joys ("Fla"). "Amazonas" is a cool mid-paced melodic instrumental, with strong bass performance; on the other extreme we have "Crapulas" near the end: wild proto-death atrocity.

Homo Sapiens: Detractor por Profesi=n Full-length, 1998
Amazonas Full-length, 2004
Planeta 3 Full-length, 2007

POSSESSED (USA)

An essential band in metal history, mainly for their debut which is largely considered the first real death metal album (to these ears mostly based on the vicious vocals, a style which was later picked by Chuck Schuldiner for the first couple of Death albums, rather than the music), and not only because of the closer which gave the name of the whole genre. And, indeed, with its raw, primitive, aggressive sound "Seven Churches" has definitely been an influence on the death metal movement. Starting with the main theme from the Exorcist movie, the opener is a brutal slab of thrash, and the rest is not far behind, ranging from all-out intelligible bashing ("Burning in Hell", and most of the tracks) to a more controlled Venom-esque ("Evil warriors", "Holy Hell") delivery. "Twisted Minds" nicely blends the two approaches, producing 5-min of really good varied thrash. The aforementioned "Death Metal", which is also the closer, deserves its title, finishing the album in an aggressive, very intense manner.
"Beyond the Gates" has a more accessible and more variable sound, but is quite impressive, too. It actually has bigger musical merits than the debut, with more proficient guitar work, and more controlled tempo. Some tracks even sound genuinely technical ("Beyond the Gates", the 7-min diverse "No Will to Live"), others are straight taken from the debut ("March to Die", "Restless Dead"), others are milder, with a touch of speed metal ("Phantasm", the furious speed/thrash metal killers "Seance" and "Tribulation").
With "The Eyes Of Horror" (produced by Joe Satriani) the band took a slightly more ambitious step, which was expected considering the more complex approach taken on the predecessor, towards guitar-driven, semi-technical thrash which could have been elaborated on on at least one more effort. The opener "Confessions" thrashes with no mercy, and is the most direct number. "My Belief" doesn't differ from it a lot, but "The Eyes of Horror", which retains the speed, adds a nice technical edge in the guitar department. The trend continues on the following two numbers, and the tempo as a whole is quite fast-paced, making this small effort a nice companion piece to the previous one. There was clearly more potential to be revealed, but the band inexplicably disappeared, leaving this potential unrealized, which is really sad, since their thrash/proto-death hybrid could have secured them a place on the very front row of metal in the late 80's-early 90's.

Seven Churches Full-length, 1985
Beyond the Gates Full-length, 1986
The Eyes of Horror EP, 1987
Ashes From Hell EP, 2006

POSSESSION (USA)

A good mixture of thrash and death metal, based on "Eternally Haunt"; the vocals are particularly twisted, ranging from unholy death growls to some banshee-like screeches not too far from King Diamond. The music is fairly technical and intense, but there are songs which are longer and slower, with a touch of doom.

The Unnameable Suffering EP, 1993
Eternally Haunt Full-length, 1995
Scourge & Fire EP, 1997

POSSU-DO PELO C+O (BRAZIL)

This band is a side-project of Poney Ret (Violator). The demo title suggests some relations to the Possessed's ground-breaking debut, and, indeed, the sound has some similarities to it, but it's more along the lines of some 80's thrash/crossover bands, but with a more aggressive, thrashy edge, often crossing the border towards Exodus and other Bay Area acts. It might sound like an awkward mixture, but it's not: this is a very good headbanging stuff which will hopefully find its full realisation on an official release soon.
The full-length fulfills all the promises, thrashing with confidence and gusto. The approach is not too different from the demo: energetic speedy thrash/crossover, sometimes being pure thrash aggression ("Air Mail Surgery"), sometimes going over the thrash limits, into proto-death territory ("Catholic Beast"), and generally the sound is quite brutal and fast-paced, with tracks seldom exceeding the 1-1.5min limit. The only more laid-back number is the Attitude Adjustment cover "Grey World", but just a part of it.

Semen Churches Demo, 2006
Possessed to Circle Pit Full-Length, 2008

POST MORTEM (USA)

Based on the debut, this band have one of the most unconventional approaches to thrash metal. The music is mostly slow, doomy with a very abrasive, hardcore-ish, indifferent sound, with riffs which virtually go nowhere, and don't differ much from one song to the other, making the album sound as one very long track. This minimalistic approach might remind you of Amebix, but these guys are more impassionate, and much more patient going through this plodding listening experience. Albums like that stretch the genre too far, and those who prefer to stay within the confines of more standard music, should better leave this alone; on the other hand, some may find it a sheer genius. Their later works take a U-turn from thrash, and are an eclectic mixture of various styles: doom, psychedelic, hardcore, groove, sludge, and more.
The guys are surprisingly back with a brand new offering, and this one sees them pulling out quite cool doomy Celtic Frost-like minimalistic thrash, which works on al levels, including in the vocal department where the singer growls in an intelligible black-ish manner; that same singer is their original one, John McCarthy (R.I.P.), who sadly passed away shortly before the recording sessions were finished, and the whole album is actually intended as a tribute to him. And quite a tribute, I would say, since the third track is quite a monster, being much faster and sinister. The next "Human Pinata" "embraces" the other pole: a heavy classic doom i the best tradition of Saint Vitus and Count Raven. Doom metal reigns supreme on "Pray Before You Die", but "Field Trip" adds nice headbanging riffs to the morose slow picture, again with more nods to doom. Then "Never Rat" comes with a splash, thrashing like mad for a bit more than 1-min, followed by another piece of sorrow ("Babble On"). "A Happy Life" is your extreme thrash dream come true, but the end is strictly preserved for the doom fans, with two exemplary numbers of traditional doom mastery. As a whole this effort blends the two genres, giving more preferences to doom (and as such delivers no worse than the same year's Candlemass and Count Raven works), but it is miles ahead of their last two very insipid albums, and is more than a welcome return to form for one of the more eclectic left-hand-path representatives of the style.

Coroner's Office Full-length, 1986
The Missing Link EP, 1987
Festival Of Fun Full-length, 1991
Destined for Failure Full-length, 1993
A Message From The Dead Full-length, 2009

POST SCRIPTUM (RUSSIA)

Modern thrash/death metal, intense but also melodic, staying close to the Swedish patterns, seldom blasting out in a less controlled Floridian way. The songs are split into 2 kinds: those which are short, fast and even brutal, and those which are longer, more melodic, with a couple of cool catchy melodies.

Cocktail Full-Length, 2009

POSTMORTEM (ESTONIA)

Based on "Bloody Justice Comes": this band play thrash/death with a classic edge. Some songs are more death metal-styled ("Mentally Insane"), coming with some nice melodic hooks, whereas others are pure thrash pieces ("Souls Tyranny"), spiced with some atmospheric, slower sections. The best, however, comes from those mixing both styles, also served with more stylish guitar work: the heavy, dark "Exile", or the faster technical, Pestilence-like "Prince of Darkness". "Farewell Melody" is a surprisingly melodic, but very cool touch: atmospheric, gothic-tinged instrumental. "Drowned in Dirt" is a masterpiece of technical thrash/death, combined with some slower, atmospheric, brooding tunes.

Bloody Justice Comes Full-length, 1996
The Call of the Sea Full-length, 1997
The Victory Day! Full-length, 2006

POSTMORTEM (SPAIN)

Based on the "Raw Survival" demo, these guys mix fast, aggressive thrash, quite close to the Swedes Merciless' debut, and the French Massacra ("Questions") with heavy, stomping songs (which are more): "Blood Angel". The mixtures of the two sides seem to work best: the nice more complex "Misery Empire". The excellent "Raw Survival" carries the death metal spirit, and is the most aggressive number here.

Raw Survival Demo, 1992
Renaissance Demo, 1994

POSTNUCLEAR DEATHMASS (GERMANY)

Death/thrash of the more classic variety, with some cool, but somewhat unfinished progressive tendencies (the 8-min opus ôOptimum Eradicationö), but its headbanging appeal is clearly expressed on short intense numbers, like the up-tempo ôEine Romantische Und Grausame Brutalitatö, ot the nice more melodic ôSubmit To Madnessö, which near the end all of a sudden bursts into brutal death metal, a trend continued on the next short 1-min bomb ôDr. Danö.

Generation Doom Full-length, 2004

POSTWAR (BRAZIL)

This is heavy modern, mostly mid-paced thrash along the lines of the Danes Grope and Machine Head's early, more edgy period ("The More Things Change..."), but these guys are not strangers to some good Bay Area riffage ("Slave Your Sinful God", and elsewhere); apart from that this is cool crushingly heavy, bass-driven music.

Attack Demo, 2006

POTENTIAL THREAT (USA)

Based on the first 2-song demo, this is excellent fast-paced thrash metal akin to Vio-lence's "Eternal Nightmare" and Blessed Death's "Destined for Extinction".
"A New Threat Level" is a very uneven mix of classic and modern thrash, and fails to completely capture the magic of the demos. Although hailing from San Francisco, the guys' approach doesn't really represent the Bay-Area movement on a full-scale. The songs in the beginning are blends of fast and slow riffs, but the 2nd half is much weaker with all numbers being repetitive, strictly modern-sounding and mid-paced at best with only the final "Four Our Nation" bringing some life into the not very impressive picture.

Demo #1 Demo, 1988
Demo #2 Demo, 1990
2002 Demo Demo, 2002
2.0 EP EP, 2005
A New Threat Level Full-length, 2009

POTHOLE (SOUTH AFRICA)

Based on "Showdown", these guys are typical representatives of the groovy heritage of the 90's. The problem is that the music lacks an edge, turning into post-thrash, hardcore, and even punk. Only will occasionally someone ctach a heavier more aggressive riff ala Pantera or Machine Head. The vocals are suitably angry, though, ...

Force-Fed Hatred Full-length, 1997
Showdown Full-length, 1999

POUNDING DEMISE (GERMANY)

Based on the "Only Death Remains" demo, this band play very good technical thrash/death metal which base is Death's "Human", or even Pestilence's "Testimony of the Ancients", but the sound clings more towards thrash, and here one can hear some atmospheric sections where even clean vocals are involved (see where the influences on the modern scene come from), as opposed to the basic aggressive, Max Cavalera-like ones. The tempo is energetic, and there are sharp technical riffs aplenty for the thrash/death metal fans to enjoy.

