thehistoryofthrashpart4

 

PART IV.
THE FIRST WAVE OF THRASH METAL.
THE BAY AREA.
(1980-1986)

THE FIRST BANDS ARE FORMED (1980–1982)

In the early eighties, the San Francisco Bay Area began transforming into one of the most important breeding grounds for thrash metal. The grew out of garages, basements, and small clubs like the Old Waldorf, Ruthie’s Inn, and the Mabuhay Gardens. Local musicians were absorbing the speed of the NWOBHM, the attitude of punk, and the heaviness of traditional metal, and something new started to take shape.

Exodus formed in 1980 and quickly became the backbone of the Bay Area underground. Blind Illusion, who had existed in various forms since the late seventies, were already experimenting with progressive and heavy sounds that would later merge with thrash. Around them, a network of young musicians traded tapes, swapped riffs, and pushed each other to play faster and harder.

No one had fully defined "thrash metal" yet but the ingredients were all there. The Bay Area was becoming a pressure cooker of speed, aggression, and innovation.

THE BAY AREA (1983–1986)

For the Bay Area, 1983 is the true ignition point. This was the year the local scene began to crystallize into a distinct movement. Bands that had been rehearsing and demoing suddenly stepped into the spotlight. Exodus were tearing up every stage they touched, Metallica had relocated north and were reshaping the sound of heavy metal, and the clubs were overflowing with kids hungry for something faster and more dangerous than anything on the radio.

The term thrash metal hadn’t yet settled into place, most people still called it speed or power metal but the Bay Area bands were already defining the style through sheer force. Between 1983 and 1986, the scene produced some of the most important early recordings and live performances in the genre’s history. Demos circulated endlessly through tape‑trading networks, and local shows became legendary for their intensity and violence.

By the mid‑eighties, a new generation of Bay Area bands began rising alongside the pioneers. Death Angel, Legacy (later Testament), Forbidden Evil (Forbidden), Vio‑lence, Heathen, Blind Illusion, and Defiance all emerged during this period, each adding their own twist, technical, melodic, or brutally fast, Simply, the Bay Area Sound.

THE FIRST WAVE OF BAY AREA THRASH (1983–1986)

METALLICA (1981–1986)

Metallica’s origins trace back to 1981, when James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich connected through a newspaper ad. Their earliest version of "Hit the Lights" came from Hetfield’s previous band, Leather Charm, and the track ended up on Brian Slagel’s Metal Massacre compilation. Metallica’s first official vinyl appearance. At this point, Hetfield handled both vocals and bass while Lloyd Grant contributed the lead guitar solo.

Throughout 1982, Metallica recorded several demos, including the Whiskey Audition Tape, Ron McGovney’s ’82 Garage Demo, and the Power Metal demo, which featured early versions of "Mechanix" (The Four Horsemen) and other future classics. But it was the No Life ’til Leather demo (1982) that truly spread through the tape‑trading underground and established Metallica as a rising force.

The band relocated from Los Angeles to San Francisco in early 1983 in order to recruit bassist Cliff Burton, who demanded them to do so in order to join the band. The addition of Cliff Burton was brilliant and his musicality would become central to Metallica's evolution. Soon after, Dave Mustaine was fired due to escalating tensions, and Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammett joined the band.

Metallica recorded their debut Kill ’Em All (1983) in New York on a tight budget, delivering the fastest, most aggressive metal album released up to that point. Songs like "Whiplash", "Hit the Lights", "Metal Militia" and Cliff Burton’s bass showcase "(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth" helped define the new genre. The album sold steadily and built a loyal underground following.

Their second album, Ride the Lightning (1984), recorded in Denmark with producer Flemming Rasmussen, showed massive growth. More complex arrangements, deeper songwriting, and a broader emotional range. "Creeping Death", "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Fade to Black" became instant classics. The album’s success led to Metallica signing with Elektra Records. This also marked the first time the band collaborated with Flemming Rasmussen, They would work with him on their upcoming two albums as well (Master of Puppets and ...And Justice For All).

In 1986, Metallica returned to Copenhagen to record Master of Puppets, a landmark album that combined technical precision, powerful songwriting, and thematic depth. It became the first thrash metal album to go platinum and is widely considered one of the greatest metal albums ever made. The band toured with Ozzy Osbourne and later embarked on the European Damage Inc. tour. A run that would end in tragedy.

Metallica

THE DEATH OF CLIFF BURTON

After signing with Elektra, Metallica headed to Europe for the Damage Inc. Tour. On September 26th, 1986, they played a show in Stockholm with Anthrax. After the gig, the band boarded their tour bus and began the overnight drive toward Denmark.

According to the band, they drew cards to decide who would get which bunk. Cliff Burton pulled the ace of spades, choosing the bunk that Kirk Hammett had been using. In the early hours of September 27th, 1986, just before 7 a.m., the bus skidded off the road near Dörarp, Sweden, slid into a ditch, and flipped. Cliff was thrown through a window, and the bus came down on top of him.

