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

S.A. SLAYER (USA)

At this early stage of the genre's development one shouldn't expect very forceful thrash, and this is not the case here. This is the band where Ron Jarzombek (Watchtower, Spastic Ink) showed his great skills for the first time, although here he barely hints at his much bigger potential (well, the style doesn't give him many opportunities to do that). The music is mostly traditional power metal, with some thrashy elements, very catchy and entertaining, an obvious influence on the future thrash metal scene.

Prepare To Die EP, 1983
Go For The Throat Full-length, 1984

Vibrations of Doom

S.D.I. (GERMANY)

A cult speed/thrash metal band. The guys caused quite a controversy with "I Wanna Fuck You", which remained the band's biggest hit. The other songs from the debut are in a similar thrash/crossover vein, but on "Sign Of The Wicked" the band really hit the top. Apart from the traditional more immediate numbers, there are some technical pieces which are hard to match even by the biggest names in the genre ("Coming Again", or the less-than-three-minute-marvel "Sign Of The Wicked"). The band possess the unique talent to create very catchy songs, which will stay in your mind for days and longer. On "Mistreated", the technical tendencies go even further, resulting in a more elaborate, complex, but still a very solid sound.
To my utter surprise I found out that this band had another full-length, released in the early 90's; but to my utter disappointment, this was some bland heavy metal, with no traces of thrash whatsoever. Some nice speedy songs still pack a punch, but they would make one even more upset, reminding him of the great past: "Ruling The World", "Mad World". "Mistreated" already suggested at the changes, but wisely stopped on the edge, without crossing the border towards undesirable music fields; with this obscure release the guys have done it. Classic heavy metal was falling from grace, along with thrash, and S.D.I. have done a cool job keeping it alive, but their hard-core fans will not be fascinated, to put it mildly.

Satans Defloration Incorporated Full-length, 1986
Sign of the Wicked Full-length, 1988
Mistreated Full-length, 1989
Unreleased Full-Length, 1991

My Space

S.G.M. (USA)

Melodic thrash/crossover with a jolly, punk-ish attitude, and mostly mid-paced, without any fast, aggressive parts.

Aggression Full-length, 1988

S.N.F. (CHILE)

A great demo with some awesome Alex Skolnick -like guitar work, courtesy of Ilvaro Soms (who later moved to the best Chilean metal band- Dorso). The music is Testament-influenced and something else which is hard for me to define (perhaps it's the joke punk-ish moments like "Mr. Harry").

...Acting Like A Fool Demo, 1989

My Space

S.S.A. (USA)

Modern thrash which sounds quite close to Tourniquet's "Vanishing Lessons", but far less good. This is mid-paced stuff, with a certain amount of groove, and one very cool short instrumental- "Herbie Perogie", which nicely mixes funky elements with hard-hitting riffage. The rest is too one-dimensional and boring, without any other highlights, with one tender ballad as a finishing touch ("Sunshine").

Deal With It Full-Length, 1994

S.T.I. (BRAZIL)

Cool aggressive thrash metal ala Sepultura and Atomica, with some punky parts and hardcore-ish outbursts in the vein of S.O.D. ("Eternal Shit"). The songs are short, fast outbursts, with sharp riffs, and gruff, throaty vocals.

Twen Two Visions Full Length,1993

SABBAT (JAPAN)

One of the oldest Japanese metal bands, the band's style has mutated throughout the years starting with primitive, Venom-influenced black metal on the first EP's to a combination of thrash, black and death metal on the 90's releases, with the Venom-influences being present all the time.

Sabbat EP, 1985
Born by Evil Blood EP, 1987
Desecration EP, 1989
The devil's sperm is cold EP, 1989
The Seven Deadly Sins EP, 1990
Envenom Full-length, 1991
Evoke Full-length, 1992
Disembody Full-length, 1993
Sabbatical Devilucifer EP, 1994
Fetishism Full-length, 1994
Bloody Countess Full-length, 1996
The Dwelling Full-length, 1996
Karisma Full-length, 1999
Charisma Full-length, 2000
Satanasword Full-length, 2000
Fetishism 2-LP Full-length, 2003
Karmagmassacre Full-length, 2003

My Space

SABBAT (UK)

Often considered as the finest British thrash metal band, Sabbat have a very original sound with a unique, pagan atmosphere frequently imitated, but seldom achieved. "History of a Time to Come" is a sure-handed debut, establishing immediately the band as a major thrash force on the UK metal scene. Along with the more direct, headbanging thrashers (the opener "Cautionary Tale", "Hosanna In Excelsis"), there are longer, more ambitious songs, which are not technical achievements per se, but are quite interesting: the heavy, stomping "Horned Is The Hunter", which introduces the genuine pagan touch; the intense semi-technical thrashing fury "I For An Eye"; the excellent mix of heavy, doomy riffs and sharp, faster, galloping ones on "Church Bizarre".
"Dreamweaver" is a masterpiece of classic thrash; the sound is darker and heavier, with sharper, and more technical guitars. "Clerical Conspiracy" starts with crushing, up-tempo guitars, followed by a nice short, acoustic ballad ("Advent of Insanity"). Then three exquisite long, dark pagan thrashers follow suit: one of the finest moments of the whole UK thrash metal scene; they sound like one small album together, being mid to up-tempo, slowing down to some doomy moments, but very soon picking up respectable speed, thrashing with full force here and there. This incredible trilogy kind of overshadows the exiting two tracks, which are otherwise great intense pieces, containing the most aggressive guitar work, especially the closing "Mythistory", which is a fabulous pagan riff-fest at its best. Worth mentioning are the demon-ish, vicious vocals of Martin Walkyier: one of the most unique voices in metal.
After Martin Walkyier left to form Skyclad, it became obvious who was the driving force behind the band's magnificent thrash style (also displayed on the first two Skyclad albums); "Mourning Has Broken" is much weaker than the previous two offerings, although the Walkyier replacement, who was taken from the one-demo-wonder Desmatron- Ritchie Desmond, does a fairly good job behind the mike, with his more melodic, dramatic, clean style. The songs preserve the complexity, but the intensity is gone, or at least to a considerable extent. Some tracks stretch towards progressive metal ("Theological Void"), but their overlength, and the lack of any more energetic thrashy riffs, place them in the not very impressive side. "Paint The World Black", albeit a ballad, captures the essence of the band's atmospheric style better than the faster material, and gives a good opportunity to Desmomd to dislay his vocal talents. Actually the style here is seldom pure thrash: the exception is the excellent up-tempo instrumental "Dumbstruck"; power metal has come to stay, and often takes the upper hand, especially on the last three elaborate affairs, where at one point you might not be sure whether you listen to the same song, although "Without a Trace" tries hard to save this album from sinking without a trace (pun intended), inserting some interesting, technical guitat lines; but it's overshadowed by the fine, short acoustic closing ballad "Mourning Has Broken", with an episodic, but very effective participation of Desmond.

History of a Time to Come Full-length, 1988
Dreamweaver (Reflections of Our Yesterdays) Full-length, 1989
Mourning has Broken Full-length, 1991

My Space

SABRETUNG (AUSTRALIA)

A young Australian thrash metal band who turn to the 80's for inspiration, and have obviously found it in the thrash/crossover side of the scene, in particular D.R.I., Corrosion Of Conformity's more thrashy works, and D.B.C.'s debut. The problem is that these young Australians get tired of keeping the music at a faster, more aggressive pace and slow down to mid-tempo, even slower, at times. This can be easily fixed on later efforts as the guys definitely have a lot of energy, and the musicianship at display is not bad at all.

The Price Is Pain EP, 2006

My Space

SACKRACE (HUNGARY)

A very intriguing album, mixing modern thrash with some stylish Voivod-ish technical riffs (think both "Killing Technology" and "Negatron"). There are also shades of early Meshuggah and Equinox. The music is mostly mid-paced, with numerous interesting moments, as well as some stylish lead guitar. The riffs are quite choppy and technical, quite mechanical and dry at times, but never too complex or abstract. The vocal styles also vary according to the style meanderings, although neither of them is suitable to the much better music; some of them are shouted hardcore-ish ones, others are clean, alternative ones, and those could be quite irritating, with their absolutely non-metal blend.

Pain in the Fist Full-length, 1997

SACRAMENT (FINLAND)

The band's style calls to mind the Canadians Eidolon- their early, less thrashy period. Powerful, dark sound which could fit even Nevermore very well; heavy songs which never drag or lose coherence, aggravated by good, mid-range vocals.

Confuse My Mind Demo, 1999
Beginning of the End Demo, 2000
Escape From Reality Single, 2001
Walls of Hate EP, 2003

Official Site

SACRAMENT (GERMANY)

Based on "Agony", the band's style is close to early Iced Earth and Meliah Rage, but lacking those bands' flair and stylish guitar work, without any particular claims at more original or non-standard play. There are some pure thrash headbangers, and they are definitely the better and more attractive side of the band's music (the very good "Scat the Dark Eyes Aglow", and "Prophets of Doom"). "Guilty", on the other hand, has a pagan/viking flavour, and would fit on any of the Falconer albums. "Feed the Memory" is a magnificent acoustic ballad, and is very close to the highlight of the whole album- a great song! The few attempts at more technical play are directly stolen from other bands (riffs from "Seed of Scorn" are taken from Annihilator's "Alison Hell"; the beginning of "Thin End of the Wedge" is a direct nod to Artillery).

Agony Full-length, 1995
Withered Dreaming EP, 1999
Aguante! Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SACRAMENT (USA, IL)

Badly produced, but energetic thrash. The guys definitely have ideas to pull it through, and at times the music gets really inspired and interesting, but the sound quality, and the annoying hardcore-ish vocals impede the proceedings. The pace varies from heavy and pounding moments similar to Nasty Savage's debut, to some up-tempo Slayer-esque ones, plus one chaotic, early Voivod-ish number: "AFU".