Only Death Remains Demo, 1991
Children of the Abyss Demo 1993

POWER (GERMANY)

The band's habit at painting their faces in a manner similar to Kiss does not do them a very big favour, as their music is masterful classic thrash which crosses the European and the American school in an admirable way. In the guitar department one can hear interesting, semi-technical riffs which strangely remind me of the Brits Hydra Vein and, respectively, Destruction. They carry the album through most of the time, but there is also a certain presence of heavier guitars bringing to mind Slayer's late 80's period, as well as straight Bay Area pounding ones ala Vio-lence and Exodus. "Roll the Dice" is more Bay Area and late 80's Slayer-oriented, partially abandoning the more technical approach of the debut, with a more aggressive sound, but is another stellar effort.

Thrashblitz Full-length, 2004
Roll the Dice Full-length, 2007

POWER GATES (JAPAN)

Thrash/death metal along the lines of Ghoul and Frightmare, but this is more brutal, with a more frequent adherence to grind-core blast-beats, and very low-tuned death metal vocals. Still there are enough thrashy riffs, although some of you might lose their patience while waiting for the next grind-core attack to pass. If nothing else, at least those fo you who have waited until the end, will be able to enjoy one full-blooded thrasher: "Russian Roulette"- quite a good number, if we, of course, exclude the absolutely unnecessary grinding section at the end.

Shout At The Evil Full-length, 2005

POWER OF EXPRESSION (GERMANY)

90's groovy thrash of the mid-paced variety, not really hard-hitting, with elements of hardcore ala Gang Green and Pro-Pain.

The Power of Expression Full-length, 1994
Water EP, 1995
X-Territorial Full-length, 1995

POWERLORD (USA)

A very good album mixing power, speed and thrash metal similar to early Exciter, Agent Steel's debut or Attacker's "Second Coming". "Masters Of Death" is a fine opener, with dynamic, galloping tempos, and powerful, semi-clean vocals, which are not strangers to some high-pitched screaming, whenever necessary. "Malice" is a cool speed metal piece, followed by "Silent Terror": slower, power metal-oriented. "The Invasion Of The Lords" is a smashing speed/thrasher, in the best tradition of the Agent Steel debut. "Merciless Titans" starts as a calmer power metal track, but later evolves into another thrashing delight. "The (The Awakening) Powerlord" is the definitive American speed/power metal hymn, a graceful closer to this short, but commendable effort.

The Awakening Full-length, 1986

Vibrations of Doom

POWERMAD (USA)

This band reached a much wider audience due to the cult director David Lynch who included their song "Slaughterhouse" in the soundtrack for his hit "Wild At Heart". This track is the opener for their full length which is fairly entertaining speed/thrash metal, with some classic heavy metal numbers pushed towards the second half of the album, which creates the impression that the two halves had been recorded at a different time. Although "Slaughterhouse" remains the best song on the album, there are other impressive, energetic speed/thrashers: "Absolute Power", "Test the Steel" (which has a touch of early Helloween), as well as a nice short technical piece: "Return from Fear". Then begins the second half, which still holds one more aggressive surprise: "Fallsafe", among the longer, slower, more melodic, and less impressive numbers.

Powermad EP, 1987
Absolute Power Demo, 1987
The Madness Begins... EP, 1988
Absolute Power Full-length, 1989

POWERS COURT (USA)

Based on "The Red Mist Of Endenmore", this band play excellent power/thrash with a slight technical edge. This is really great stuff, which is sometimes energetic and up-tempo, sometimes is heavy and mid-paced (the magnificent crushing thrashterpiece "There Once Was A Time"). The tempos often change, and the riffs are very sharp, accompanied by stylish melodic hooks. The overall style is close to early Iced Earth, Eidolon and the Swedes Pathos, but these guys seem to thrash harder (check out the marvellous riff-fest "Darkness Calls", and every other song). The riff-work dominates, leaving little room for the leads, which are short and would pass through your ears without notice most of the time, while waiting for the next thrashy section to arrive. "Vain Regrets" is a nice semi-ballad, coming as a very well-deserved break for the guys near the end, before the aggression begins once again, but just for one more effort: the marvellous intense speed/thrasher "Cold Day in Hell". The singer has a unique, thin, highly-strung melodic tember, which suits the hard music fine, although some might find it too soft for the style.
"Nine Kinds of Hell" is another good effort, but is probably not as striking; the songs are longer, and the sound is more melodic, sticking to the power metal formula more often. The arrangements are more complex, with obvious pretensions for the tag "progressive": the 8-min "Conquistador", which is actually a ballad, with nice epic melodies, but will not appeal to thrash metal fans a lot. Still, there are nice moments, like the energetic power/thrashing opener "The Tragedy of Faust"; the galloping speed/power metal number "Devil's Triangle"; the technical jumpy power/thrash piece "Tanzania"- a magnificent song, with brilliant Oriental melodies and sharp riffs: the highlight of the album; the nice atmospheric heavy "House of Sorrow"; the excellent intense up-tempo thrashy closer "Emptiness". The singer Danie Powers sings even higher here, to the extent of sounding clearly operatic at quite a few times, which might be annoyance to some. This is really an entertaining listen, showing the band in a less aggressive light, concentrating on atmosphere, melody and a more thought-out delivery.
The self-titled debut is a sure-handed slab of classic American power metal with few ties to thrash. The music stays closer to early Helstar and Omen, and is mostly in mid-pace with a heavy bass-bottom and generally heavy guitar work, frequently using the galloping patterns. Danie Powers is more retsrained singing lower with a few more piercing high-pitches unleashed. A couple of faster tracks could have made this effort a more interesting one; now this wall of heavy power/proto-thrash may tire a bit sticking to a samey formula unless you are a keen horse rider: this music will definitely inspire you to explore the prairies on a horse back like a vintage 19th century cowboy.

Powers Court Full-length, 1996
Nine Kinds of Hell Full-length, 2001
The Red Mist Of Endenmore Full-length, 2008

POWERSURGE (BANGLADESH)

One more act coming from Bangladesh, playing quite good classic thrash of the more technical variety. The music possesses this pounding galloping quality characteristic of the works of late 80-s Helstar, interrupted by sudden speed/thrash explosions in the tradition of the German school (Paradox, Angel Dust, Toxic Shock). Some numbers are complex technical affairs: the excellent opener "Aprostut Juddho", the nice tribute to late-80's Metallica "Mitther Agrashon"; others are direct blitzkrieg thrashers: "Hangor", "Agnisnan". When the guys reduce the speed, things become less impressive: the ordinary, even groovy "Shadhinotar Barta", also infused with a few melodic breaks; the acoustic ballad "Slogan". There are occasional leanings towards the modern power/speed metal scene: "Powersurge", but most of the time this is potent retro thrash, with the semi-angry hoarse vocals being the only real drawback: the music would have benefited from a more melodic, attached singing.

Aprostut Juddho Full-length, 2008

PRAYERS OF SANITY (PORTUGAL)

Good energetic old school thrash, which starts with the nice moderate speed/thrasher "Religion Blindness", but soon switches onto more aggressive play with the explosive "Waiting On Death Row". "Evil May Die" deceives in the beginning that it might offer a softer course, but quickly turns to the next fast- paced killer. No mercy on "No Redemption" either, but "Shards Of Evil" gives the guys the well deserved break, being mid-tempo and laid-back. 3 aggressive thrashers follow suit to close this entertaining piece of classic unadulterated thrash, something which the Portuguese scene has to offer more often.

Religion Blindness Full-length, 2009

PREACHER (USA)

Raw, aggressive and generally fast thrash metal which surprisingly sounds closer to the early days of the Brazilian metal scene; the band's style is similar to Sarcofago, Vulcano, Sextrash, early Bathory, too (it has a certain black metal flavour at times). Preacher are probably better musicians than the aforementioned bands, but their approach is pretty much the same: evil and relentless black/thrash attack.

Trapped In Hell EP, 1987

PRECIOUS DEATH (USA)

Based on "Southpaw": I could have blamed these guys for shamelessly copying the Flotsam & Jetsam's "Cuatro" at times, if this album hadn't been released a bit earlier. The other target for worship is Death Angel's "Act III". So what we have here is power/thrash simillar to the Flotsams' transformation from the 90's, but this one is not as good, inserting some funk elements ala Mordred and Death Angel, but when the guys do this, they completely forget about the metal riffs, and these parts are simply bad, having nothing to do with metal. There are also quite a few balladic and heavy/power metal moments. It's only the heavy, pounding guitar work akin to the one in "Quatro" ("No-Can-Do", "Force Fed") which strikes a cord; the rest is nothing more than a failed attempt to sound original, resulting in a very uneven and unconvincing mixture. The band's last, self-titled debut is awful nu-metal, the lowest possible bottom a once thrash metal act could reach.

Southpaw Full-length, 1993
If you Must Full-length, 1994
Precious Death Full-length, 1996

PRECIPICE (USA)

This is a project of two members of Hellwitch. Based on the two demos, the style is not too far removed from the father band; this is a thrash/death mixture, with more concentration on technicality than on speed (although some songs excel on speed, too), and more atmospheric, with some slower, gothic- tinged passages. The songs here are longer, and the time changes and the great technical riffs keep them interesting throughout. The vocals are totally opposite to the unholy snarls of Hellwitch: deep low death growls ala Jan-Chris De Koeijer from Gorefest. Fans of Massacra, Atheist and Death would also want to check this band out.
The full-length comes 6 long years after the demo stage, and the music is not as technical anymore. The slower gothic passages are here again, and the lead guitar work has improved, but the overall approach lacks a punch, often adhering to less speedy, somewhat dragging sections. In other words what we have is pedestrian gothic-tinged death/thrash, recalling the early 90's Dutch scene: Gorefest, Asphyx, also the Swedes Cemetary's early period, etc., but not as good, and more thrash-based.