The driver claimed the bus hit a patch of black ice, but Swedish police later stated that no ice was found on the road. Rumors circulated for years. Mechanical failure, driver fatigue, even intoxication but none were ever proven. The exact circumstances remain murky, and very few photographs or official statements exist from the scene. Metallica themselves have rarely discussed the finer details of that night, and no clear eyewitness account has ever surfaced.

What is certain is that Cliff Burton, one of the most gifted and influential bassists in metal history, died instantly.

Metallica had no time to process the loss. Within days, the band and their crew began auditioning replacements, determined to continue the tour in Cliff’s honor. Around forty bassists tried out, including Les Claypool (Blind Illusion), Doug Keyser (Watchtower), and Troy Gregory (who later joined Flotsam and Jetsam). Ultimately, the band chose Jason Newsted, whose combination of skill, discipline, and attitude made him the right fit for a band still reeling from tragedy.

Cliff’s death marked the end of Metallica’s first era. Nothing about the band, or thrash metal, would ever be the same again.

EXODUS (1979–1986)

Exodus formed in 1979 in Richmond, California, founded by Kirk Hammett, Carlton Melson, and Tom Hunting. Early members Tim Agnello and Melson soon departed, replaced by Jeff Andrews and Gary Holt. With Holt quickly becoming the band’s primary songwriter. In 1981, Hammett met vocalist Paul Baloff at a house party and immediately brought him into the band. Their first three‑song demo (1982), featuring "Whipping Queen", "Death and Domination" and "Warlords" showed a strong Iron Maiden and Judas Priest influence, with the band still developing their thrash identity.

This demo would be Kirk Hammett’s only recording with Exodus. After Metallica saw him perform with Exodus on November 29, 1982, they recruited him to replace Dave Mustaine. Exodus auditioned several guitarists including Mike Maung and Evan McCaskey (who tragically took his own life in 1989) before settling on Rick Hunolt. Jeff Andrews also left to form an early version of Possessed, and Rob McKillop stepped in on bass.

Exodus continued to build their reputation through relentless gigging. They opened for Metallica during the Kill ’Em All for One tour in 1983, headlined over Slayer in Los Angeles before either band had released an album, and played with Mercyful Fate, Megadeth, Hirax, and Death Angel. In 1984 they recorded the Turk Street demo with Doug Piercy (Heathen) producing.

In the summer of 1984, Exodus signed with Torrid Records, thanks in part to Sam Kress of Whiplash fanzine. Exodus entered Prairie Sun Studios with producer Mark Whitaker, who had just finished work on Metallica’s Ride the Lightning. The result was Bonded by Blood (1985), originally titled A Lesson in Violence. Delays with the album artwork pushed the release back seven months, weakening it's initial impact, but the record still became one of the most important thrash albums ever made. Torrid released it in 1985; Combat reissued it a year later.

The track "Impaler" was omitted because Kirk Hammett had taken the riff with him to Metallica, where it evolved into "Trapped Under Ice". Exodus continued touring heavily, including shows with Slayer and Venom, one New York performance was filmed and released as Ultimate Revenge.

In late 1985, Exodus toured the U.S. and Canada with Exciter, but after Exciter dropped off the bill, Exodus continued with various support acts including Slaughter, Sacred Blade, Sacrifice, and Blessed Death. They also supported Venom in Europe, though some shows were canceled due to poor ticket sales. By late 1986, internal tensions led to the firing of Paul Baloff, replaced by Steve “Zetro” Souza of Legacy (later Testament). The band later admitted removing Baloff was a mistake. Baloff briefly jammed with Hirax, but the position ultimately went to Billy Wedgeworth.

Exodus

LEGACY (PRE‑TESTAMENT) (1983–1986)

Testament began life as Legacy, formed in San Francisco in 1983 by guitarist Eric Peterson and Derrick Ramirez. Bassist Greg Christian and drummer Mike Ronchette soon joined, followed by guitarist Alex Skolnick, fresh from Joe Satriani’s guitar lessons, and vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza. This lineup recorded the Legacy demo in 1985, featuring early versions of "Burnt Offerings", "Reign of Terror", "Alone in the Dark" and "Raging Waters".

Shortly after the demo, Ronchette left and was replaced by Louie Clemente. In 1986, Exodus fired Paul Baloff and recruited Zetro as their new vocalist, leaving Legacy without a frontman. Zetro recommended Chuck Billy, whose powerful voice immediately transformed the band’s sound. With Billy onboard, the band changed their name to Testament, a suggestion from Billy Milano of S.O.D. and M.O.D.. Testament then prepared to record their debut album, The Legacy (1987), which would become one of the defining releases of the second wave of thrash.

DEATH ANGEL (1982–1986)

Death Angel formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1982, created by four Filipino‑American cousins: Rob Cavestany (lead guitar), Dennis Pepa (vocals/bass), Gus Pepa (rhythm guitar), and Andy Galeon (drums). Remarkably, Galeon was only ten years old when the band started.