Demo Demo, 1988

SACRAMENT (USA, PN)

Arguably the finest Christian thrash metal band. The debut is an aggressive, uncompromising thrash offering, in the vein of Dark Angel's "Darkness Descends" and Devastation's "Idolatry"- relentless, fast assault, with quite a few clever, semi-technical riffs present, as well as some nice melodic touches in the lead department. "Haunts Of Violence" tones down the aggression, and concentrates on the more technical play, already hinted at on the debut, resulting in a really great listening experience. The music is still fast-paced, but the slower, technical breaks are more frequent, and the tempo changes, not staying in the speedy parametres for too long. A good example for these tempo changes is the heavy, slow-ish number: "Souls in Torment", which flows in a slightly sleepy fashion, until it's interrupted by a much faster, intense passage in the middle, after which it calms down again. This is probably how the third Forbidden album would have sounded like, if they had followed the road up after "Twisted Into From". Unfortunately Sacrament had apparently no more to give to the thrash metal fans, and disappeared soon after.

Testimony of Apocalypse Full-length, 1990
Haunts of Violence Full-length, 1992

My Space

SACRAMENT LA (USA)

Yes, you guessed right, the band come from Los Angeles, but the sound is vintage San Francisco Bay Area thrash (at least they didn't have to look for inspiration much further), akin to Forbidden's debut, and the Germans Pyracanda (their very good debut). The tempo is fast-paced, except on the heavy stomper "Getta Life".

Getta Life Demo, 1990

SACRARIO (BRAZIL)

An obscure gem from the Brazilian scene; this band pull out exemplary aggressive thrash in the mid-period Sepultura mould ("Beneath the Remains", "Arise"), and Devastation ("Idolatry"). Actually this album sits comfortably between the two aforementioned albums, and could easily pass for a lost album Sepultura release. These guys are probably a bit more aggressive, touching proto-death at times. The first two tracks are furious fast-paced thrash at its best, and such intense delivery inevitably requires a break, and it comes on the form of "Drug Addiction": a nice mid-paced, very heavy piece. But that's it, since immediately after the assault carries on, producing some brilliant raging moments: "To Die is the End ?"; "Wasted Land", which is a bit more controlled, but nicely insert the only technical momnets on the album, recalling Pestilence's "Testimony of the Ancients"; "Extreme Unction". The closing "Divine Existence" again steps the pedal on a more technical approach, but the stomping, smashing riffs take over. This is a must-have for fans of the more brutal side of thrash, and definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Catastrophic Eyes Full-length, 1999

My Space

SACRED CHAO (GERMANY)

This band was formed by Thorsten Bergmann and Atomic Steif (both ex-members of Living Death). The music is very quirky, having something in common with the guys' previous band, but could only be loosely described as thrash; it's mostly progressive/power metal with very interesting song structures, and Bergmann's vocals even more melodic and comprehensible than on "World Neurosis".

Sacred Chao EP, 1989

Vibrations of Doom

SACRED CRUCIFIX (FINLAND)

The first band formation dates back from the late 80's, and they have been releasing demos on irregular basis, right until this time. Heads down for the band's perseverance to finally get the opportunity to release a full-length. This album obviously includes songs from all their periods, but the style is pretty consistent, being old school death metal with hints of thrash, somewhat along the lines of Massacre, or Massacra. Their later period is more technical, drawing also resemblances to Death.

Aeon of Chaos Full-length, 2004

Official Site

SACRED CURSE (BRAZIL)

Based on the debut, this band play very cool Bay-Area-influenced thrash, sounding close to Forbidden's debut and Exodus. The music is fast and energetic, with sharp, cutting riffs. "My Reflections" is a deviation into a more melodic, crossover direction, which is followed by a couple of laid-back, softer tracks, carrying on in the same vein, maybe a bit more intense. Their number is probably bigger than necessary, and at some point the listener might stop looking for aggressive thrash riffage, until the last two songs: "Utopy", which returns to the thrashy style of the beginning, and the instrumental "Fuckin' Up", which is not as hard (and definitely not "fucked up"- pun intended), featuring cool melodic guitars.

Sacred Age Full-length, 1992
The Raw Truth of Man Full-length, 1996

SACRED REICH (USA)

The band started very promisingly with "Ignorance"- energetic/fast thrash, akin to Evildead's debut and even Slayer's "Reign In Blood". "The American Way" is the band's magnum opus: slower, but heavier than the debut with great, smashing riffs and a stunning performance by everyone involved (even the rap-joke "31 Flavors" sounds fresh and original). "Independent" is surprisingly melodic, with a laid-back power/thrash sound and a few balladic touches. Their last effort brings back the aggression again, but comes with a more modern, groovy sound.

Ignorance Full-length, 1987
Surf Nicaragua EP, 1988
Alive at the Dynamo EP, 1989
The American Way Full-length, 1990
A Question EP, 1991
Open Book/The Big Picture Single, 1993
Independent Full-length, 1993
Heal Full-length, 1996

Official Site

SACRIFICE (CANADA)

One of the most prominent Canadian thrash metal bands. Their beginnngs were quite raw and primitive, recalling Possessed's "Seven Churches", but in a lesser way. "Forward To Termination" is a masterpiece of well-thought, but quite uncompromising and agressive thrash; easily the band's best achievement. The instrumental brilliance "Terror Strikes" opens this album magnificently, recalling Destruction, both music and vocal-wise, as Rob Urbinati's vocals have this unique raspy blend as well, a not very common phenomenon on the scene. The album speeds up ahead, until it reaches the awesome epic riff-fest "Flames of Armageddon", which shows the more complex and ambitious side of the band. It is followed by another, equally complex, and even technical number: "The Entity". The songs which follow go back to the aggressive patterns of the beginning, as the intensity remains util the very end.
"Soldiers Of Misfortune" is a strong follow-up, keeping the fast pace throughout, but again including some more varied, interesting songs, with various tempos and riffs: "Soldiers of Misfortune". "Truth (After The Rain)", which is more than 10-min long, and tries to follow the high model of "Flames of Armageddon", but fails, simply because it forgets to sound energetic and thrashy, but concentrates on atmospheric, semi-complex and melodic guitar work, and on an unnecessarily long acoustic outro.
"Apocalypse Inside" offers a more abrasive guitar sound, and tries to keep the energy from the previous recordings, and succeeds in the beginning, with the first two tracks, but then "Flesh" comes in, and the tempo slows down, with heavy guitars. Still, the rest is not a total waste, relying on more melodic guitar hooks, which are quite appealing ("Salvation"), and even technical and haunting ("Beneath What You See"). Just when you start thinking that this album will have no more speedy thrashers, comes the up-tempo "Incarcerated", but it is soon followed by slower, almost doomy tracks, which leave no room for any faster moments later. Although less impressive than the previous band's output, this album still delivers the goods much better than the modern-sounding works of many 80's acts released around the same time.

Torment in Fire Full-length, 1985
Forward To Termination Full-length, 1987
Soldiers of Misfortune Full-length, 1991
Apocalypse Inside Full-length, 1993

Official Site

SACRIFICE(JAPAN)

A less known, but a pretty decent Japanese band. The debut is a heavy, mid-paced affair sounding like a mixture between Carnivore and Venom with weak, hardcore vocals. It's a bit monotonous and one-dimensional, but is strangely listenable, with its naive, but sincere approach; it includes some more up-tempo numbers for stirring the blood ("Tank", "Redrum"), but at other times the music almost completely loses its edge, sliding down to pure heavy metal ("Lucifer Smiles").
"Total Steel" carries on in the same vein, but features a more proficient, and faster guitar work, but worse, shouty hardcore vocals (the ones on the debut were of the nosy, low-tuned, semi-clean type, sounding like a more melodic Cronos). The rosk-ish numbers are here again ("Dancing Death Valley"- I don't know about the Death Valley, but you might find yourself dancing on this one). Their swansong is their heaviest, but also very modern-sounding work; it manages to thrash quite well: "Breaking the Silence", "Time Slips Through...", and the sound is more energetic compared to the first two offerings, but the groovy tendencies have found their way into it ("Down to You"), but just a little for a start.

Crest of Black Full-Length, 1987
Total Steel Full-length, 1990
Tears Full-length, 1992

Vibrations of Doom

SACRIFICE (SOUTH KOREA)

This is a brand new album coming from South Korea to offer us some more heavy, groovy thrash with hardcore vocals, not too far from Pro-Pain. The music is not too stale, and moves around, becoming too aggressive at times ("You Know The Truth"), and "Tribal" is a nice chunky thrasher. Just when one thought that the 90's sound has been fading away into obscurity, here come acts from the distant corners of the world (the Far East in this case), to give it another breath of fresh air...

Burning Rage Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SACRIFICIAL (DENMARK)

Sacrificial appeared around the same time as Invocator, but they were less lucky, and when their full-length debut came out, Invocator already boasted a second full-length release. So what do we have here? Sacrificial's debut takes a place between the two Invocator releases; it's aggressive and technical like the debut, but shares the modern production and attitude of the second one. The music most of the time is pure thrash with a classic edge, maybe more conventional than the one of Invocator, and with more frequent slower sections, which are quite intriguing, by the way, because this is where the riffs twist and crush with passion. "Destitute of Compassion" is the only track which is closer to death metal, and surprisingly recalls the Swedish Gothenburg sound, which at that stage was not yet fully developed (everything may have started in Denmark back in those days!?). Like Invocator, the guys don't need long compositions to show their technical skills, and it's the shorter tracks which carry a bigger technical charge ("Conducted Strain", "Edmund, A Butler's Tale"), and are the better ones. Reportedly on later works the band moved towards plain Swedish death metal with less thrashy elements.

Forever Entangled Full-length, 1993
Erect : Eloquent : Extinct Full-length, 2000
AutoHate Full-length, 2002

Official Site

SACRIFICIAL BLOOD (USA)

Based on the Split with Zombie, these guys offer simplistic old school speed/thrash in the vein of early Whiplash and Hallows Eve. This is rough, mostly energetic music, with raw production qualities, and brutal death metal vocals. The band enjoy making covers, and here come two: "Shellshock" (Tank), and "Searchlights" (OZ), decently done, with the music taking a more accessible melodic turn, adapted to the more hard'n heavy music of those two acts.