The Foundation Demo, 1994
Black Sun Rising Demo, 1995
Prophet of Doom Full-length, 2001

PREDATOR T (VENEZUELA)

An energetic good mix between the 80's speed/thrash metal sound (Toxic Shock, Solitaire, Cranium) and a pinch of crossover; the traditionally fast tempo is "broken" by a couple of heavy dark atmospheric numbers ("No God For Me!", the epic power/thrasher "One Day..."). The bass work is quite good, but the singer is hardly an asset, unleashing a gruff death-ish tone. Expect some surprises later on, like the extreme ultra-fast thrash/deathster "6-6-Cervezas". The extremity remains for "In The Name Of War", which is blitzkrieg speed metal in the best tradition of Solitaire, and another ultra track: the smashing speed/thrasher "Open Beer"; "6-6-Cervezas" is another "nuclear" bomb, starting with the funeral march, and later on "flirts" with another popular tune, which I'm not sure where it comes from. Time for crossover to justify its presence with "Policia", before "Dia Del Apocalipsis" nails you down with another fine slab of fast uncompromising thrash. This is a true commitment to the classic sound, done in a direct stripped-down manner, without any ado, staying away from both melody and technicality.

March of Death Full-Length, 2009

PREDICTION (POLAND)

This obscure Polish formation plays really cool classic speed/thrash crossing the early German trends (Destruction, Exumer) with the American scene (Sentinel Beast, Whiplash). The music is vigorous and intense, also touching Rigor Mortis on the more intense material ("Agresja", presumably "Aggression" in Polish, which justifies its title despite the few melodic hooks which smell Paradox). The sound quality is crystal clear giving the guitars a lashing crisp sound although the singer is a pull back with his gruff low-tuned death metal delivery.

Nihil Desperandum Demo, 1993

PREFERENCE (AUSTRALIA)

Based on the "Tomorrow" EP, these guys offer a boring, uneventful blend of groovy post-thrash and some alternative. The singer sometimes uses a more interesting, melodic blend similar to Dax Riggs (Acid Bath, also Agents of Oblivion), but unfortunately most of the time he sticks to shouty, hardcore patterns.

Greed Death Time Money EP, 2006
Tomorrow EP, 2006

PREJUDICE (BELGIUM)

Based on "Reality", this is chunky, technical thrash/death metal, quite well done, similar to Atheist and Chemical Breath. This is compelling music with some of the finest technical riffs in a while and head-spinning time changes. Reportedly their next album moves into the brutal technical death metal realm by retaining the technical play, but it would be of no interest to thrash fans.

Broken Promises Full-length, 1998
Reality Full-length, 2001
Dominion of Chaos Full-length, 2004

PREMONITION (USA)

The band's debut demo is one of the finest gems hidden in the American metal underground of the 80's. It reminds in a magnificent way of some of the late 80's masterpieces: Torture's "Storm Alert", Forbidden's debut, Viking's "Man Of Straw", Helstar's "Nosferatu" and also Gammacide in the faster, more aggressive sections. The musicianship is on a very high level: very technical guitar work mixed with some speedy, intense parts and a great singer who uses his clean voice most of the time, but also does a very good job when he goes for the higher tones.
"Visions of Emptiness" might startle you a bit in the beginning, mostly because of the new singer who has this hardcore-ish blend in the voice, characteristic of the modern 90's bands' singers, but the music is nothing short of outstanding: superb technical thrash, not too far from the first demo, but less speedy, and more technical. The time changes would make even Coroner (who are the closest soundalike this time- think "Mental Vortex") and Mekong Delta pay attention, and the heavy riffs will crush you like a steam-roller. There is not much sheer aggression involved here, the concentration is purely on technicality and complex song structures which never lose focus, and are even graced with some nice leads.
The modern trends of the 90's have obviously affected the band's sound, and by the time of the release of their last demo, the music has almost completely transformed into heavy, groovy 90's thrash- not bad, but pretty derivative.

Demo 1989 Demo, 1989
Visions of Emptiness Demo, 1992
Brutal Healing Demo, 1993
The Human Condition Demo, 1995

PREMUNITION (USA)

5 songs of classic headbanging thrash which moves from all-out speedsters ("Endless Genocide", "Awaited In Vain") in the Bay-Area tradition to heavy mid- paced smashers ("Call Of Vengeance"). "Blind Faith" mixes both tempos, and the singer gives the music a slight hardcore colouring with his Kurt Brecht (D.R.I.)-like voice.
"Creepers" is built around the songs from the EP, the newer material placed in the beginning, so expect a similar old school speed/thrash assault which is especially impressive on the forceful intense opener "Death March". Things slow down on the softer "Power Wolves", but "Creepers" is super-dynamic speedy thrash ala Angel Dust, after which some relief is offered on the heavy stomper "Ghosts of Kampala". Then come the tracks from the EP in an unchanged form, split in the middle by the great fast thrash/speedy "Instrumental" which also blast-beats for a while.

Call of Vengeance EP, 2009
Creepers Full-length, 2009

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PRENATAL END (GREECE)

Decent semi-technical thrash with longer tracks and some cool guitar work, but the guys are not brave enough to come up with a more powerful technical sound. On top of that the pace is slow-ish to mid-tempo, and with the length of the songs exceeding the normal one, the overall sound is kind of monotonous, a feeling further aggravated by the clean, but weak one-pitched vocals, which can not be saved even by some nice balladic moments ("Pilgrims of Despair").

Pilgrims Of Despair Demo, 1989

PREPARED TO KILL (BRAZIL)

This is a good stuff with clear 80's thrash metal flavour- think Kreator, Destruction; the guys offer a Destruction cover at the end of "Thrash Hell Ultimate": "Curse The Gods".

When Death Calls Demo, 2002
Thrash Hell Ultimate Demo, 2004

PRESIDENT (SPAIN)

Based on the single, this is melodic power/thrash metal topped by some nice lead guitar work, resembling the works of German acts like Liar, Tyrant, early Risk, etc.

Fucked Nightmare Single, 1989
Have a Nice Trip Full-length, 1993

PRESIDENT EVIL (GERMANY)

A blend of stoner/doom and thrash metal; it might not sound very appealing, but some cool headbangers ("Boneless") could be found here. This is not hard-hitting music, but it's interesting to hear how these two contrasting styles could co-exist. "Hell in a Box" brings nothing new to the scene, maybe it sounds less thrashy, with less intense guitar-work, but happy rockers, like "King Asshole" will surely make you dance around.

Evil Goes To Hollywood EP, 2005
Thrash'n Roll Asshole Show Full-length, 2006
Hell in a Box Full-length, 2008

PRESSKOPP (GERMANY)

Groovy, industrialized modern thrash sounding like a mix between Puncture and heavier Pantera.

Demo Demo, 2000

PRESTIGE (FINLAND)

An average, typical thrash metal band of the old school; after failing to make any big impression with their first two albums, the band increased the aggression on their last one, moving it towards the hardcore arena. This album actually packs a punch at times with its more unpolished production fitting for the rawer, more intense sound.

Veijo EP, 1989
Attack Against Gnomes Full-length, 1989
Selling The Salvation Full-length, 1990
Priest Single, 1990
Parasites In Paradise Full-length, 1992

PRESTO? (BRAZIL)

Based on "Atentado Sonoro", this is the style of Cryptic Slaughter's debut "Convicted" having survived up to present days; in other words these guys provide extremely brutal uncompromising thrash/crossover with a frequent adherence to bashing grind, shooting very short barely 1-min long bullets/tracks in a furious aggressive manner. The closer "Casos Como Este" is close to 4-min (!), although the second half is just a radio sample playing merry rock'n roll.

a.q.n.p. Full-length, 2000
+ôdio puro Concentrado Full-length, 2002
Atentado Sonoro Full-length, 2004
Comportamento Macabro Full-length, 2009

PRIH LOP (RUSSIA)

This young Russian act plays a melodic brand of power/thrash metal coming as a more edgy version of the 90's power/speed metal sound. The riff work is often interrupted by melodic hooks although the guys are not strangers to more intense thrashing ("I Am") ala early Iced Earth. The pace is mid for most of the time also spiced with vigorous galloping rhytmhs ("War of Property", "The Past Love"). The closer "A Man Without a Name" is a nice heavy ballad with a slightly flat unemotional vocal performance.

Puppet of the Faith Full-length, 2009

PRIMAL SCREAM (USA)

Simplistic, basic thrash metal mixed with some crossover elements; the guys start quite well, with short direct thrashers ("State of the State", "War and Sin"), but the music partialy loses its edge, on more laid-back numbers ("Last Breath", "Kill the Light"). The intensity springs up here and there ("Ignorance Is No Excuse", "Mr. McCreedy") later on, as well as on the nice closer "Shot on Sight", which thrashes with force, combined with some stomping moments ala Celtic Frost.

Volume One Full-length, 1987

PRIME EVIL (USA)

Based on the "The Manifestation" demo, this band come up with a fairly interesting, semi-technical mixture of thrash and death metal which bears resemblance to the Incubus debut, and even Nocturnus, but there are also slower, heavier sections ala Celtic Frost, and although the guys definitely have the necessary skills to pull out something more complex like they show here and there, they prefer to stick to the more straight-forward thrash/death approach, which still delivers the goods.
The self-titled demo is direct aggressive thrash, bordering on death, not miles away from Dark Angel's "Darkness Descends" and Slayer's "Reign in Blood". "Living In Fear" slightly betrays the brutal character of the demo, being longer, a bit slower and more melodic, with a crossover attitude, and cool choppy riffs.

Prime Evil Demo, 1987
The Manifestation Demo, 1988
Industry Demo, 1990
Terminal Dementia Single, 1992
Unearthed Best of/Compilation, 2002

PRIME MOVER (BRAZIL)

Based on the debut, these guys offer 90's heavy thrash, quite typical for the time stuff, with good melodic clean vocals, which this below average music simply doesn't deserve. There are rock-ish, punk-ish, hardcore, alternative and grunge elements inside, and expectedly the final result is quite mish-mashy and unappealing, at least to the regular thrash fan. The band members have two other much better, and more classic-sounding projects: Hammerhead, with whom they released one good Bay-Area influenced full-length in 1992 ("Shadow of a Time to Be"), and Stage Diver, with whom they produced one demo the same year.

Pull it Off! Full-length, 1995
My Experience Full-length, 1997

PRIMEVAL (USA)

The EP is intense technical thrash/death, with very brutal low-tuned vocals, and nice keyboard tunes, which will remind you of Nocturnus and early Therion. The tempo is predominantly mid, often interrupted bu jumpy faster sections, and "The Puritan" is a cool doomy atmospheric gothic death piece. apart from 4 new songs, there is one remix of a track from their full-length debut: "Manipulation" - a surreal weird doomy composition with some backward play ala Morbid Angel, as well as one live recording of songs from that same album, called "Lie"- a hectic technical death/thrasher.

