Metallica were pioneers of Bay Area thrash music with the double bass and shredding guitars going at breakneck speed. In addition to their well-known contemporaries Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer, here are five other thrash bands you should check out if you like Metallica.
1. Testament
A criminally overlooked group who had as much or more talent than the thrash bands that made it big.Recommended Album: The New Order (1988)
2. Exodus
They were briefly the kings of thrash before Metallica unseated them from their throne. They are still making great albums today.Recommended Album: Bonded By Blood (1985)
3. Metal Church
Seattle band who probably would have been a lot more successful but had a lot of band turmoil, including multiple lead singers.Recommended Album: Blessing In Disguise (1989)
4. Flotsam & Jetsam
Jason Newsted was a founding member of this Phoenix band before he replaced Cliff Burton in Metallica.Recommended Album: No Place For Disgrace (1988)
5. Nuclear Assault
A socially aware Bay Area band whose thrash metal was tinged with hardcore influences.Recommended Album: Handle With Care (1989)