Chaotic Compulsion Demo, 2003
Toxic Zombies Demo, 2003
Crushing the False, Destroying Everything Best of/Compilation, 2004
Eternal Hell and Damnation Split, 2005
Sacrificial Blood/Zombie Split, 2006
Promo Demo, 2007

Official Site

SACRIFICIAL DAGGER (FINLAND)

A good 3-song demo of speedy Germanic thrash in the spirit of early Destruction and Kreator; fast-paced sharp riffs and rough, death metal vocals.

First Sacrifice Demo, 2006

Official Site

SACRILEGE (UK)

A female-fronted thrash metal band, and quite impressive at that; it has ties to two other more famous acts from the UK: Benediction and Cerebral Fix, since members of those two bands have played here. "Behind the Realms of Madness" is one of the first attempts at thrash from the UK, , and as such has its both good and bad sides; "Life Line" opens the album in a fairly energetic way- a cool mix of thrash and hardcore/punk. Later the songs get mostly mid-paced, but more hard-hitting and more enjoyable, with the presence of another happy thrash/crossover number: "A Violation of Something Sacred". The style has its Venom-influence, but is more professionally done.
On "Within the Prophecy" the band forge a unique, one-of-a-kind sound: mid-paced, monotonous thrash with long sprawling tracks, without too many tempo changes; maybe it doesn't sound attractive, but is a very enjoyable listen, considering its weird nature. The concentration is mostly on music, and Simpson's involvement is not as big, although here she sings much better than the rough, throaty way she used on the debut. The guitars are sharper, and the sound is this time closer to Cerebral Fix. "Search Eternal" is a monstrous, 11-min long opus, which starts as a doom metal track, but later moves back to thrash.
"Turn Back Trilobite" shifts towards doom metal by retaining some of their thrash roots- another very strong release which would probably appeal more to doom metal fans, as well as to progressive metal ones, since the song-structures are more complex.

Behind the Realms of Madness Full-length, 1985
Within the Prophecy Full-length, 1987
Turn Back Trilobite Full-length, 1989

Vibrations of Doom

SACRILEGE BC (USA)

A great thrash metal band who never made it big despite the big potential on display here. The debut is a relentless, fast thrash attack, which is not mindless bashing, like it often happens in the metal underground, but comes with great riffs, some slower breaks, good, albeit short leads, and some really cool bass implements, and at least one slower, stomping, ala Celtic Frost track- "Skinned Alive". "Too Cool to Pray" is less aggressive, with more clever guitar work, shades of crossover as well, and the leads are longer and more melodic; still a very good, headbanging fun all the way.

Party With God Full-length, 1986
Too Cool To Pray Full-length, 1988

SACROSANCT (HOLLAND)

Sacrosanct were formed by the former Pestilence guitarist Randy Meinhard. The band started with "Truth Is - What Is", a fairly good album, albeit a bit heavy-handed, with quite a few stylish moments scattered throughout, which, combined with the more conventional, energetic material, did not hold water for long; one might even start to wonder what such original touches do on an otherwise not too exceptional work. As a result the album worked as separate pieces, rather than one whole, with some songs really hitting hard both in the headbanging and technical department: "Terminal Suicide", "Catalepsy".
All flaws, however, were removed for the second album which is a really impressive work of technical thrash; with longer songs, more complex structures, and some stupendous guitar performance, this album sticks out even on a very high quality metal scene like the Dutch one. There are still quite a few energetic riffs present, although the music is predominantly mid-paced, with a darker, gloomier sound and fine, sometimes unexpected technical breaks.
The band tried to make some "amendments" to answer to the demands of the 90's with "Tragic Intense", which took a direction towards progressive/power, even doomy metal, straying quite away from the technical thrash base, and consequently ending nowhere with its hesitation which path to take.

Truth Is - What Is Full-length, 1990
Recesses For The Depraved Full-length, 1991
Tragic Intense Full-length, 1993

SADISTIC PAIN (USA)

Based on "Same": a 2-song demo of heavy, almost doomy thrash: "Mr. Morbid", and a somewhat pop-ish power/thrasher: think Motley Crue meets Laaz Rockit. The horrifying band name is not deserved at all, and clearly doesn't do the band justice, especially if they were aiming at the massive heavy metal crowd.

Same Demo, 1991
Sadistic Pain Demo, 1993

SADISTIC RAGE (USA)

This demo comes as a small version of Slayer's "Reign in Blood" (there are only three songs here): fast, aggressive thrash, slightly bordering on death metal. "Vision of Death" is longer (5 min), and brings forward some heavier, atmospheric moments.

Demo Demo, 1987

SADISTIC VISION (CANADA)

This is pure delight! Exquisite technical thrash with more brutal proto-death passages, and very mean, clean vocals which could have been an influence on the technical wave which started later in the 90's from the same country. This is clearly not an immedaite listen, as the music at first might strike you as too chaotic and illogical. The songs are short (2-3min), but are packed with stupendous technical riffs and twisted time changes. "The Law Of The Jungle" offers a rawer and more brutal sound, whereas "Pris Au Piege" is a truly polished and more refined, but still quite aggressive slab of exquisite technical thrash. If you can imagine a more aggressive version of Watchtower's debut...

1988 Demo Demo, 1988
The Law Of The Jungle Demo, 1989
Pris Au Piege Demo, 1990

SADOTANK (HOLLAND)

Brutal, aggressive thrash which comes as a blend of Sadus' debut and early Kreator; some occasional interesting guitar melodies could be heard, but most of the time this is fast bashing, with not much musicianship involved.

Alcoholic Hellnoise Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SADUS (USA)

One of the finest bands to grace the pages of this site, Sadus' beginnings were quite meek, with the very brutal, messy proto-death sound on "Illusions". The sophomore release was a major improvement, featuring some great technical thrash. "A Vision Of Misery" followed in the same vein, showing that a new star on the metal horizon had come to shine. But Digiorgio's involvement with numerous other bands kept the band at bay until 1997, when "Elements Of Anger" saw the light of day. A colossal achievement, it pretty much summed up everything which technical death/thrash metal was about. It failed, however,to generate the necessary interest, and Digiorgio put an end to Sadus once again. 9 years later he seems to have found some time to record under the Sadus name again (something which happens more and more seldom, unfortunately...); "Out For Blood" goes even further into technical territories, and is not a very immediate listen, but is another great effort on all counts.

Illusions (Chemical Exposure) Full-length, 1988
Swallowed in Black Full-length, 1990
A Vision of Misery Full-length, 1992
Elements of Anger Full-length, 1997
Out for Blood Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SAHON (SOUTH KOREA)

Sahon started in an awesome fashion with "Made in Judecca"- aggressive 80's thrash with a more modern production similar to Slayer and Devastation, topped by death metal-styled vocals. The follow-up added more "spices" in the variety: death metal, hardcore, even grind; not bad, but too wild at times. "Brutally Compelled" is an excellent return to the more thrashy style of the debut, but this time the music is faster, a tad more technical, the vocals angrier, and the final result more satisfying.

Made in Judecca Full-length, 2002
Kill... But... (Shut Your Fucking Mouth) Full-length, 2003
The Feeble Mourning EP, 2005
Brutally Compelled Full-length, 2007

SAITOR (USA)

Decent thrash with some crossover moments, recalling Harter Attack and Nuclear Assault; the music is quite energetic and fast throughout, reaching out to Slayer sometimes ("Church of Flesh").

Demo Demo, 1989

SAKRIFICER (USA)

An excellent 3-song demo of speedy thrash metal along the lines of early Destruction and Toxic Shock.

Unholy Thrash Assault Demo, 2006

My Space

SALEM (SLOVENIA)

A fairly good aggressive thrash which comes as a more technical, and probably better version of Rigor Mortis' self-titled debut, or the Flames albums from around the same time. The album contains some fairly interesting guitar decisions (great leads on "Incubus"), as well as stylish bass performance (the instrumental "Vampirella"). The guys are not strangers to some brutal, death metal parts ("Cotton Mather's Nightmare"), and the pace most of the time is actually quite fast and relentless. The band were clearly ahead of their time, and this album could have served as a lesson for well executed thrash/death metal for the future practitioners of the style.

The Sleep Of Reason Full-length, 1987

SALEM SPADE (USA)

A three-song demo of pedestrian 80's thrash metal with some technical pretentions.

Sleepless Demo, 1989

SALEMS LOT (USA)

A cool mix of American power metal and thrash; this is heavy, almost doomy at times music, with nice progressive touches, and long, 5-7min songs. The vocals are rough, throaty, and do not suit the music too well. There is, of course, one up-tempo track with an Exciter, Motorhead flavour: "Salems Lot".

Demo Demo, 1989

SAMHAIN (DENMARK)

A 3-song demo of a very good blend of the heavy style of early Celtic Frost, with some quite fast and aggressive thrash. All three tracks combine both styles: slow, crushing riffs alternate with some cool, speedy guitars. Later the guys continued their career under the name Desexult.

The Courier Demo, 1985

SAMORRA (GERMANY)

The breathtaking 1-min lead intro remains the best part from this laid-back groovy power/thrash metal work, which is not a total waste, especially with this great lead guitar work, which overwhelms the rest completely. A few more dynamic power/thrashers can be caught ("Sorrow Within", "Your Holiness"), but the music simply is too toothless and soft to catch the thrash fan's attention for long, if at all.

Religion of the Unbroken Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SAMSARA (AUSTRALIA)

Decent energetic thrash, crossing the modern with the classic sound; most of the time the guys play in up-tempo, and come up with a couple of cool headbangers ("Cruelty", "Enslaved"). The band run away from the formula with the alternative melodic instrumental "Chloe", which is quite dreamy, and is not bad; and the heavy groovy track "Samsara".

The Emptiness Full-length, 2007

My Space

SANATORIUM (MACEDONIA)

One of the few thrash metal bands from Macedonia, Sanatorium play mid-paced modern thrash with numerous balladic and acoustic moments on "No More"; professionally done, but a kind of one-dimensional, and not really engaging. It's their first demo, which contains the better material, with some really fast-paced thrashers ("Ultra Speed", "Grad") and other, heavier, more technical numbers in the spirit of late 80's Metallica ("Epidemija na Omraza"), and an overall better guitar sound.