Temptation Full-length, 1997
Scorn of Incubus EP, 1998

PRIMITIVO (CHILE)

Heavy groovy post-thrash with a dry mechanical sound and throaty death metal vocals; at their best the guys recall early Meshuggah, but those more dynamic moments are buried in the rest which is quite repetitive consisting mostly of abrasive cold mid-paced riffs.

Primitivo Full-length, 2008

PRIMORDIAL IDOL (BRAZIL)

These Brazilians pull out vicious retro black/thrash ala Bulldozer spiced with the heavy epic mid-period Bathory break ("Azoth"); don't rely on the latter too much, though, since the tempo is fast for most of the time, except on the cool mid-paced power/thrasher "Medieval Throne". The singer is a very close soundalike to AC Wild (Bulldozer). The band members have two side projects: the atmospheric black metal outfit Goat Prayers, and the retro thrash formation Speed Metal Hell.

PRISTINA (USA)

This new band play a chaotic, heavy mixture of thrash and death metal of the modern variety, with a lot of groove present, but not in a bad way. There is some twisted, technical aesthetics involved, distantly recalling Morbid Angel, but everything develops on a mid-paced base, with not much speed involved. Still this could be worth checking out, as there are some clever time changes and crooked riffs; don't mind the singer, though: his hysterical, synthesized shouts are hardly the main asset of this recording.

Boner Jams '07: The Harpooned Heart Full-length, 2007

PRIVATE PROPERTY (USA)

Classic power/thrash, which starts promisingly with the fast Bay-Areasque "As I see Fit", but later offers trite repetitive heavy riffs, "Trashcan Man" being the soft heavy/power deviation, where the aggressive angry vocals and the brutal male choruses are quite misplaced.

Private Property EP, 1993

PRO-PAIN (USA)

This very popular and prolific band started their career with three outstanding hardcore-laced albums, which remain their finest hour so far. With their self-titled release they moved more towards the thrash metal spectre by retaining their hardcore base. There is no much variety between albums: energetic thrash/hardcore with some heavy groovy sections is what these guys offer, but it works well as their music has its appeal to metal fans of various tastes.

Foul Taste of Freedom Full-length, 1992
The Truth Hurts Full-length, 1994
Contents Under Pressure Full-length, 1996
Pro Pain Full-length, 1998
Act of God Full-length, 1999
Round 6 Full-length, 2000
Shreds of Dignity Full-length, 2002
Run For Cover Full-length, 2003
Fistful of Hate Full-length, 2004
Prophets of Doom Full-length, 2005
Age of Tyranny - The Tenth Crusade Full-length, 2007

PROCESS REVEALED (USA)

4 tracks of laid-back thrash/crossover, coming close to Broken Bones ("Thank You") on the more dynamic moments.

Everybody Is On My Side EP, 1988

PROD (CROATIA)

Modern thrash/death, mostly mid-paced and heavy, descending to gothic/black territories at times ("Spirals"), at times elaborating on the balladic side (the beginning of "Hera") . When the music picks more speed, it sounds quite cool ("Perforation Of Entity"), coming even with some compelling chaotic, semi-technical passages, but these moments are, unfortunately, rare.

A Dance for the Guns Demo, 2004

PRODUCT OF WASTE (USA)

Thrashcore of the old type, quite fast and intense similar to early Prong and The Accused even touching Cryptic Slaughter on the more extreme moments. The slower breaks come in the form of Pro-Pain-esque semi-hardcore/semi-groove implements which sometimes are accompanied by semi-clean rappy vocals as opposed to the typical old school hardcore main vocals ala Qualcast "Koffee" Mutilator (Lawnmower Deth).

You Won't Take Me Alive Full-Length, 2008

PROFANATOR (MEXICO)

An album which richly deserves to take "the best metal debut" award for 2005: first-rate 80's thrash along the lines of Destruction, with touches of Slayer and genuine technical passages. This is good energetic music, effortlessly combining more direct, headbanging riffs with more intriguing, technical ones. The tracks are generally long-ish (in the 5-6min range), but are so diverse and easily flowing that you wouldn't find a dull moment there. "666 Days To Follow" sums all that was so great about the 80's thrash scene in its 9-min: it begins in a heavier, semi-balladic manner, speeding up gradually before it turns into a full-fledged up-tempo thrasher (the music on the whole album very seldom sounds too aggressive), ending in the same quiet way it started. This is a more than a promising start for the band who are hopefully preparing something new in the near future.
"Deathplagued" would be a no-brainer for the retro thrash fans: "Faith no More" shoots you straight into a Slayer, Sepultura, Devastation territory where you'll stay for the whole time nailed by a bullet after bullet which this time are shorter and more direct without any technical gimmicks. The singer has chosen a higher more vicious pitch (could be another one?) close to Marcelo "Flegias" Santos (Necrodeath) compared to the almost death-y vocal tone applied on the debut. As a result this offering is also more one-dimensional offering speed, speed and... speed again. No complaints at all with merciless speed/thrashers like "Narcolatry" around which will also remind you of Paradox and Angel Dust. A good faithful cover of Slayer's "Epidemic" awaits you as a final touch.

Libido Clerico Full-length, 2005
Deathplagued Full-length, 2009

PROFANCER (SINGAPORE)

These Singaporeans are obviously inspired by the early Brazilian thrash metal scene- Sarcofago, Sepultura, Volcano, etc. The music here is more amateurish, mostly mid-tempo, with some faster outbursts here and there. This is one-dimensional and not very appealing stuff, despite some attempts at originality: the songs close with leads which start out of nowhere, and last for a few seconds, but offer nothing too technical.

Rest Without Peace Demo, 1990

PROFECIA (ECUADOR)

Based on "VII Veces VII": cool retro speed/thrash with black metal vocals; the music is not all-out speed all the time, but contains some slower, almost doom-like tracks ("La 7ma. Trompeta", "Los Mil A±os de Soledad", which also has a nice balladic ending). But when the guys speed up, they produce some really worthy pieces: "El Ocaso de los 7 Tiempos", "7 Times 7". The production qualities are not very good, having left the guitar sound too fuzzy, and the bass is put too much upfront on some songs. These guys seem to be obsessed with number 7: check the song-titles (and the album title).

Anunciantes del Final Full-length, 1997
...Hacia el Armagedon Full-length, 1999
VII Veces VII Full-length, 2003

PROFLIGATE (ITALY)

Cool speed/thrash mixing the 90's trends in the style with the heavier approach of the 80's American scene; the singer is a nice asset, with his clean emotional mid-ranged voice, and the guitars bite whenever involved in a more intense shredding, since "Sailing in Silence" is a semi-ballad, whereas the last "Dreamspace" is a peaceful semi-acoustic instrumental.

Nothing But Silence Demo, 2009

PROGENY (ITALY)

A heavy groovy blend of thrash and death metal, which at times picks up respectable speed and sounds quite appealing. The problem is that the guys do not forget about the groove, and it pops up quite a bit on those three tracks. The other good side of this single is that the band are not strangers to some more interesting guitar work, which has an intriguing surreal edge, not too far from the Voivod 90's period with Eric Forrest, or the Polish Myopia. If we add some stylish atmospheric bass interludes ("Black Sun of the Humanity"), then you know you should check this out, at least out of curiosity. With more concentration on this side, these guys would have no problems sticking out of the metal crowd, especially in their home land, where there are very few bands right now who offer similar music.

Insanity Single, 2007

PROJECT 46

Modern groovy post-thrash, which develops in a predictable sleepy tempo, until it reaches the final "Wake Up", which will really do a good job to wake you up, offering dynamic sharp riffage in up-tempo smelling the Swedish school in a good way; that same track excels in the lead department as well, and a lead tune from there will remind you of the Twisted Sister ballad "I Believe in You", intentionally or not; watch out for the fine peaceful acoustic exit, too.

If You Want Your Survival Sign, Wake Up Full-length, EP

PROJECT-BRAIN-STORM (GERMANY)

Based on the debut, this band play modern/classic thrash mixed with more traditional heavy metal. The final result is more on the melodic side with the presence of a few acoustic ballads, but also some up-tempo thrashers ("Abandon") thrown in.

Truth Lies In The Eye Of The Beholder Full-length, 1999
Pain Full-length, 2007

PROJECT: FAILING FLESH (USA)

This band boasts the presence of Eric Forrest, the man who revived the Voivod career in the mid 90's. The base for the music is modern thrash/death, industrially tinged with many unusual tunes (violin solos, etc.), tempo changes and crazy song-structures; quite unconventional, and might pull back the more level-headed fans. The last track will be a delight to everyone, though: a magnificent cover of Venom's "Warhead". "The Conjoined" follows the same path, featuring the same frenetic, non-standard mixture heard on the debut.

A Beautiful Sickness Full-length, 2003
The Conjoined Full-length, 2007

PROJECT VANDAL (SLOVAKIA)

These guys play thrash/crossover, energetic and optimistic, with cool not very hard riffage, and semi-clean semi-shouted vocals. Lawnmower Deth are a very close soundalike, as well as Excel and C.I.A. The music jumps to other styles occasionally, acquiring some speed/thrash ("Open Your Eyes") or punk ("This Is Hate") tendencies.

Bullseye!!! Full-Length, 2009

PROJEKTIL (CZECH)

2 songs of speed/power metal (the "Lovci Lebek" demo) with a shade of thrash on the second track ("Kovarna"), which is a fast killer with good high-pitched vocals and nice leads.

