Wraith’s Matt Sokol Names 10 Modern Thrash Bands That Would Have Killed It in the 80s
When it comes to trying to pinpoint the heyday of thrash metal, it’s hard to beat the ’80s. All of the biggest albums came out in that decade, and labels like Megaforce, Combat, and Metal Blade were championing the ‘Big Four’ before they really earned that designation. Then you also have to consider the explosive output from bands like Exodus, Testament, Kreator, and countless other bands to really understand just how big thrash metal was in that decade.
But what about today’s thrash metal bands? Could they hold a candle to the big dogs of that era? Would they have been able to throw down with some of the greats?
Wraith guitarist and vocalist Matt Sokol thinks there are plenty of bands out there today that would have torn shit up back in the day. With his own blackened thrash band set to release their new album Fueled By Fear on June 21 (preorder today), he’s taken a look to see who of his band’s contemporaries would have been able to hold their own in the Bay Area, the New York/New Jersey area, or really anywhere there was a stage.
Havok
Havok checks all the boxes when it comes to a thrash band. I feel like they could time travel to any bill, in California, in the 80’s, and they would leave the place in pieces. When I was initially asked to do this, Havok was one of the first bands that came to mind.
Warbringer
Warbringer is another no-brainer for me. Having seen this band live from bowling alleys to packed venues, they do not leave much to be desired when it comes to an explosive live show. They would absolutely slay in the 80’s.
Midnight
Fucking speed and darkness! Midnight is a band that not only has great/aggressive music, but the image is absolutely perfect. I could see Midnight being a massive success in a decade that leaned into the image and attitude of all things speed and thrash.
Municipal Waste
What more is there to say about Municipal Waste? Their live show is an absolute warzone. It’s hard to imagine what these shows might look like in the 80’s, but I know that I wouldn’t want to miss it!
Bat
Bat has all the attitude needed to thrive in a decade full of insane acts. I could see them gracing the stage with bands like Motörhead and Venom in the 80’s. Wild Fever on 10!
Hellripper
A mix of technical prowess, insane speed, and an energy on stage that is second to none. Hellripper embodies all things 80’s thrash. This one was a total layup for me personally!
Power Trip
Power Trip in the 80’s would be such a sight to see. I could imagine their shows being a mix of punks and metalheads converging upon venues for one purpose only. Total chaos!
Fugitive
Another absolute powder keg. Fugitive is a great band to listen to, but the live experience is truly something else. I think their energy in the 80’s would be tough to beat.
Enforced
Matt: Enforced is another band that has an absolutely insane presence while performing. Their music just totally pummels you from start to finish. I could picture Enforced performing with the intensity needed in order to thrive in the 80’s thrash scene.
Toxic Holocaust
Toxic Holocaust has played a big role in my musical DNA. Their music is ferocious and absolutely packed with intensity. I have seen them live more than any other band on this list, and every single time I ended up moshing much harder than anticipated. I would pay big bucks to catch this band in a small venue in the 80’s.