The Edge of Sanity Demo, 1992
No More Full-length, 1996
Sanatorium Full-length, 2001

Official Site

SANCTITY (USA)

Modern thrash metal with a certain Swedish-vibe, but closer to the sound of bands like the French Lyzanxia (minus their debut, of course), and more groovy. There are fast and slower numbers, and the singer will also keep you alert with his switch from more brutal death-y vocals, to some semi-clean ones ala James Hetfield, to some quite good clean ones. This is good music although it's not anything you haven't heard before.

Road to Bloodshed Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SANCTRUM (SWEDEN)

Based on the "Hold Your Ground" demo, Sanctrum play typical Swedish thrash metal of recent times akin to The Haunted and Carnal Forge, plus the also quite typical Gothenburg-influences in their sound.

Sanctum Demo, 2003
Sanctrum Demo, 2004
Hold Your Ground Demo, 2005
From Ashes to Infinity Demo, 2006

Official Site

SANCTUM (USA)

A really cool demo of speed/thrash metal, released at the same year with Angel Dust's "Into the Dark Past", and sounding not too far from it, at least on the two speedy numbers. "Nothing Left" slows down, sticking to the American power metal field.

Demo Demo, 1986

SANCTUS (USA)

Quite good American power/thrash metal ala Agent Steel's debut, Deadly Blessing, and Indestroy. These guys are more aggressive than those bands, and some cool technical licks could be caught (the excellent smasher "Disloyalty"). "Gutter Bitch" is quite an aggressive number which thrashes no worse than Slayer on their best days. The singer is quite impressive with his high-pitched voice, sounding like a blend of John Cyriis and Eric A.K. (Flotsam & Jetsam").

Accept the Blessing Demo, 1988

SANGUINARY (USA)

An excellent demo: the opener "Bathing in Chaos" is a fast-paced thrasher with great sharp riffs and swirling leads, and vocals buried in the mix. The other three songs are longer, less immediate exercises in technical thrash (the vocals still remain barely audible, except on the screaming attempts); the tempo slows down and the guitars become much heavier. "Crisis of Conscience" has a great fast middle part, which nicely contrasts on the remaining almost doom-laden ones. This is music which would appeal to both thrash and doom metal fans, but the doom metal fans shouldn't expect something in the Candlemass vein; this is a more intense and aggressive stuff.

Self-Desecration Demo, 1989

SANITARIUS (USA)

The band's style is a fine cross between classic and modern thrash metal. There is some aggressive Bay Area riffage, but one can hear a certain presence of groove as well as some stylish technical guitar ala Jeff Waters. The tracks are energetic, but not very fast, being of the mid to up-tempo variety. Despite the good quality of the material presented on these 3 EP's, one could sense that there is more to come from this band in the future.

Nuclear Trauma EP, 2005
Sanitarius Demo 2006 EP, 2006
Eyes To The Soul EP, 2007

Official Site

SANITY'S RAGE (BELGIUM)

Very good energetic, Bay-Area influenced thrash; the band play with competence and inspiration, with sharp riffs, which also bring the Channel Zero debut to mind. The tracks (minus one) are lengthy (5-7min), and there are some attempts at more intriguing play, which could serve as a good base for a strong full-length.

The Rage of One EP, 2006

Official Site

SARATAN (POLAND)

This demo boasts crystal clear production. What we have here is a very good effort- dark, powerful thrash which would probably remind you of Nevermore, plus some more standard modern thrash parts. I want to believe that with such a talent at display it would be a piece of cake for the band to find an interested label to sign them!
"The Cult of Vermin" is a fairly good debut, elaborating on the very cool music displayed on the demo. "Future Is Grim" is an excellent modern technical energetic thrasher, but their other, slower, more atmopsheric side quickly shows up, with the following "Path Of Mistakes". Later both sides take turn, with the faster, more technical being the more attractive one, later producing some awesome, Nevermore-like songs: "Serve The Death", who seem to be the main influence on the band. A couple of short, moody instrumentals are also thrown in. Watch out for the great acoustic flamenco guitar on the closer "Vermin", which also boasts a pounding, hypnotic ending.

Infected with Life Demo, 2006
The Cult of Vermin Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SARCASM (SLOVENIA)

"Crematory" is a surprisingly good release which mixes thrash, speed and classic heavy metal. The vocals are an acquired taste, having a particularly high-pitched tone. Then the band got lost to resurface some 13 years later. The bad news is that the high-pitched singer, who had given such a distinctive face to the band on the debut, has been replaced with another, very average one. The music has lost its impact although it still is the same mixture of the three aforementioned styles. There are some very cheesy moments ("Sarajevo By Night") which ruin even more the not very positive impression from the rest of the album. Certainly Sarcasm were a lot more capable than this.

Crematory Full-length, 1989
Igra Narave Full-length, 2002
Divja Kri Full-length, 2003
Revolt Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SARCAZM (SWEDEN)

Modern thrash metal not too far from Sepultura's album that same year, with some horrible synthesized vocals.

Breath, Shit, Excist... EP, 1993

SARCÓFAGO (BRAZIL)

With its merciless, brutal sound, the first two Sarcofago albums are highly influential on the future black and death metal movement. "Laws Of Scourge" took a more melodic approach, and though it was crucified by the majority of the band's fans, was actually a pretty decent work, concentrating on the thrash side of the band. After this one the band's career went down the hill, hitting the bottom with the awful modern thrash-meets-black- meets-death style on "The Worst" (a very appropriately chosen title, by the way).

INRI Full-length, 1987
Rotting Full-length, 1989
The Laws of Scourge Full-length, 1991
Crush, Kill, Destroy EP, 1992
Hate Full-length, 1994
The Worst Full-length, 1997
Crust EP, 2000

My Space

SARCOMA INC (NORWAY)

Many bands these days try to put all extreme metal styles into one, and few are those who manage to do that well. This band, unfortunately, do not belong to this group as their music is black, thrash and death metal of the unsurprising and generic type.

Torment Rides Forever Full-length, 2004
The Dark Prophecy Full-length, 2005

Official Site

SARDONYX (USA)

A very interesting and unknown band. The roots of their music are deep in American power metal, but there are quite a few thrash riffs as well as progressive passages. The bass work is striking, and slightly overshadows the other instruments. The vocals are especially good, with a nice mean edge, not miles away from Dave Mustaine, but more diverse and dramatic. The tracks are long, and quite atmospheric, but always interesting, with stylish riffs and time changes. "Corridor of Light" is a masterpiece of progressive metal which could easily put to shame many much more famous acts from this field. "Ft. Drum" is an excellent 2.5-min technical thrash instrumental, which will remind you of Savage Steel's "Do Or Die". There is a certain epic atmosphere, but not in the cheesy, 90's way; really worth tracking down.

Majestic Serenity Full-length, 1994
Linear Progression EP, 2005

Official Site

SARKOMA (USA)

Considering the time when the band's full length debut was released, it would come as no surprise that the style is typical modern thrash close to Pantera and Machine Head with a more playful, crossover spirit.

Complety Different EP, 1992
Integrity Full-length, 1994

SATAN (UK)

This legendary British act are responsible for one of the finest moments from the whole NWOBHM wave: their fabulous debut "Court in the Act". Although it's too early to talk about thrash on this one (although this was the very year when the genre was born, in the USA), mighty speed metal killers, like "Trial by Fire", "Break Free" and the brilliant galloping instrumental "The Ritual", all these coming with the finest guitar work around at the time, were some of the most aggressive songs produced in Europe back then, and were by all means a big influence on the coming more extreme styles.
It was obvious that the guys would join the thrash metal legions on future efforts, by their next step was really hard to predict: they changed their name to Blind Fury, obviously to avoid any "black metal" tags, but the music presented on their only album was much softer, and more ordinary heavy metal, which was surely a big letdown for their fans. Fortunately, having realized their mistake, the band were back in the game with their old name, and "Into the Future" was a good return to form: "Fuck You", despite its obscene title, is first rate speed metal, with brilliant leads and hard-hitting riffs. "Hear Evil, See Evil, Speak Evil" slows down, sounding like a leftover from the Blind Fury album; "Ice Man" is another more energetic number, with a catchy chorus. "Key to Oblivion" is a smashing speed/thrash metal track, and the band's first genuine thrashy attempt, although it is more speed metal-based.
"Suspended Sentence" is all-out thrash almost the whole time, except for the more power metal-based "11th Commandment". The band have always been very technical players, but here their musicianship reaches the top: the excellent progressive power/thrasher "Avalanche of a Million Hearts", the brilliant technical thrash opus "Suicidal Justice", the crushing opener "Who Dies Wins", which features superb lead performance. "S.C.U.M." is a more light-hearted, but very cool speed/thrasher. "Vandal" is more aggressive, really intense, and could pass for the most aggressive track here, along with the faster headbanging "Calculated Execution", which is classic thrash at its absolute best. This album remains after all these years one of the finest achievements of the whole UK scene, laying the foundations for another two stellar works, which the guys released under the name Pariah.

Court in the Act Full-length, 1983
Into the Future EP, 1987
Suspended Sentence Full-length, 1987

Vibrations of Doom

SATANARCHY (SWEDEN)

Energetic thrash/crossover, spiced with some heavy guitars in the vein of early Celtic Frost; jolly, catchy, simplistic riffs you'll find here aplenty. Rarely are some tracks cool exercises in slower, doomy music ("Behold The Dragons Of The Revolution"), and I personally find this side the more attractive one from the band's style; the singer also helps in this direction, with his gruff, Tom G. Warrior-like delivery.

Disgraceful World Full-length, 2002

My Space

SATHANAS (USA)

Based on the "Ripping Evil" EP, this band offer typical old school black/thrash with a dirty, 80's underground sound and crushing heavy, mostly mid-paced riffs, plus vicious black-ish snarls for vocals. There wasn't another band at that time to play something similar to them, but their music has definitely had its influence on the more restrained (and better) side of the black metal field (Barathrum, Khold, Thorns, late period Satyricon). Reportedly on their later official releases the band have speeded up a bit, and their style incorporated some elements from death metal which, at least on this EP, are nowhere to be found.