Madagaskar/Vzpomfnky Single, 1985
Lovci Lebek Single, 1989
Zpßtky do Zahrady ticha Best of/Compilation, 1998

PRONG (USA)

Prong's beginnings (the first two albums) were raw, energetic thrash/hardcore affairs, still considered one of the more uncompromising achievements from this sub-genre. The band abandoned their aggressive attitude on "Beg to Differ", settling down for an original take on the modern 90's sound (at this time not fully developed yet), slow-ish, groovy, with a touch of industrial, and not a big presence of thrash, if any. Having forged an interesting style of their own, which lasted for at least one more full-length ("Prove You Wrong"), the guys brought the speed back on a few tracks from "Cleansing", resulting in a fine more thrashy effort, ably supported by their more recent, modern approach, and is their finest hour at this point.
"Rude Awakening" is the band's most melodic, but no less impressive work, with no ties to thrash. Then Tommy Victor (the band's founder and frontman) put an end to the band's career, and got involved with other bands (Danzig, Ministry, Killing Joke), before returning with "Scorpio Rising" 7 years later. This album was a direct take on the band's hardcore past, still infused with their unique sound from the 90's; some of the tracks on that one surpassed in terms of aggression even the most furious numbers from their first two efforts, and it's these tracks which kind of didn't work out compared to the better, on a musical level, other material.
"Power of the Damager" is a nice continuation of the more thrash-based sound from "Cleansing", sometimes following those patterns maybe too closely, and is almost as good. It starts in an openly heavy thrashy manner with the nice headbanger "Looking For Them", which will remind you the band's biggest hit "Whose Fist Is This Anyway" from "Cleansing". Then comes "No Justice", which in its turn sounds very close to "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck". The third option (pun intended): "Third Option", is a cool mix of the jumpy Prong-esque post-thrash and some more intense riffage, which comes as a more aggressive "Another Worldly Device". Things only get harder later on, straying away from the "Cleansing" formula, on the pounding intense "Pure Ether", which also adds some spacey melodic tunes, again a staple mark for the band, quite well epitomized on "Rude Awakening". "Power of the Damager" is vintage mid-paced heavy thrash, after which the hectic trade mark post-thrash reigns supreme on "The Banishment", bringing the delivery back to "Beg to Differ", where the industrial guru Al Jourgensen (Ministry, Revolting Cocks,etc.) helps with a short performance on keyboards. "Worst Of It" carries on in the same vein, with Tommy Victor showing his better vocal abilities with some melodic higher tones, not too far from Ozzy himself. "Spirit Guide" could be considered the odd ballad, although in the 2nd half the thrashing comes back with full force. "Messages Inside of Me" is another prototypical Prong number, with the discordant guitar, and the groovy post-thrash approach, but "Can't Stop the Bleeding" returns to thrash once again, sounding like a leftover from... oh, come on, enough with these references to "Cleansing", man! And enough with this long review as well, although I have to also mention the hardcore-ish "Bad Fall", the sole reminder of the band's very beginnings, and the excellent closer "Changing Ending Troubling Times": all-out dynamic thrash, with a furious hardcore deviation near the end, ably "assisted" by some brutal death growls unleashed by Victor (supposedly). I can hear some fans complain about the relative decrease of the original technical/progressive leanings from their works of the 90's on this album, but those same fans will hardly be left indifferent listening to their favourite band's most thrash-fixated release to date. One can hardly think of a better comeback for these guys, and one can easily forget about the previous shaky effort, moshing around and raising his (or whose) fists. Anyway...

Primitive Origins Full-length, 1987
Force Fed Full-length, 1988
Third From The Sun EP, 1989
The Peel Sessions EP, 1990
Beg to Differ Full-length, 1990
Prove You Wrong Single, 1991
Unconditional Single, 1991
Prove You Wrong Full-length, 1991
Whose Fist Is It Anyway? EP, 1992
Snap your Fingers, Break your Back (The Remix EP) EP, 1993
Cleansing Full-length, 1994
Rude Awakening Full-length, 1996
Scorpio Rising Full-length, 2003
Power of the Damager Full-length, 2007

PROPHECY (BRAZIL)

The demo: quite good classic Bay Area thrash along the lines of early Testament and Metallica, among others. The guys play tight and fast, spicing things up with some great melodic riffs (check out the sinister doomy break on "Empty Life). "Agony Within" slows down, but remains entertaining, with heavy, meaty guitars. The vocalist does a good job, coming as a potent mix between James Hetfield and Chuck Billy.
The full-length: there will be non-stop moshing on this cool retro thrash reminder; the guys follow with dedication the path of the Bay-Area heroes, especially the one carved by Testament: just listen to "Lying Prophets" and discover the mighty Americans in a better way than "The Formation of Damnation". "Agony Within" is the odd proto-modern stomper, but everything is forgiven after the brisk explosive assault, which is "Empty Life". "Risen From Hell" is the prototypical mid-period mid-tempo heavy Testament number, followed by the more energetic, but still not quite fast "Paradigmatic Reality". "Evilution" pulls all the stops once again, thrashing its soul out. The absolute highlight is the great instrumental "Nameless", which begins in a haunting balladic acoustic fashion, before it develops into a crushing thrash experience, where a big part is given to the nice lead guitar work. This masterpiece overshadows the following not very interesting monotonous "The Game(Is Violence)", but the closer "Legacy Of Ashes" takes no prisoners, thrashing without mercy, putting this very promising young outfit right next to master practitioners of the genre from their homeland, like Violator, Bywar, Flashover, Executor, Breakdown, etc.

Technics of Violence Demo, 2001
Legions of Violence Full-Length, 2008

PROPHECY (USA)

On their only demo these guys play a mid-paced fusion of traditional, power and thrash metal; music-wise this is quite good, with some nice addition of violin melodies here and there which might remind you of Blind Justice or Skyclad. The downpoint is the terrible, somewhat alternative vocals which do not suit the music at all.

Serpents of the Valley Demo, 1997

PROPHECY (USA)

This compilation of demos contains long-ish songs ( 5-7 min long), which do not sound progressive or technical: this is an early blend of power, speed and thrash metal, quite well done, with references to the Nasty Savage debut and Jag Panzer in the heavier parts, or Attacker and Agent Steel, in the speedy ones ("Radiation Wasteland" and especially the magnificent "Cry of the Innocent" richly deserve a place even on the Agent Steel debut with its furious fast riffs). The guitar work is particularly impressive: the guys come up with some stylish riffs last heard on the first two Mercyful Fate albums, as well as some great leads ala Michael Denner (from the same band); the satanic lyrics also bring this band close to the Danes.

Demos 1985-1987

PROPHETS ON VACATION (USA)

Raw clumsy thrash/crossover which has some of the hypnotic characteristics of Sacrilege's first two albums with its monotonous riff-work at times (on the longer tracks), but unlike the Brits these guys fail to pull out the best out of such an approach, and often does the music tries to liven up with spontaneous outbursts reflected in short 1-1.5min songs. There is a bit of S.O.D. ("Speak English or Die") as well, but the dominant boring mid-pace and the unemotional performance by everyone involved makes this effort a lot inferior to the models it tries to follow.

Mosh To Relax To Full-length, 1989

PROSECTOR (POLAND)

Based on the "Total Shit" demo: this band play aggressive thrash/death ala early Messiah and early Death, which has a nice melodic break in the form of the Russian folk song "Kalinka Maja" in the middle; afterwards the aggression tones down, but just a bit, and the guitars thrash with more precision, although the very bad sound quality will be a big obstacle to enjoy this music.

Total Shit Demo, 1987
Terrible Ceremony Demo, 1988

PROSTATA (FINLAND)

I beg your pardon for the missing information here, but there was nothing available around to help me find more about this otherwise interesting band. Four tracks of instrumental technical thrash with numerous tempo changes and some intriguing guitar work; apparently a draft for something bigger to come.

Demo

PROTECTED ILLUSION (FINLAND)

The full-length is a small ball of fury, which will leave you gaping; just listen to the opening "Clockwork Toy", which in its a bit more than 2-min packs numerous aggressive riffs. This is nothing, however, compared to the following "Plain Pain", which is total blasting death metal, with a genuine technical twist. "Children Of The Chords" is an awesome technical death/thrasher, a whirlwind of chaotic, technical guitars and raging blasting ones. Later on the sound remains quite technical, favouring death ("Decadence") or thrash ("Greetings From Hell", minus the very aggressive final riffs) more. "Symphonies Of Happines" will definitely make happy (pun intended) both the thrash and death metal fans, especially those who love the more technical side of those genres. "Runk +pstr÷m" closes this great work in a more offbeat fashion: after the short very furious death section in the beginning, the band give themselves a break, with a melodic, rock-ish ballad, where the vocals take a good clean, drunken edge.
"Swimming in the Moonlight" is maybe more on the thrash side, and sounds quite close to the Swedes Merciless' debut, and the early works of Massacra. After the longer, but very aggressive thrasher "Method Of Manipulation" the guys take a more direct approach with shorter numbers, which will thrash your heart out. There is no much technicality involved; the band bash with ultimate aggression until the very end.

Swimming in the Moonlight EP, 1989
Festering Fairytales Full-length, 1990
Sandman's Store EP, 1991

PROTECTOR (GERMANY)

After 1986 brought the extreme winds of change in the works of Messiah, Kreator, Sarcofago, Slayer and Dark Angel, 1987 produced its two more vicious "monsters": Death's "Scream Bloody Gore" and Protector's "Misanthropy", and virtually gave birth to the death metal genre. Although death metal was already heard on Messiah's "Hymn to Abramelin", these two works gave the style its complete, finished form: more refined, still thrash-based on "Scream Bloody Gore", and more brutal and faster on "Misanthropy". The Protector debut EP with its 7 compositions is a small album in itself, unleashing 6 (the 1st one is an intro) tracks of misanthropic (the title is very appropriately chosen) blasting death metal to the bone, with only "The Mercenary" showing some lenience with its slower riff work.
The two "fathers" of death metal were quick to release follow-ups to their pioneering debuts the next year, but while Death's "Leprosy" hardened the course, going deeper down the death metal hole, Protector looked towards thrash for inspiration on "Golem", which didn't sound as merciless and extreme anymore. Still it remains pretty fast and aggressive, with a better guitar work, but songs like "Apocalyptic Revelations" and "Golem" are mid-paced at best, even bordering on doom. Certainly, one can easily get a headache on the faster, more death-laced material, like "Delirium Tremens" or "Germanophobe", but the base here is strictly thrash, with one very cool attempt at a more jumpy techncal play: "Only the Strong Survive".
"Urm the Mad" combined the two extremes to a not very positive effect: "Molotov Cocktail" is pure bashing grind; "Decadence" is benevolent speed/thrash, something which same year's Paradox' "Heresy" offered aplenty; and "Nothing Has Changed" is ponderous clumsy doom. The rest is more consistent intense blends of thrash and death, but still sounding like distant echoes of the groundbreaking debut. By no means full-fledged works of death metal, the first two Protector full-lengths set a good example of how thrash and death could co-exist, immediately picked by many new acts, who didn't feel too safe to jump heads-down into the death metal "abyss" without a "rope".
"Leviathan's Desire" was solid death metal, with fewer hints at thrash, with the guys' message further strengthened by the addition of 3 songs from the "Misanthropy" EP. This marked the band's return to the "realms" of death metal, which resulted in the production of two more full-lengths, both very good exercises in fast aggressive old school death.

