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The Roots Of Thrash

Raven – Wiped Out (Neat Records, 1982)

Raven were formed in Newcastle, U.K. in 1974 by brothers John and Mark Gallagher (Bass / Vocals and Guitar respectively). By 1979, and after some personnel changes, the band’s classic three-man line-up was completed when drummer Rob “Wacko” Hunter joined the band. Their debut album, “Rock Until You Drop” was released in 1981, and showcased […]

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The Roots Of Thrash

Iron Maiden – Iron Maiden (EMI records, 1980)

Iron Maiden formed at the end of 1975 by bassist Steve Harris (who is the only member of the original lineup still in the band). Several personnel changes and a few years later they recorded this absolute classic of a debut album. Maiden spearheaded the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (N.W.O.B.H.M.) movement, and remain as […]

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The Roots Of Thrash

Diamond Head – Lightning To The Nations (Self-released, 1980)

This total classic of an album is one of my fave N.W.O.B.H.M. (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) releases. It’s a real shame Diamond Head were never as popular as, for example, Iron Maiden (who also came from the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement). The songs on this release are just awesome, I’ve seen interviews with guitarist Brian […]

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The Roots Of Thrash

Venom – Welcome To Hell (Neat Records, December 1981)

(This is the first in a new feature on releases that have influenced Thrash Metal) There’s no debate in my opinion that Venom were “Band Zero” when it comes to extreme Metal. They were unfairly slated by a lot of people when they started out, but with hindsight they’re praised as probably the biggest influence […]