Ripping Evil EP, 1993
Black Earth Full-length, 1996
Armies Of Charon Full-length, 1997
Thy Dark Heavens Full-length, 2001
Cruentus Diabolos EP, 2002
Warlords Of Death EP, 2003
Hex Nefarious Full-length, 2003
Flesh for the Devil EP, 2005
Entering The Diabolic Trinity Full-length, 2005
Crowned Infernal Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SATUREYE (SWEDEN)

Classic thrash metal (think Destruction, Kreator) meets the Gothenburg death metal sound; professionally done, very energetic and fast (except for the two doomy modern thrashers "Filled With Dust" and "In Mercury" at the end, which bring to mind the Kreator experiments on "Renewal", and Coroner's "Grin"), but hardly memorable, simply because there are hundreds of bands nowadays who tread the same path.

Where Flesh And Divinity Collide Full-length, 2004

Official Site

SAURON (USA)

This band's debut will bring you back to the days when German thrash metal was just beginning to take shape (the mid-80's). This is furious speed/thrash assault in the vein of early Destruction, Kreator and Sodom. The raw-ish production quality and the buzzying gutar sound are also perfectly conformed with the era. If you manage to overcome the feeling of nostalgy, what awaits you is a headbanging riff-fest finished with a raging (and faithful) cover of Kreator's "Total Death".

Thrash Assault Full-length, 2004
Satanic Assassins EP, 2006

Official Site

SAVAGE DEATH (USA)

This is an obscure, but essential band who have played a role in the establishment of death metal in the late 80's. The band's music is vicious speed/thrash with proto-death, ala Possessed's "Seven Churches", moments and Slayer-like intensity. It's amazing how these guys were never given a chance for an official release, considering the fashionable at the time (or maybe a bit before its time) sound at display on their demos.

Mass Genocide Demo, 1985
Crucified in Hell Demo, 1986

SAVAGE MESSIAH (UK)

This band are the continuation of Headless Cross- a cool act who released two EP's and one demo before splitting up. The music on this album is better, and more thrash-oriented than the "classic heavy metal meets thrash" mix of Headless Cross. This is actually a very good stuff, energetic and sharp, with a certain Bay Area flavour- think less technical early Testament. The slower, mid-paced thrashers seem to work better, at least for me: the excellent galloping "Heavens Gate". "Conspiracy In Silence" is a great ballad, with a fine performance by the singer, whose main style slightly recalls John Bush (Armored Saint, Anthrax), but lower-pitched, and more varied.

Spitting Venom Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SAVAGE STEEL (CANADA)

A not very known Canadian thrash metal band whose debut was a pretty decent mixture of thrash and power metal, beginning not with a nightmare, like the album-title suggests, but with the long, complex, but fairly interesting "Hit From The Rear", which has a nice intense thrashy break in the middle. The complexity continues on the following "The Betrayel-Chambers of Darkness", but there's no thrash on it: just cool, mid-paced progressively-laced power metal. The remaining songs are much shorter and direct, and "Nightprowler" is a nice little speed/thrasher. "A Night On The Horizon" is the other more dynamic track of the mid-paced, semi-technical variety.
"Killing Time"(recorded before, but released after "Do Or Die") is an improvement over the debut in almost every aspect, with some inventive riffs and more edgy tracks. It actually "Begins with a Nightmare" (in case of you wonder whether the guys indeed have a song of this title), which is a cool heavy power/thrasher. Later things become more interesting, with the nice speed/thrashing killer "Can't Stop", the stylish up-tempo semi-technical "Dead and Gone", the short, but utterly satisfying technical instrumental "Killing Time"- the highlight of the album, and the fine galloping power/thrash number "No Falling Angel".
Based on these two efforts, one could hardly expect what these guys would come up with: "Do Or Die" is astonishing technical thrash, which remained just an underground phenomenon although his influence on the future development of this sub-genre is undeniable. Effortlessly played, with some of the greatest riffs ever put on vinyl, "Do Or Die" is an unforgettable tour de force. The frantic, hectic opener "Do or Die" will throw you into aggressive/technical waters, where acts like Terrahsphere and Dead & Bloated (both bands could have been influenced by this album) lie, and this is even the least technical track here. "Enough is Enough" slows down, but only a little, and we have another intense technical thrasher to enjoy. "Time After Time" starts in a fairly aggressive manner once again, but during its 6-min it features quite a few head-spinning time changes, and a whirlwind of sharp riffs. "Better Late Than Never" is more moderate, slower, but the vortex-like technical guitars, which stop just for a split second, in order to continue in an even more abstract way immediately, will delight you all over (this particular formula was later picked by Coroner, and perfected on "Mental Vortex"). "Men of War" is the only failure, being a remastered version of a song from the previous album: the weakest one there, actually, but here a little has been done to make it sound better, except for the harder guitar sound. "Evil Eye" is a superb fast-paced technical masterpiece, which even provides a short brutal proto-death break. The last song: "Get Me Out of Here" is in the same merciless vein, but the guitar work reaches further, with a stupendous super-technical middle section. This incredible album is the first sign that there is something in the water in Canada, and virtually gives an early start to the technical scene in Canada (I, of course, exclude Voivod, with their abstract, surreal, inimitable style), laying the basis for the appearance of other similar masterpieces, like "Alice In Hell", etc.

Begins with a Nightmare Full-length, 1987
Do Or Die Full-length, 1988
Killing Time Full-length, 1988

Official Site

SAVAGE THRUST (USA)

Very cool speed/thrash metal in the vein of Agent Steel and Toxik's "World Circus", with very good high-pitched vocals and powerful, sharp riffs. "Acid Bath" is a heavy, stomping opener, not realy suggesting at the more aggressive nature of the other material, except at the end, when it speeds up for a few seconds. "Speed or Bleed" richly deserves its title: an awesome speed/thrash number, with a nice technical edge, and quite aggressive. "Madman Marz" carries on in the same spirit, with more direct, punishing riffs. The rest is not too different, offering great headbanging fun all the way.

Eat 'Em Raw Full-length, 1990

Official Site

SAWCHAIN (SWEDEN)

Based on the "Architecture of Evil" demo, this band prefer to stay within the confines of the style which represents their homeland best in the past few years: modern thrash/death metal recalling Terror 2000 and Corporation 187.

Abra Cadaver Demo, 2002
Monument Of Hate Demo, 2002
Architecture of Evil Demo, 2004

Official Site

SAX (CZECH)

Based on "Zona Strachu", Sax play fast, technical thrash with some great bass performance. This is really a high quality stuff, reminds me of the Dutch techno-thrash masters Usurper, but faster, or Koma from Russia. The music takes some more chaotic and frantic dimensions, bringing the sound close to Terrahsphere as well ("Rudy Mor"). Such intense delivery definitely tires, and here comes a heavy, slower track in the vein of late 80's Slayer ("Dušená Smrt S Pøíchutí Olova"). But that's the only song the guys take a break on, and later thrash even more aggressively (the death-tinged "Killer Hammer"). The last song- "Ten, Kdo Pøežil", is the culmination of this impressive release, a fine blend of very speedy and precise, technical riffs.
The debut showed some slight pretensions at the death metal field, which were supposed to develop further on the follow-up, but "Moravske Narez" loses the technicality somewhere, although the great bass work and the speed are almost intact. Still the music is more ordinary this time, and more aggressive, but not death metal, reminding me of Turbo's "Dead End" at times.

Zona Strachu Full-length, 1991
Moravske Narez Full-length, 1993

Official Site

SAX PIJAK (CZECH)

The band was formed after the Sax singer Pavel Piják left the other band (reportedly under not very pleasant circumstances). If we compare this album, and the second Sax album, we will find out that both efforts are not miles away from each other, but this one here delivers the goods in a better way. It is more aggressive, more technical, and overall faster, and comes as a fine combination of Gammacide's "Victims of Science", Sepultura's "Arise" and Invocator's "Excursion Demise". It touches death metal occasionally ("Smetištì Perverzity", "Užiteèná Sviña"), and some of the songs are really quite fast. To release a thrash metal album with a strong 80's flavour in the mid 90's, was definitely a challenge to oppose to the fashion at the time, but Pavel Piják was probably just looking for a way to show to his old band who the real thrash talent was, and having managed to do that in a very good way, he probably left the music scene soon after that.

Válka Nervù Full-length, 1993

SAXO (MALAYSIA)

Generally the average thrash metal fan approaches bands from the more exotic countries with caution and prejudice with the firm belief that quality metal from such distant lands could only come out of Japan. With bands like Saxo around things might change; these guys play fairly good metal which has its roots in thrash, but there are also moments from traditional and power metal (and three ballads). The music is more on the melodic side, and recalls some future bands from Japan like Sex Machineguns and Hellhound.

Satu Perjuangan Full-length, 1991

SCAAR (SWEDEN)

Modern thrash/death metal similar to many other Swedish acts, with some heavy, groovy parts ala Pantera and Exhorder.

The Second Incision Full-length, 2005

Official Site

SCAFFOLD (RUSSIA)

Based on the "Labyrinth of Pain" demo, these guys mix thrash and death metal in a quite impressive manner. The bass performance is really outstanding, and slightly overshadows the rest. The music is pretty fast, but also quite technical; there are some balladic parts, which are nice "calms before the storm". At their best, the band manage to combine aggression and technicalty in a way not worse than mid-period Messiah ("Choir of Horrors", "Rotten Perish"), or even another good Russian band: Koma (their debut, and the demo after). The downpoint is the guys' adherence to frequent blast beats, which do not seem to match the otherwise technical approach too well.

Origin of Debility Demo, 1993
Labyrinth of Pain Demo, 1994

SCALPING SCREEN (FINLAND)

Based on "13 Revolting Strains", this band offer ordibary, unimaginative modern thrash/death with good forceful Phil Anselmo-like vocals. The music covers all possible changes, but there is too much concentration on groove, and at times the sound comes close to Pro-Pain ("Two Face"), switching completely on hardcore for a while ("Dead End", "Images Of Reality" and elsewhere).