Misanthropy EP, 1987
Golem Full-length, 1988
Urm the Mad Full-length, 1989
Leviathan's Desire EP, 1990
A Shedding of Skin Full-length, 1991
The Heritage Full-length, 1993

PROTEST URBAN (ROMANIA)

Based on the EP, this act plays typical modern Swedish thrash/death metal, at times fast and direct, at others choppy and semi-technical with a taste of metalcore, which is the predominant side, occasionally exiting the extreme metal field ("Amulet"), straying into other softer directions.

The Only Problem In This Case Is The Solution Full-length, 2005
I Can't Find A Question To Survive The Answer Full-length, 2006
Don't Disturb Me When I Need You EP, 2008

PROTON BURST (FRANCE)

The band's works of the 90's are mixtures of groovy thrash and death metal with some industrial overtones, recalling the Canadians Obliveon on their best moments. This band are one of the very few who offer free downloads of all their efforts on their official website.
"Silence" is a good, but not the most thrashy work of the band. "Straight" sounds like a thrashy, industrialized Dead Kennedys, especially with the Jello Biafra-like vocals; actually this song is not too far from the sound on the Biafra's side-project Lard. "Ombres" is a lengthy, monotonous track which would easily make Godflesh or Scorn proud. "Silence" is an effective, Killing Joke-like composition, where it's a bit farfetched to talk about thrash. Later on the music indulges into industrial metal territory, with only sparkles of more aggressive, thrashy delivery: the Ministry-influenced "N.W.G." (could be a reference to that band's huge hit "N.W.O."), the dark brooding "Sex O-D". The outro is whole 19-min long, but is nothing more than just minimalistic ambient noise. This is by no means a weak effort, but from a thrash metal point of view it does not hold water for long.

La Nuit Full-length, 1994
Sphere Spike EP, 1997
Silence Full-length, 1998
La Casa de Bernarda Alba Full-length, 2007

PROTOTYPE (USA)

This band rose from the ashes of Psychosis (see the review a few lines below). The style is not as hard-hitting, but no less impressive, being progressive power/thrash metal with jazz-like complex song-writing and some very aggressive riffs. "Cloned" is a very promising start, especially after the strong opener, which will crush you with its heavy, but also very technical riffs. The music is slower than the one offered on the only Psychosis album, but is much more complex, with many non-traditional elements, including some acoustic, surreal moments, which later acts like Opeth would make their staple. The shorter songs work better, whereas the complexity of the longer ones might be confusing to some.
"Trinity" is a letdown; the concentration is on elaborate, progressive song-structures and the biting thrashy riffs which ruled on the EP, have been decreased quite a bit. Again the short tracks carry the genuine aggressive charge of the album: "By Breeze"; the acoustic passages are even more, but this is hardly a complaint, as they work quite well combined with the rest.
"Continuum" is a convincing return to form, with thrash metal taking the upper hand once again; the complexity of the songs is still there, but this time the riff attack never stops, except on the dreamy progressive number "Devotion", and the short acoustic ballad "Undying". At the end there is a great remastered version of the best song from the Psyschosis album: "Cold is This God".

Cloned EP, 1998
Trinity Full-length, 2001
Continuum Full-length, 2006

PROWLER (SWEDEN)

3 songs of prime retro thrash ala Razor and Slayer, so expect fast aggressive music with very fuzzy guitars and noisy drums.

The Radioactive Demo Demo, 2009

PROWLER (USA)

Pretty decent power/speed/thrash metal EP along the lines of Attacker and Aftermath, which also features one fast, aggressive, less than a minute thrasher ("In Your Boots"), and a more melodic closer sounding like a more aggressive Motorhead ("Lick The Knife").

Prowling Death Squad EP, 1988

Vibrations of Doom

PROZAK (ARGENTINA)

Quite good 80's thrash, with some hardcore tendencies, but not very fast or intense, with catchy riffs, melodic hooks, even some genuine technical elements (the opening riffs on "Tortura"). Some power/heavy metal tendencies sneak through ("Circo del Horror"), but they only nicely add to the overall jolly mood, especially when they come accompanied by cool speed metal outbursts ("Pogo, Ronda, Mosh").

Circo Del Horror Demo, 2008

PSICOSIS (CHILE)

Swedish thrash/death metal hybrid made in Chile; this is a really good band, sounding like a more technical version of Dark Tranquillity.

Hate Regressions EP, 2002
The Crippled Machine that moves the World Full-length, 2004

PSORIASIS (FRANCE)

Very good technical thrash/death, fast and intense, similar to mid-period Carcass, but the guys' bigger experimentalism jumps out on the longer tracks ("Draining Out", which winds like a snake through several moods and tempos), and their style is perhaps more jumpy and less predictable, like on the diverse "Human Testing", which suddenly moves from very aggressive sections to peaceful balladic ones. The typical for the Brits grinding parts are not many at all ("A Cannibal Inside" and "Cranial Gangrene" come to mind, being very brutal takes on technical death/grind, and parts of "Furuncles and Boil"), and the rest is either more thrash ("Great Order of Decline"), or more death ("Fisting Dick")-fixated, as the technical edge never gets lost, maybe only on the direct bashing "Furuncles and Boil". "Let There Be Rot" is a very stylish exit from this very satisfying effort, being quite an intriguing technical affair, starting as a furious technical death feast, before taking a much more controlled direction, transforming into vortex-like thrash ala Coroner and Deathrow, with the outro being high-octane doomy riffage.

Lethal Treatment Full-length, 2009

PSYCHIC POSSESSOR (BRAZIL)

This band easily stood out of the pack of Brazilian thrash metal bands in the late 80's. "Toxin Diffusion" was a smasher with its furious mixture of brutal thrash/death ala Sarcofago and Vulcano and some great thrash/crossover. The follow-up is a big disappointment, though, with the thrash/death elements completely gone, and the band settling for some blatant, mid-paced hardcore, with very few traces of metal, not too far from the early works of Ratos De Porao, but not nearly half as good. It's really sad since the band have shown so much promise on their first album.

Toxin Diffusion Full-length, 1988
N+s Somos a Am+rica do Sul Full-length, 1989

Vibrations of Doom

PSYCHITHROB (CANADA)

This band was formed by Steve Cloutier who later pulled the strings in the technical death metal monsters Gorguts. Based on the "Bursting Dementia" 4-song demo, the style here is thrash metal with touches of death, and these guys pull out some awesome heavy, and at the same time technical riffs which result in a very intense sound. In the faster sections comparisons with Atheist are inevitable, but the music offers much more. Such heavy technical music is not easy to compare; probably the Infernal Majesty debut without the speedy parts would be a distant reference point. Cloutier does a great job on the bass, but the others are by no means worse. With technical metal having always been highly regarded in Canada, it's a complete mystery how this band remained just an underground phenomenon...

Advanced Tape Demo, 1990
Bursting Dementia Demo, 1991

PSYCHO CHOKE (GREECE)

Based on the EP, these guys offer melodic post-thrash with a more angry (End of My Kingdom") at times, but also alternative edge, the latter also coming from the cool clean mid-ranged vocals, which are intercepted by much more aggressive semi-death metal ones on some songs. "Darwin Breed" at the end speeds up with an abrasive hardcore shade.

Choke On This Full-length, 2002
The Last Moments of Absence EP, 2007

PSYCHO DEMENZ (JAPAN)

A 2-song demo: "Death Desire And Ruin" is a dark intense thrasher in the Deathwish vein, whereas "Confusion" is a more aggressive piece in the spirit of early Pestilence. The vocals are death metal-ish, sounding like a lower-pitched version of John Tardy.

Demo 1 Demo, 1989

PSYCHO SYMPHONY (ROMANIA)

This is very eclectic progressive thrash which sounds like a mix of Mekong Delta, Voivod and Psychotic Waltz. Another very close soundalike would be the Japanese avantgarde thrashers Doom. Despite the many abstract and dream-like moments, the music delivers the goods most of the time and the band never forget that above all they are a thrash metal band, although this is not a headbanging material, and the music is mid-tempo to slow, with the exception of "Shadow of Life", which is more intense and straight (well, this is very relative here) number, which still has a very complex, technical break in the middle, where some great bass work can be heard (the bass performance is generally very good on the whole album). The songs, as expected, are long, with loads of moods and time changes; the last song "Reality Falls", which is 2 parts, and is more than 11-min long, is a symphony of surreal, atmospheric, progressive music, with a sparce participation of thrash, but quite interesting and unusual. Very non-conventional, surreal riffs and some almost absurd, but very listenable song structures are featured all over this work; recommended to those who prefer to fully concentrate on their music.
The EP is another very weird effort. It's only 2 songs, the first one "Strange Illusion" being shorter, but very intricate and sinister, even including some quite cool fast-paced headbanging elements among the numerous surreal abstract passages; as expected, there is so much to be heard here that everyone should listen to it for himself. "Purple Coloured Kingdom" is a 12-min symphony of psychotic progressive thrash, creepy and doomy, with echoes from Mekong Delta and Psychotic Waltz, with some hard-hitting riffage present as well; the peaceful dreamy interlude is a bit overlong, but wait till you hear the twisted jazzy tunes which follow after, and the technical break ala Coroner. Then some more aggression comes before the minimalistic doomy thrash riffage wraps it up nicely. If one wants to listen to really non-conventional progressive avantgarde metal, this is probably the best choice he could make. But one has to be prepared for this...

Silent Fall Full-length, 1997
Schizoid EP, 2002

PSYCHOMANCER (USA)

Based on "Butchered": this is quite a worthy mix of thrash and death of the more classic type, which might remind you of Deicide on the more brutal parts (not too many). On the more technical sections another Floridian band comes to mind: Morbid Angel. Hey, this is not full-fledged death metal; there are enough thrashy riffs to keep you interested: "The Hessian", "Eternal Nightmare". The vocals are of the dual variety: think early Carcass- low tuned brutal ones, and mean, crow-like snarls.

(Si-Ko-Man-Sur) Full-length, 2001
Butchered Full-length, 2007

PSYCHOPATH (USA)

Quite good technical death/thrash metal reminiscent of Revenant and Assorted Heap, with shades of Coroner (the magnificent technical number "Without a Clue" would fit even onto "Mental Vortex"; it actually resembles quite a lot a track from that album: "Semtex Revolution"). The guys mix the tempo nicely: at times we have a very choppy and technical rhythm, at others the music speeds up, seldom reaching extreme aggression (parts from "Performing A Self- Discovery"), both well presented on the album closer "Crystal Clear". There are some sinister atmospheric moments as well as spacey acoustic ones, but they intertwine with the sharp technical riffs just fine, and the overall sound has this dark quality also typical for the aforementioned bands, especially Assorted Heap.

Making The Transition Full-length, 1991

PSYCHOPATHIC TERROR (FINLAND)

A classic mix of thrash and death metal, quite fast, reminiscent of the Protector works of the 90's, but with a more simplistic guitar work. The vocals are pretty much in the vein of the aforementioned band; the guys take a break from their relentless style only once: on the mid-paced stomping number "Dead Man Walking" which will remind you of recent Bolt Thrower.

Fucker Full-length, 2006

PSYCHOSIS (USA, LOS ANGELES, CA)

A masterpiece of technical thrash akin to mid-period Accuser, early Testament and late 80's period Metallica; there are only 6 tracks on offer here, but this is more than enough for high quality music like this; the sound is very riff-based, and will delight you with its great head-banging potential. The lead guitar work is less impressive, but it doesn't take too much room here. The tempo is never too fast, and stays more in the mid-paced sector. The highlight of the album is the excellent "Cold is This God": a first rate riff-fest. The vocals are levelled, semi-clean, coming as a fusion of Chuck Billy and James Hetfield. The band disappeared the way they came up: unheralded, but with their name remembered, at least by those who spend time digging in the metal underground. Their legacy is now being carried on by another very good formation: Prototype, featuring two members of Psychosis.

Lifeforce Full-length, 1992

PSYCHOSIS (USA, NASHUA, NH)

A cool power/thrash metal band with a more classically-inclined style on the first, and a more modern one on the second album.

Squirm Full-length, 1993
Complex Full-length, 1996

PSYCHOSOMATIC (USA)

Very good thrash/crossover, similar to the Suicidal Tendencies' more thrashy releases (1988-1990), and Excel. This is fast-paced energetic music, with some very occasional heavy, stomping deviations ("Drunken") with a doom metal edge; great fun, with short, 1-2min songs, and some really meaty thrashy riffs.

Tales Of The Unbelievably Cheap Full-Length, 1999

PSYCHOTIC WALTZ (USA)

This legendary progressive metal band used a strong thrash base in their beginnings, better expressed on the excellent debut. "And The Devil Cried" after all these years remains one of the finest progressive thrashers: a dark, complex song, with its steel technical riffs, creepy, haunting tunes, and jumpy, sudden time changes. Although this track is the album's highlight, and the most aggressive one, the rest is by no means less strking: the multi-layered, dark "Another Prophet Song", featuring one of the finest performances of Buddy Lackey; the doomy, crushing "Halo of Thorns"; the magnificent ballad "I Remember", with Lackey again in top form. The guys create a unique sound, heavy and mid-paced, with numerous vortex-like passages, starting out of nowhere, suddenly turning into a more direct one, which is followed by a more atmospheric slower, almost doomy section: check out the great labyrinthine "In This Place", or the superb intense (no pun intended) thrashing "Intense", with some of the finest, spiral-like leads around. This is one of the undisputable masterpieces of progressive thrash, which made it impossible for the guys to ever produce anything better.

"Into the Everflow" is not even close to the debut. Intense thrashing elaborate pieces, like the chaotic, but utterly compelling "Out of Mind" are truly impressive, but are not too many; they are actually placed in the beginning ("Tiny Streams" is another technical, head-spinning piece), leaving the rest of the album hanging in the air. "Into the Everflow" is a quiet, dreamy, balladic progressive track, quite good, but are we talking metal here? "Little People" restores the faith, with some more aggressive riffage, but is far from the examples from the beginning. "Butterfly" is similar to "Into the Everflow", but at least the guys here insert some more edgy guitars. Still, it shows that the band have moved on, and their later works have no ties to thrash, although they remain some of the best moments from the progressive metal arena.

A Social Grace Full-length, 1990
Into the Everflow Full-length, 1992

PSYCHOTRON (GERMANY)

One of the most promising German metal bands of recent times; their style is slightly progressive power/thrash not too far from Nevermore, but the guitar work often shifts towards some straight Bay Area riffs. The guys handle both the more direct thrashers and the more complex, longer songs with dexterity. "Chaos Cosmic Time" opens in a marvellous way, with the pounding technical thrasher "Psychotron", one of the band's highest achievements, but later on the album loses steam, containing much less impressive, ordinary progressive power metal tracks, falling down even to modern groove ("Eternal Stream", "The Raging Pit"). In the second half the quality song-writing returns for one complex power/thrasher ("Belief"), but the presence of two ballads: one- heavy, the other one: a pure acoustic piece, pull the final impression away from the positive scale.
4 years later the band were ready to strike again, but this time they have done a much better job; from the very beginning this album starts thrashing with force and conviction ("Open the Gate"), with great sharp, but also technical riffs, with a certain Bay-Area vibe (think early Testament and Forbidden, above all). The thrash attack continues unabated further on, as the complexity increases little by little, reaching its culmination on the progressive masterpieces "Closed Doors", which is a slower, more power metal-based, atmospheric number, and "Lightbringer", which is a striking dark power/thrasher, followed by another equally as impressive, shorter one: "Necromantia". Having finished their job so well, the guys relax on the album closer, which is an 8-min haunting acoustic instrumental, partially spoiled by the drunken attempts at singing made at the end.
After such a strong effort, a well-deserved break would be natural to follow suit, but the guys were ready with another stellar material less than a year later; "Pray For Salvation" follows a path similar to the previous album, but the music is not as fast and energetic, but is more complex, and the riffs lash with the same intensity, as separate compositions are superior to the previous output: the dark technical power/thrashterpiece in the Nevermore vein "Chasing Shadows", the mighty technical thrash metal opus with an Oriental touch "Circle of the Damned", the brooding doomy "The Awakening", the intense speed/thrashing delight "Life on Borrowed Time". The end is again preserved for something more quiet: the ballad "Shattered Illusion". If Courageous, the other German band who used to play a similar brand of metal, have failed to please the fans with their more recent works, this band, on the opposite, are going stronger and stronger...

Chaos Cosmic Time Full-length, 2000
Open The Gate Full-length, 2004
Pray For Salvation Full-length, 2005

PUBLIC ASSASSIN (USA)

This band's line-up features Richard Christy: the drummer who has also taken part in several more renowned bands around the metal spectre (Control Denied, Iced Earth, Burning Inside). With this band he plays thrash/death with some technical tendencies, stomping and heavy most of the time, with some sudden jumps into more aggressive waters, along the lines of Morbid Angel, but less dynamic.

Public Assassin EP, 1993

PULLING TEETH (JAPAN)

This band was founded by Shinichi Suzuki-the singer who has done services in other Japanese thrash metal bands: Cocobat, Lawshed, etc. Based on "Martyr Immortal", his new band does a better job than the aforementioned bands, playing classic fast-paced thrash with short, 1-2min songs, similar to Hirax and the Swedes F.K.U. Despite the short length of the songs, there are barely shades of hardcore, except on the very short tracks, where even some proto- grindcore sections could be caught. The album closer "Dismissed in Time" is a break from the intensity displayed earlier, and is an offbeat acoustic ambient instrumental.
"Thrash Cats" is a less satisfying effort; it's not too far stylistically from "Martyr Immortal", but the sound borders on hardcore quite a bit. The songs are again short and direct, but the thrashy riffs are not that sharp. The approach is too one-dimensional, and there is little more than pure bashing of the hardcore type. These cats are far from thrash for sure...

NWOJHM Full-length, 1999
MTJ Full-length, 2000
Pulling Joke Full-length, 2001
For whom the Teeth Pulled? Full-length, 2003
Thrash Cats Full-length, 2006
Martyr Immortal Full-Length, 2007

PUNCTURE (USA)

This band was formed by two members of Gammacide. The style presented here is miles away from the aggressive old school thrash of the old band. This is heavy, crunchy modern thrash with a strong industrial edge; some more speedy parts actually remind of Gammacide, but most of the time the music is crushing, sounding like a more aggressive version of Pantera.

Puncture Full-length, 1994
Immune Full-length, 1996

PUNISHER (USA)

Crunchy, somewhat technical thrash with a great bass work similar to Steve Digiorgio; the vocals are from the death-type. The songs are long-ish, elaborate, but the guys manage to keep things interesting throughout. The sound is strictly modern, with a shade of groove, and there are times where the music takes off towards more aggressive territories ("Beaten Down"), but again supported by some choppy, technical guitar work. The guys try to keep the songs dynamic, and succeed, since the music never slows down a lot. The guitars have this dry, mechanical sound, typical for the Voivod works with Eric Forrest, and Meshuggah, but these guys' music has also shades of the classic times, like the excellent energetic technical thrashers "Spirit of Vengeance" and "Weapon X". "In Cold Blood" shows the more ambitious side of the band, but the reduced speed and the slightly heavy-handed riffs, which evolve around a slow-ish progressive basis lessen the impact. Near the end the guys take it easy with two more immediate headbanging pieces: "Loser" and "Eternal Democracy". The last track: "Punisher" is a sudden, but very satisfying move onto aggressive thrash/death, fast and relentless, but still retaining a strong technical edge, especially on the stylish ending.

Disillusioned Full-length, 1998

PUNISHMENT (BRAZIL)

Based on the "Enter The Punisher" demo, this is retro up-tempo thrash with death metal vocals: one is of the low brutal growl, the other- of the snarly type. Music-wise the band recall Protector, especially when they speed up ("The Man is Crazy", "The Doom", which contains some blast-beats near the end), which doesn't happen very often, and Ghoul, with whom they share the catchiness and the playfulness of the guitar work.