13 Revolting Strains Full-length, 2003
...Blood Out Full-length, 2005

My Space

SCAPE.GOAT (FRANCE)

Modern thrash with hoarse, hardcore vocals; the music is energetic and edgy, mostly up-tempo, and some slower, melodic implements which work quite well combined with the sharp riffage ("Synergy", "Blank Army").

Zero Demo, 2006

My Space

SCARECIN (USA)

A cool 3-song demo of aggressive Slayer-influenced thrash; the only thing which differs it from their mighty compatriots, is the more stylish leads, which are short, but well-constructed.

Demo Demo, 1990

SCARECROW (GERMANY)

This band deserve to be better known mainly for the reason that they manage to forge their own unique sound which is a blend of some dark, heavy, semi-technical thrash and some enjoyable, melodic thrash/crossover numbers. The vocals are the downpoint, being weak and indifferent of the declamatory, semi-singing variety. Actually if you remember the first two albums of the British Sacrilege, then you might get an idea about the style here (check out the very ambitious, 12-min track "Condemned To Be Doomed").

Condemned to be Doomed Full-length, 1988
No Reason to be Sad EP, 1989

SCARIOT (NORWAY)

Scariot are very close to grabbing the title "the best Norwegian metal band of modern times", and well deservedly so. Their debut album offers a cool, albeit an uneven mix of power, thrash and death metal. It jumps from straight-forward Swedish death metal ("Crimson Tears") to pure cheesy heavy/power ("Cruisin'", "False Power"), and it's near the end when thrash metal sneaks in ("Sister"), but still crossed with melodic power metal hooks. "The Bad Man" is finally a truly satysfying number, being a heavy, but also speedy thrasher. The duel between the gruff, low-tuned death metal vocals and the soaring clean ones do not work all the time, and as a whole this album leaves quite a bit to be desired.
"Tongueless God" is a nice switch to technical thrash with brutal death metal vocals, and great leads. The music is mid-tempo and heavy, with occasional takes on Swedish death metal ("The Cynic"). Some tracks are really impressive exercises on technical metal ("Death Request"), some going into progressive territory (the nice, atmospheric instrumental "Tongueless God").
"Strange to Numbers" is a big improvement over the predecessor, cleared almost completely off all other influences (the exception: the laid-back heavy metal number "Lady X"), and concentrating on the thrashy side, again technical, with a unique dark sound, recalling Nevermore. The death metal vocals, which were not doing such a good job earlier, are gone, and the new singer has a poweful, clean voice, much more suiting to the music. This is a tour de force, consisting of great, complex tracks, with mighty riffs, Oriental melodies, some more direct intense headbangers ("Broken Circle - Cutting Glass", "Clear Mind"), and some really infectious choruses (the closing, progressively-laced "Inner Mica"). The music is never too fast, but is often up-tempo, and emits a lot of energy.
The band looked well set to conquer the metal scene, and not only in Norway, but the singer Oddleif Stensland departed, to found his own band (Communic is the name; he had already tested the soil, with a demo, under the name Ingermanland, which worked great), leaving the others hanging for 4 long years, when finally Daniel Olaisen- the band's founder, and its actual face, summoned a stellar cast, consisting of the almighty Steve DiGiorgio, and two members from the progressive metallers Spiral Architect, for the recording of "Momentum Shift". If those who have crossed the band off the list after the Stensland departure, have to put them back, and much higher than the first time: this is first rate technical thrash, which has something in common with the previous album, but goes way further, perfecting the technical guitar sound, without forgetting about the more aggressive side of thrash ("Nothing"), and about the genuine Oriental tunes, which here are even more, and are simply brilliant (check out "Slaves", containing one of the greatest choruses of the past few years). A marvellous cover of Death's "Symbolic" arrives near the end, to make this work even more compelling, and also make it one of the main pretenders for the title "album of the year" for 2007.

Deathforlorn Full-length, 2000
Tongueless God Full-length, 2001
Pushing For Perfection EP, 2002
Strange to Numbers Full-length, 2003
Momentum Shift Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SCARLET SKY (BRAZIL)

Despite some modern implements, this album retains quite a bit of the 80's sound, and is a good work of some interesting minimalistic thrash, which sounds kind of mechanical and dry, without belonging strictly to the 90's school. The music is not aggressive, and nicely combines up-tempo riffs with stomping, Celtic Frost-like ones ("The Cannibal"). More intense numbers are a rarity ("Death Angel", the short aggressive "Hurted Innocence"), and the closer "Guru" is an ambitious technical track, with cold, dry riffage, recalling the style later adopted by Voivod a few years later. The vocals are very annouying, by the way, being bad undeveloped semi-hardcore shouts.

Scarlet Sky Full-length, 1993

SCARS (BRAZIL)

Typical modern death/thrash metal. The aggressive attitude is perhaps a bit more than usual which places this EP closer to death metal territory most of the time. However, this is not a complaint at all, and the sheer energy and speed involved would win almost anyone in the long run.

The Nether Hell EP, 2005

Official Site

SCARVE (FRANCE)

One of the best French metal acts for the past ten years, Scarve play fairly good technical industrial death/thrash with a modern sound, which is as close to bands like Meshuggah as it is to Atheist or later period Death, but with a nice, thick modern production, and a strong presence of industrial metal. On the longer songs the guys spread further, adding some progressive elements, and combined with the quiet passages, smell Opeth quite a bit. Two vocal styles attack you here: one in the death metal-mould, the other- clean, and quite good. Perfectly conformed with the demands of the contemporary metal scene, Scarve are surely one of its leaders nowadays.

Six Tears of Sorrow EP, 1996
Translucence Full-length, 2000
Luminiferous Full-length, 2002
Irradiant Full-length, 2004
The Undercurrent Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SCATTERBRAIN (USA)

Formed by ex-members of the thrash/crossover band Ludichrist, Scatterbarin play thrash sounding like a less serious Mordred ("Fool's Game") plus funky metal ala Faith No More. This is , of course, a loose description as there is more happening throughout the bands' career. If you like fun thrash, but Anthrax are too heavy for you, and Faith No More are out of the question, with only one track related to the genre ("Surprise, You're Dead"), then Scatterbrain seem like the perfect choice.

Here Comes Trouble Full-length, 1990
Scamboogery Full-length, 1991
Mundus Intellectualis Full-length, 1994

My Space

SCAVENGER (IRELAND)

This is a very original band who manage to combine power, thrash and traditional heavy metal with some doomy, depressive passages, not too distant from the last few Katatonia albums. This combination works very well (check out "Ethereal Journey" and "Daydreams In Dystopia"), and Scavenger have all the rights to be considered as one of the prime bands on the Irish metal scene.

Madness To Our Method Full-length, 2004

Official Site

SCENERY (SZECH)

Technical death/thrash metal. The music is mid-paced, sometimes slow-ish, of the dreamy type, often interrupted by some highly technical passages ala Atheist or later period Death, but as a whole the style is peaceful and calm, without many twists. At times the frequent switches from more straight thrashy riffs to more melodic, dreamy sections might annoy the listener, who has just started to enjoy the more hard-hitting side of the band's style. Some jazzy passages ala Cynic, and later period Pestilence are also included, but they are longer, and kind of do not work as well, especially when coming after a not very aggressive moment. There is not a clear soundalike on the scene to be cited; this is an interesting and original band.

The Drowning Shadow Of Mankind Full-length, 1997
Philosophy Of Ages .... Full-length, 2002
Continuity Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SCENTERIA (SWEDEN)

Modern death/thrash with the Gothenburg school a clear influence; quite a good stuff sounding like a thrashy version of Dark Tranquillity. The guys have a good sense of melody, which works well with the energetic, up-tempo riffs. The music is pure thrash most of the time, except for the closing "The Abyss", coming with a genuine gothic edge ("Forever Lost"), which could have been emphasized on a little bit more, since it gives the style the necessary touch of originality. "Infected War" is a cool stomping thrasher, which nicely changes the tempo for a while. Some cool keyboards could be heard in the background ("Reign Of Hate") from time to time.

Art of Aggression Full-length, 2004

Official Site

SCEPTER (USA)

Many bands have tried, but few have succeeded as well as Scepter to bring the old Celtic Frost sound back to life. There is little offered here apart from classic Celtic Frost, but with cool music like that one doesn't really care for more.

Metal Supremacy EP, 1996
I¦m Going To Hell Full-length, 1998
Fucking Metal Motherfuckers Full-length, 2003

SCEPTIC (POLAND)

The techno death metal wizards Sceptic have taken a break from their intense complex death metal schedule with this fairly good technical/progressive thrash opus. The music remains elaborate, but the Death-influenced guitar work is slightly hinted at; instead some touches of Pestilence"s "Testimony of the Ancients" could be felt: the opener "Unbeliever's Script", but the rest shows an obvious Coroner (sitting between "Mental Vortex" and "Grin") influence, interrupted by some melodic death metal-styled leads. The tempo is mid-paced, with numerous twists and turns, great guitar performance, albeit not as hard-hitting as on their other efforts, featuring one great slower atmospheric track: "Controlled by Mind", compensated by the fastest song on the album: "Shapeless Entity", which again brings Pestilence, and Death, to mind. "Voices from the Past" is a good quiet instrumental, which is not really necessary, and it's 7-min long, since earlier there already was one similar track. "Waves of Destruction", the album closer, is another atmospheric, less riff-based number, which might make the listener frown a bit, as there were quite a few of them here. This album was universally criticized by both critics and fans, since it was quite a departure from their very effective style, but for fans of the more technical and atmospheric side of thrash, it will be by all means a really engaging listen. Later the band safely returned to their old sound.

Unbeliever's Script Full-Length, 2003

SCHIZO (ITALY)

The band's debut is a good piece of very aggressive thrash mixed with some slower, longer tracks, not too far from Necrodeath, and quickly won them cult status. They apparently decided to try their hands at some more quality thrash after a very long break. "Cicatriz Black" is pretty much in the same vein: a nice mix of outrageous death/thrashers and some more restrained pieces (check out the instrumental "The Sicilian Clan" at the end!).
"Sound of Coming Darkness" is probably the band's finest hour; it's too bad it's only 4 songs. This is high class heavy technical thrash, which on the best moments even touches Sadus' "Elements of Anger". There are no speedy tracks to be found, like on their full-lengths; heavy, smashing riffs assault you from beginning to end (there are some timid attempts at a faster play on "Built With Bricks of Shame", but they get quickly buried under the wall of sinister technical guitars), accompanied by low-tuned death metal vocals.