Infernal World Demo, 2002
Enter The Punisher Demo, 2006

PUNO DE HIERRO (MEXICO)

These guys have done a pretty good job on their only album: this is a nice combination of power/speed and thrash metal; the faster tracks will remind you of early Helloween, Warrant and Vectom, whereas the slower, heavier ones are close to the American school- think Helstar, early Laaz Rockit, Savage Grace. The guitar performance is of a particularly high level with nice technical leads which would perhaps make even Kai Hansen turn his head. At the time when this album was released, this kind of music was quickly fading away, and the band have made a good attempt at keeping it alive a bit longer.

Ten fe en Dios (Overtura de Metal) Full-length, 1990

PURE HATE (POLAND)

Based on the "This Is The War" demo: this band offer a cool mixture of thrash and hardcore with a decidedly modern sound recalling more recent Pro-Pain, but less edgy, and with non-typical melodic leads, plus the occasional more intense thrasher ("Who Cares").
The full-length is an elaboration on the approach heard earlier on the demos mixing thrash and hardcore without speeding up too much which may bore the listener at some point because of the frequent heavy pounding guitars despite the cool melodic licks gracing at least half of the songs, and are a really stark contrast to the semi-death metal gruff vocals.

My Enemy Demo, 2006
This Is The War Demo, 2007
Hate Is Coming Full-length, 2009

PURE SWEET HELL (USA)

This band is a side project of the Nevermore drummer Van Williams who takes over the vocal duties here, too (and does a very good job, by the way). The sound is not anywhere near Nevermore, perhaps only occasionally. There is a wide variety of styles presented here- thrash, black, gothic, doom. At times the band might remind you of some bands from the death/gothic field, like Trail Of Tears or The Project Hate, mixed with modern thrash.

The Voyeurs Of Utter Destruction As Beauty Full-length, 2003

PURGATORY (UK)

This band, like their more famous compatriots Hydra Vein, look for inspiration towards Germany, but they also add some more pounding parts, strangely recalling Venom, but their 90's efforts, after the reformation. The music softens a bit at times ("Messenger of Fear") paying tribute to the NWOBHM wave, but most of the time it is cool thrashy stuff, if we also exclude the 1.5-min instrumental "F.L.T." .

F.L.T. Demo, 1988

PURGATORY (USA, OH)

Purgatory belong to the more melodic side of the speed/thrash/power metal genre, with a style which brings to mind several German bands- Warrant, Iron Angel (the second album), Tyrant, even early Helloween. This is good stuff, especially when the guys pull out some cool technical riffs, which doesn't happen very often, but keeps the listener concentrated to eventually hear something more of the same.

Tied to the Trax Full-Length, 1986

PURGATORY (USA, TX)

Heavy, mid-paced thrash akin to Flotsam & Jetsam's "Cuatro", but not as good; worth of note are the sneaking modern 90's tendencies which later took over the scene completely.

Demo Demo, 1991

PURGED (AUSTRALIA)

Based on the debut: this album is a typical "product" of its time: modern 90's thrash in the Pantera and Machine Head vein, but this is more melodic, with some stoner/doom elements ("Divided Faith"), reminding of Phil Anselmo's side project Down.

Form Of Release Full-length, 1997
Balance of Power Full-length, 1999

PURITY (FINLAND)

Based on "Built", this band offers 90's alternative power/thrash, which is far from the derivative groovy efforts of thousands of acts at that time, but opts for a darker, Black Album-like sound, spiced with more jumpy intense riffage ala 90's Flotsam & Jetsam. So more dynamic thrashers like "Dead End Street" shouldn't come as a surprise, but they are not so many, and at some point the album may bore you, sticking to samey chugga-chugga riffage, and sudden switches onto laid-back, Alice in Chains-like tunes. There are stoner/doom, balladic and bluesy moments as well to make the cocktail even bigger. From the 90's perspective this work is not completely illogical, but the contemporary fan might not be very entertained.

In Disguise EP, 1994
Built Full-length, 1996
Dear Evilyn Full-length, 2004

PURITY (GERMANY)

Based on the "Burning Sky" demo, this band plays heavy modern-ish thrash, mostly mid-tempo, with some aggressive death metal elements and atmospheric, gothic passages ("Broken Wings"). The final result is not bad, and there are very few bands out there who sound like them.

Silence Demo, 2006
Burning Sky Demo, 2006

PURITY 96 (FINLAND)

Typical for the time and age modern post-thrash offering with grunge and alternative borrowings, plus one nice take on atmospheric heavy doom ("Exit/Enter"), which however comes second to the energetic more classic-sounding "splash" "Dead End Street" in the middle. "Lost" is a curious semi- progressive doom/thrasher with a quirky rhythm section, and the closer "For My Godson" is a short acoustic ballad which could be an allusion to Metallica's same year's "Mama Said".

Built Full-Length, 1996

PUSSY HOLE TREATMENT (PORTUGAL)

Modern fast thrashcore with simplistic punk-tinged riffs, which give a cool melodic "decoration" to the tracks at times, and rending shouty vocals.

Destroy Everything Now Full-Length, 2010

PUT' SOLNTSA (RUSSIA)

Thrash and death meet epic and pagan metal on this varied affair. The concentration is clearly on the first two styles, and the delivery is frequently fast and brutal. The singer is an intense death metal growler seldom accompanied by nice female vocals. There are a few slow melodic instrumentals thrown in, and some of the fast moments border on hardcore. The band members are involved in several other projects: the grindcore "freaks" Educated Scum, the brutal death metal monsters Fatal Band, the death/thrash outfit Eternal Sick, and the symphonic black metal formation Sinful.

Pobeditel Vsegda Ostaetsa Odin Full-length, 2010

PX-PAIN (SWITZERLAND)

Groovy thrash with some crossover elements sounding like a mix between Machine Head and D.R.I; their second full-length effort is the better of the two, featuring some more aggressive Pantera-sque riffs and some semi-alternative sections, "accompanied" by clean vocals as opposed to the hardcore shouts which are the main ones.

Scene Of Crime EP, 1994
Plant Of Life EP, 1997
Marrow Full-length, 1998
Still Disgusted EP, 2000
Add Fuel To The Fire EP, 2002
Denying the consequences Full-length, 2005

PYRACANDA (GERMANY)

"Two Sides Of A Coin" is a really good debut with its polished, but forceful heavy thrash sound calling to mind the Bay Area scene, with a twist. "Top Gun" opens it in an awesome energetic manner, a nice combination of galloping and faster riffs. "Democratic Terror" thrashes more aggressively, setting the tone for most of the remaining material. Near the end the guys slow down, for "Goodbye Mary Ann": a cool, but maybe a bit inappropriate power/heavy metal hymn, and the speed metal closer "Don't Get Infected", which crashes in the spirit of early Helloween.
"Thorns" also begins quite cool, with the heavy, semi-technical "At The Abyss", but the very next "The Dragon's Cult" is much less impressive, sounding like pure classic heavy metal. "Shut Up" is faster, but the riffs are again too soft. Later the sound degenerates even further, reaching the bottom with the pop-metal stupidity "Soulstrip", after which I see quite a few of you out there turning their players off. Some timid attempts at capturing lost ground are made with "Montezuma's Revenge", which is a more intense thrasher, slightly recalling the debut, and the technical, but slower closer "Thorns", which could have had a bigger appeal, if the rest was at least half as decent. Apparently not very happy with the final result, the band never bothered to record a follow-up.

Two Sides of A Coin Full-length, 1990
Thorns Full-length, 1992

PYROTOXIC (FINLAND)

Based on the Split and the EP after it, this band offer excellent furious classic thrash in the best tradition of early Kreator and Necrodeath: check out the aggressive destructive "Nocturnal Violator", or "Recrucifixion". There is no mercy here, pure brutal thrashing pleasure, which finds some milder forms later, but remains equally as compelling: the speed/thrash delight "Cursed Midnight", or the jollier crossover-laced "The Secret Of Steel".

Flames of Armageddon Demo, 2007
Thrash Clash Volume 4 Split, 2008
Cursed Midnight EP, 2009

PYTHON (USA)

This nice EP strangely reminds me of the mighty Sabbat (UK). It has its unique, somewhat "pagan" aura at times, but there are songs which are straight thrashers with no gimmicks whatsoever. This is really good and hopefully these guys will be heard from again soon.

Good And Evil EP,2005

PUTRID BLOOD (SERBIA)

A cool promo of retro headbanging thrash with angry semi-hardcore vocals; the music delivers with sharp semi-technical riffs, good lead guitar, and energetic up-tempos. The guys are obviously fond of Slayer, but touches of the Bay-Area can also be caught as well as the odd hardcore piece ("Pokvaren Do Srzi"). The end is in the form of "The End", which is excellent creepy technical thrash in mid-pace recalling Slayer's late-80's period with a twist.

Fire at Will Promo, 2009

PYURIA (FINLAND)

Based on "Oubliette Ontolgy": aggressive thrash/death with a genuine technical edge, sounding like a mixture of Suffocation and Protector. The blast-beats decorate amost every song, but they are quickly replaced by some really interesting technical decisions, so there is balance. On top of that the guys slow down with very heavy crushing riffs sometimes, bringing to mind Bolt Thrower: "Wound Opening, Part I". The second part of this song is a lesson in perfectly executed technical thrash/death, quite fast as well. The furious nature of some parts of this album shouldn't scare you: this is very proficient stuff, which would also please fans of Chemical Breath, the Canadians Martyr, Droys, Necrophagist.
"Calliphora Vomitoria Introitus" offers more conventional stuff; the guitars are not as technical, and the approach is more aggressive, with constant blast-beats which considerably ruin the impression created by some more stylish sections.

Baroquean Menuets For Oesophagus EP, 1999
Sublime Metrics Reallocation EP, 2003
Calliphora Vomitoria Introitus Full-length, 2004
Oubliette Ontolgy Full-length, 2007

PY+VELI (FINLAND)

Finland is quickly turning into the new motherland of thrash metal with new bands springing up almost every day. This band offer quite good old school speed/thrash metal, as already suggested by the slightly self-boasting title, with a strong nod to the German metal scene of the 80's: Destruction, Exumer, Kreator, etc.

The New Renaissance Of Speed & Thrash Metal Full-length, 2005

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