Main Frame Collapse Full-length, 1989
Sound of Coming Darkness EP, 1994
Cicatriz Black Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SCHIZOPHRENIA (SWEDEN)

Based on the "Crime Time" demo, this new band play a blend of classic and modern thrash of the more melodic variety, mostly mid-tempo, with an Annihilator-influence in the guitar work, and some heavy metal tunes thrown in for good measure ("Special Agent"), plus a cover version of Vio-lence's "Calling in the Coroner".

Just for Giggling Demo, 2006
Crime Time Demo, 2006

Official Site

SCHOOL OF VIOLENCE (USA)

This is simplistic melodic heavy/thrash metal with a hardcore spirit, more in the mid-paced range with a jolly, uplifting attitude. Some songs are a direct take on the Motorhead style: "Man at the Top", others suddenly exit the thrash metal field, going straight into heavy metal territory ("Reign Of The Clown", etc.). The thrash fan might frown quite a few times on the toothless guitars, but the band's intention was hardly to please this particular side of the metal spectre.

We the People...? Full-length, 1988

SCHWEISSER (GERMANY)

The band's first three full-lengths, and the EP's surrounding them, are fine representatives of the 90's metal scene: modern, aggressive, groovy thrash with an industrial flavour at times, featuring also some vicious death metal tunes and a saxophone; the latter extra feature adds a particularly unusual touch to the music, making them one of the more interesting practitioners of modern thrash in Germany. With the genre's fading away in the late 90's, the band adopted a more accessible, non-thrash, alternative approach.

Schweisser EP, 1990
...auf der Autobahn zur Holle Full-length, 1992
Eisenkopf Full-length, 1994
Willkommen im Club Full-length, 1996
Malaria EP, 1996
Friss Scheisse EP, 1997
Heiland Full-length, 1997
Bitte warten Full-length, 2000
Vermissen Single, 2000
Pororoca Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SCORNAGE (GERMANY)

The band walk the fine line between the old school and modern thrash; so bands like Sodom and Slayer are as much influences on the band's style as The Haunted or Dew-Scented. Fans of the aforementioned acts will find a lot to like here. Both albums offer good energetic, headbanging, up-tempo thrash, occasionally mixed with heavier, slower sections. The approach is a bit one-dimensional, and the songs tend to merge together.

Ascend EP, 2000
Agression EP, 2001
Sick of Being Human Full-length, 2004
Pure Motorized Instinct Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SCORNGRAIN (FINLAND)

The title of their debut can give one a clue what to expect from this band: this is modern, industrial thrash sounding like a mixture between Fear Factory and ...And Oceans with raspy, black metal vocals, mixed here and there with clean and death metal ones. This style in particular has been quite fashionable in recent years, but Scorngrain need something more to join the better acts of the style.

Cyberwarmachine Full-length, 2004
0,05% Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SCORCH (USA)

Heavy, intense, groovy thrash with a strong industrial edge. The tempo is slow-ish, almost doomy, and the guys refuse to put more energy into the proceedings. As a result their music is monotonous and repetitive, despite the intense, but one-dimensional riffage.

Faces Full-length, 2003

Official Site

SCORCHED EARTH (USA)

Based on "Devils in Iron", this is a cool mix of some well executed energetic thrash and some mostly mid-paced, heavy death metal riffage. The heaviness is further aggravated by the inclusion of groovy parts, going at times into sludge/doom-territory.

Thy Kingdom Crushed Full-length, 2000
Gods, Kings, and Conquerors Full-length, 2003
Devils In Iron Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SCOTOMA (CYPRUS)

Based on the "I want to Fly" EP, this only band from Cyprus included on the site's pages, play a slightly alternative version of the 90's groovy thrash spiced with some more original semi-technical guitars, but the band's choice to use several vocal styles one of which is utterly annoying, being clean of the alternative variety, ruins things quite a bit. Not that the music is anything special, especially with the inclusion of the very non-metallic ballad "Moment of Silence" which could even remind you of Queensryche's "Silent Lucidity".

Scotoma Demo, 1994
Outside the Slaughter House Demo, 1995
Bloodbrothers Best of/Compilation, 1996
Realife Demo, 1996
Desert Fish Single, 1997
I want to Fly EP, 2004
Sonic Arts 2.0 Best of/Compilation, 2005
Killing The Machine EP, 2007

Official Site

SCRAM (GERMANY)

Based on the full-length debut, these guys try hard to be the new Kreator, doing their best to sound like this legendary band used to in the 80's. They do a decent job when staying close to this pattern, trying at times to move away from the main influence, but it's these moments which show that the band still have to put a lot of effort in order to make a more lasting impression on the metal scene.

Suicide Kills EP, 2001
Radial Neuropathy Full-length, 2004

Official Site

SCRUFFY TEARAWAYS (USA)

Fast, aggressive thrash/crossover with short, explosive songs; the guitars are more thrashy than the average thrash/crossover act, but the song-writing follows the pattern closely.

Demo Demo, 1988

SCULPTURE (HOLLAND)

Another one-album wonder from the full of pleasant surprises Dutch metal scene; this is standout thrash/death metal with some progressive tendencies. The music is dark and moody, mid to up-tempo, and never becomes too aggressive. The album starts with the complex technical "A Contemplation Of David", which is the longest and most intricate composition. "Sodom" is much shorter, but the technical charge remains intact. "No Liberation" adds some death metal intensity, and the next "Spiritual Matrix" is a very cool energetic thrasher; those two lose the technicality somewhere, which returns with the good jumpy thrash/death number "No Respect". "Scorning" slows down once again, introducing some gothic-tinged passages,a "legacy" which is carried by the dreamy, soft "Dawn Of Eternity". At this point the listener is almost ready to accept the new, Cemetary or Paradise Lost-influenced face of the band, but "Grinding Sacrifice" brings the sound back to thrash of the more up-tempo variety, but "Death To Death" is a tribute to the doom/death scene, which was particularly strong in Holland at that time. The closer "Twilight Traps” “apologizes” for the lost inertia on some arlier parts, being a very cool technical death/thrasher, still including moody, slower sections.

Spiritual Matrix Full-length, 1998

Official Site

SCUMSHOT (GERMANY)

Excellent thrash metal of the classic school, occasionally clinging towards crossover territory; the songs are speedy to up-tempo, with nice sharp riffs and semi-hardcore vocals (which might be a drawback to some).

Raise Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SCYTHIAN (UK)

A fairly good mix of early German thrash (think Exumer, Destruction, Sodom) and some epic/viking metal along the lines of mid-period Bathory and Enslaved. The mixture works well, "helped" by some more aggressive riffs in the death-doom mould ala Bolt Thrower and Beyond Belief. There is also a cover version of Bathory's "Holocaust" from "Blood, Fire, Death".

Suffering to the Conquered... Demo, 2007

My Space

SCYTHIAN OATH (USA)

A 3-track demo of excellent technical power/thrash metal, a style not quite typical for the American metal scene at the time, with some great stylish technical riffs which will remind you of Juggernaut, but the music of this band is faster and better, brnging to mind Aftermath and Agent Steel in the speedy sections.

Shadow of the Torturer Demo, 1985

Fan Site

SEARING I (SWEDEN)

Professionally done, but prototypical thrash/death metal of the Swedish school; some good, hard riffs and melodic solos, but this debut as a whole brings nothing new to the scene.

Bloodshred Full-length, 2005

Official Site

SECLUDED VIOLENCE (USA)

The sound quality is bad, and diminishes the impact of this otherwise cool demo of moderately aggressive thrash, obviously influenced by Slayer ("Hell Awaits") and Dark Angel ("We Have Arrived"), but having also other, heavier moments, where the guitars and the bass try to sound more original (not very successfully, though). "Curse" is an ambitious 8min doom-laden thrasher which is the highlight here, although it betrays the predominant fast-paced style of the demo.

Demo Demo, 1988

SECOND HELL (HOLLAND)

A surprisingly brutal band for that time: thrash metal in the vein of Kreator's "Pleasure To Kill", very well done with some good melodic solo work. It's beyond me how these guys never made it big as they were more vicious and better musicians than many other bands back in those days!

Prophets of Hell Demo, 1985
Metal Deadness Split, 1986

My Space

SECRECY (GERMANY)

Secrecy are mostly progressive/power metal band, but on both their albums there are some stunning thrash outbursts (similar to later period Eldritch) that one could only wonder what would have happened if these guys had concentrated on this, more aggressive and more attractive side of their music. The band's style is actually very interesting- they don't sound like anyone else, and the vocals are of the very melodic type which, when mixed with the more thrashy moments, make for a really compelling listen.
"Art in Motion" starts quite promisingly, with the up-tempo thrasher "Trisomie XXI", but then the music switches onto progressive power metal, but goes back to thrash in the second half, for the galloping "Coroner's Inquest", the following short technical instrumental "Like Burning One's Boat", and the brilliant riff-fest "Inside You" at the end.
"Raging Romance" begins in the same manner, with an aggressive thrashy opener ("Observer From Above"), again followed by a string of softer tracks, before exploding once again with the speed metal-based "This World's Wisdom". One more thrashy delight comes near the end: the up-tempo "Ideology", which will remind you of Attacker's "Second Coming".

Art in Motion Full-length, 1990
Raging Romance Full-length, 1991

SECTION BRAIN (CZECH)

Aggressive technical thrash reminiscent of Torture's "Storm Alert" or Sepultura's "Beneath The Remains". The vocals are of the death metal type, and the band rely on long, elaborate tracks which never lose pace or sound stale. The songs move in a heavy, mid-paced manner, when all of a sudden comes a fast, aggressive section, and again abruptly interrupted by a more quiet, more technical one, or a lead guitar one. There are a lot of time changes within the songs, and maybe at times the band get carried away, changing them too soon, before they manage to develop into something more sensible (actually, just when one starts to like a certain passage, it suddenly changes into another one, leaving you disappointed). Well, not for long, since the guitar work is really impressive, and the riffs are sharp and tight, dominating over the leads in terms of both time and execution. The album leaves you asking for more because, in spite of the considerable length of the individual tracks, there are only five real songs, with the last one being a two-minute joke ("The Czech Way"). This band could have really gone far.

Hospital of Death Full-length, 1993

SEDITION (USA)

Superb technical thrash metal, recalling Forbidden's "Twisted into Form", but more aggressive and a bit more adventurous: Smashing technical riffs, great solos, and standout bass bottom reminiscent of Steve DiGiorgio. And let's not forget the vocals which are a nice mixture between David Wayne (R.I.P.) and Russ Anderson (Forbidden), maybe a bit more dramatic. This is engaging music, with tempo changes and vortex-like riffs aplenty, staying in the mid to up-tempo range; demos of such a high level of musicianship are a rarity in the metal underground (maybe the Germans Flaming Anger's first demos come close).

Sedition Demo, 1989
Demo Demo, 1990

SEDUCTIVE BLASPHEMY (USA)

Based on the "Necessary Evil" demo, this band manage to mix some speedy riffage ala Forbidden and Hirax with some heavier "South of Heaven"-like ones, and they still find time to include a light-hearted rock'n roll number: "Roadkill". The follower, "Hellbound", compensates with some aggression in the Dark Angel vein.

Necessary Evil Demo, 1989
Communion of Hatred Demo, 1991

SEEDS OF BAPHOMET (GERMANY)

Based on the 2-song promo, these guys play vintage classic thrash; "Undead Bloodlust" is a speedy number reminiscent of the Exumer debut and Toxic Shock, whereas "Hypnosis" is slower and heavier, more in the tradition of Infernal Majesty's "None Shall Defy" (kind of reminds me of the song with the same title).

Unleashed Wrath Demo, 2004
Promo Demo, 2007

My Space

SEELENWINTER (GERMANY)

These guys were previously known as Damien Breed, under which name they released an excellent, progressively-laced power/thrash metal album. Well, the music here is not very similar to that one (and it's a pity!); the band have never played fast, but here doom/gothic metal seems to have taken the upper hand, and the thrashy riffs are not that common. At first listen it might completely pull back the thrash metal fans, but if you give it another chance, you might start enjoying this laid-back stuff, which will remind you of the gothic metallers Lake of Tears ("Forever Autumn", in particular), and even Opeth, in the more progressive structures. "Where Death and Life are Still Friends" is probably the only full-blooded thrasher, but it's still quite melancholic and "out there".

Seelenwinter Full-length, 1995
If Soul Turns Into Flesh Full-length, 1996

SEKA (USA)

Thrash/crossover similar to the Rumble Militia debut, not very fast, with some modern "updates" thrown in.

Love Shim Full-length, 1993

SEKHMET (UK)

First class classic thrash, quite energetic and intense, reminiscent of Mandator's "Perfect Progeny", Vio-lence's "Eternal Nightmare", and Slayer. The bad news is that there are only 7 tracks, the first of which is short 3-min instrumental. The vocals are a bit rough, having this unique James Hetfield blend. The guitars crush admirably, with heavy, up-tempo riffs and some nice semi-technical touches. With bands like this one around, the British thrash scene will soon get out of its dormant state.

Last Stand Full-Length, 2007

SEKMETH (FRANCE)

Modern thrash with a double vocal attack: one clean, the other: death metal-ish. The music is not very aggressive, staying in the mid-tempo, with slight groovy tendencies. "My Funeral" is a cool piece, containing some more intense, headbanging riffage, partially ruined by the very melodic, alternative ending.

An Opressive Day EP, 2008

My Space

SELF DESTRUCT (USA)

The line-up includes future members of the death metallers Vital Remains. Based on the "Scath Dilapidation" demo, death metal is the order of the day here, too, although quite a few thrash remnants can be heard here and there. The music is quite aggressive, featuring some blast beats scattered throughout.

Cannible Mutants Demo, 1989
Scath Dilapidation Demo, 1990

SELF-DESTRUCTION (HUNGARY)

Besed on the demo, this is cool dark, gothic-tinged thrash with good clean vocals which sometimes stray from the path with the casual death metal growl. The music is mid-paced, quite heavy, and it often recalls the works of some veterans from the Hungarian metal scene: Moby Dick, Akela, etc. There are some balladic moments, as well as moments from the 90's thrash scene.

Demo Demo, 2006
Ember Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SELVAGERIA (BRAZIL)

Based on the "Metal Invasor" 2-song demo, these guys offer intense Germanic thrash in the vein of early Destruction and Angel Dust, with fast riffs and gruff, low-tuned vocals which at times try to scream quite high.

Demo Demo, 2005
Metal Invasor Demo, 2005

My Space

SEND MORE PARAMEDICS (UK)

Few are the bands nowadays who can bring us back to the glorious thrash/crossover sound of the 80's. Send More Paramedics is definitely one of them. Although thrash metal takes the bigger share from the band's music, there are also some direct nods to bands like D.R.I. and Nuclear Assault. Some Slayer-like aggression is also present here and there ("The Unclean" from "The Awakening"). A very enjoyable band; one of the pleasant surprises from the British metal scene of the new millennium.
The band's debut is more hardcore-based, and the vocals are really annoying, with their undeveloped, screamy tember; the music has a somewhat mechanical feel, although there are no industrial elements used. It is not a total waste, with some tracks carrying the thrashy spirit, with energetic riffs and a slightly chaotic delivery, which at times might bring to mind early Voivod.
"The Hallowed and The Heathen" takes no prisoners, and is the real initiation into hard-hitting thrash for the band. Some shades of hardcore are still around ("Zombie Crew", which will also remind you of Pro-Pain), but the Slayer-esque riffs have taken over, and most of the songs are very energetic headbangers.

A Feast For The Fallen Full-length, 2002
The Hallowed and The Heathen Full-length, 2003
Tales Told By Dead Men Split album, 2005
The Awakening Full-length, 2006

Official Site

SENSLIS KILLING (USA)

An awkward mixture of thrash, Motorhead, hardcore, and some funk-ish moments ala Mordred and Re-Animator. The thrash metal fan might lose his patience while waiting for riffs to headbang to.

Chainsaw Boogie EP, 1990

SENTINEL (USA)

A 2-song demo: both songs are standout speed thrashers in the tradition of Agent Steel's debut, graced by nice vocals which will remind you of John Cyriis On the higher tones.

Sentinel Demo, 1986

SENTINEL BEAST (USA)

One of the first female fronted speed/thrash metal bands, and one of the quite a few bands where Debbie Gunn displayed her vocal skills; here her voice is harsher and more aggressive. This band offer a cross between the aforementioned styles, and some American power metal ("Corpse"). The guys spare no speed and intensity, and tracks like "Depths of Death" ,"Evil is the Night" and most of the rest, are major headbangers. "Mourir" is a short speed/power number with great melodic guitars, showing the band's more technical side. A very cool cover of Iron Maiden's "Phantom of the Opera" is also included. Gunn's departure to join Znowhite led to the untimely demise of this very cool band.

Depths of Death Full-length, 1986

Vibrations of Doom

SEPARATOR (POLAND)

Based on the "Mein Kampf" demo: a very bad sound quality leaves little to be heard from it, but one could distinguish quite brutal and fast, but amateurish thrash/proto-death akin to the Brazilian bands Sarcofago, Vulcano, Sextrash, etc. The guys try to spice things with some slower sections ala Messiah's "Extreme Cold Weather", but this is where you can hear the guitars more clearly, and this leaves you even less impressed.

Rehearsal Demo, 1987
Mein Kampf Demo, 1988
Another Messiah Demo, 1989

My Space

SEPTICMEN (HUNGARY)

Based on "Negative", this band pull out cool "classic meets modern" thrash of the heavier variety. The songs move from mid-paced, groovy, Machine Head-styled ("Cursed", "Gravitation") ones to energetic thrashers ("The Final Step", "Az utolsó lépés") in the Sepultura, or late 80's Slayer mould.

Dogma Full-length, 2000
Origo Full-length, 2004
Central EP, 2005
Negative Full-length, 2007

Official Site

SEPTIMA (SWEDEN)

Based on the "Deathrow" demo, this is modern thrash metal similar to Carnal Forge and The Forsaken; "My End" borrows riffs from Destruction's "Curse The Gods".

Born In Sin Demo, 2002
Sonett To Death Demo, 2003
Arise Demo, 2004
Rest In Pieces Demo, 2005
Death Row Demo, 2006
Walk To The Purgatory Demo, 2007

Official Site

SEPULCRO (PERU)

One of the first metal bands in Peru, Sepulcro play heavy power/thrash with a wide range of sound: from doomy songs to some quite aggressive ones (based on the compilation). Some tracks have quite an epic feel, like the 10-min instrumental "Los Gritos Del Silencio". Some numbers from the middle (songs 5-9) are with a better and heavier sound having almost no traces of power metal left, concentrating on full-out thrash assault. Based on this part only it looked as though Sepulcro were very worthy competition to their more renowned, but often less deserving Brazilian counterparts.

Sepulcro Demo, 1989
Power's Trace Demo, 1990
Sepulchral Voices Best of/Compilation, 2006

My Space

SEPULTURA (BRAZIL)

One of the most celebrated bands in thrash metal history, Sepultura began in a fairly raw, brutal manner, and although from musical aspect these beginnings are very little to write about, their influence on the future more extreme genres is undeniable. The band shook the world with landmark albums like "Beneath The Remains" and "Arise" (one of the best-selling thrash albums of all times), before adopting a more modern style on the good "Chaos AD" which was their last work related to thrash. With Max Cavalera leaving to form Nailbomb, the band radically changed their style into groove/hardcore/tribal and everything in between.

Morbid Visions Full-length, 1986
Schizophrenia Full-length, 1987
Beneath the Remains Full-length, 1989
Arise Full-length, 1991
Third World Posse EP, 1992
Refuse/Resist EP, 1993
Chaos A.D. Full-length, 1993