Their first demo, Heavy Metal Insanity (1983), produced by Matt Wallace, leaned more toward traditional heavy metal, influenced by bands like Tygers of Pan Tang and Iron Maiden. In 1984, the band recruited another cousin, Mark Osegueda, as their new vocalist. His first show with Death Angel was opening for Megadeth, a sign of how quickly the young band was rising.

In 1985, Death Angel recorded their second demo, Kill as One, produced by Kirk Hammett of Metallica, whom they had met at a record‑store signing. The three songs from the demo would later appear on their debut album. Kill as One spread rapidly through the tape‑trading underground, earning the band gigs in Los Angeles and New York, an impressive feat for a group with no album yet.

By 1986, Death Angel had signed with Enigma Records and began preparing the material that would become their legendary debut, The Ultra‑Violence.

POSSESSED (1983–1986)

Possessed formed in 1983 in San Francisco, created by guitarist Mike Torrao and drummer Mike Sus. They were soon joined by vocalist Barry Fisk and bassist Jeff Andrews, who had previously recorded a demo with Exodus in 1982. Tragedy struck early when Barry Fisk died by suicide outside his girlfriend’s home. The loss devastated the band, and Jeff Andrews left shortly afterward.

Meanwhile, a local band called Blizzard featured Jeff Becerra and Larry LaLonde. When Andrews departed, Possessed recruited Becerra as their new vocalist/bassist, and guitarist Brian Montana also joined. With this lineup, Possessed began playing local shows, sharing stages with Slayer, Metallica, Exodus, and other rising Bay Area acts.

In 1984, they recorded the now‑legendary Death Metal demo. It's brutality was unprecedented, and the title would give an entire genre its name. Brian Slagel of Metal Blade Records took notice and included the track "Swing of the Axe" on Metal Massacre VI. Shortly afterward, Brian Montana left due to creative differences, and Larry LaLonde stepped in as his replacement.

Although Metal Blade showed interest, they didn’t sign the band. Instead, Possessed inked a deal with Combat Records, who released their debut album Seven Churches in October 1985. Managed by Debbie Abono (R.I.P.), mother of LaLonde’s girlfriend, the band quickly gained international attention.

In November 1985, Possessed flew to Montreal to perform at the WWIII Weekend Festival, sharing the stage with Destruction, Voivod, Nasty Savage, and Celtic Frost in front of 7,000 fans. Returning home, they continued gigging locally, opening for Slayer and Venom.

In October 1986, Possessed released their second album, Beyond the Gates, marking the next step in their evolution as one of the most extreme and influential bands of the era.


LÄÄZ ROCKIT (1980–1986)

Lääz Rockit formed in the Bay Area in 1980, founded by guitarist Aaron Jellum and bassist Willy Lange, soon joined by guitarist Phil Kettner, drummer Victor Agnello, and vocalist Michael Coons. While not as extreme as Exodus or as fast as early Metallica, they helped shape the emerging Bay Area thrash scene with a sound that mixed speed, melody, and traditional heavy‑metal hooks.

They became regulars on the local circuit, sharing stages with Exodus, Metallica, Megadeth, and Death Angel, and gained early exposure through the Metal Massacre compilations. Their debut album City’s Gonna Burn (1984) introduced their fast, NWOBHM‑influenced style, followed by No Stranger to Danger (1985), which pushed them further into full‑on thrash.

Lääz Rockit

HEATHEN (1984–1986)

Heathen formed in the Bay Area in 1984, built around guitarist Lee Altus and drummer Carl Sacco, soon joined by guitarist Doug Piercy and vocalist Sam Kress. From the start, Heathen stood out for their technical precision and melodic sensibility, leaning more toward intricate songwriting than the raw aggression of their peers. After early lineup shifts, David White (then David Godfrey) took over vocals, giving the band a sharper, more powerful identity.

Their 1985 demo Pray for Death circulated heavily in the tape‑trading underground and showcased their blend of speed, melody, and tight musicianship. By 1986, Heathen had become one of the most respected unsigned bands in the Bay Area, sharing stages with Exodus, Megadeth, Testament (Legacy), and Death Angel. They entered the studio in late 1986 to begin work on what would become their acclaimed debut Breaking the Silence (released in 1987), marking the end of their formative era.

FORBIDDEN (as Forbidden Evil) (1985–1986)

Forbidden began in 1985 under the name Forbidden Evil, founded by guitarist Craig Locicero and bassist Robb Flynn (who would later form Machine Head). They were soon joined by guitarist Glen Alvelais, drummer Jim Pittman, and vocalist Russ Anderson, whose soaring, powerful voice became the band’s defining weapon.

Forbidden Evil quickly became one of the most promising young bands in the Bay Area, known for their technical riffing, tight arrangements, and intense live shows. Their early demos from 1985-86 spread rapidly through the underground, earning them opening slots with Exodus, Testament, Death Angel, and Vio‑lence. By 1986, they had built a strong local following and were considered one of the next bands poised for a breakthrough. Their debut album Forbidden Evil would arrive in 1988, but the foundation was firmly laid during these early years.

DEFIANCE (1985–1986)

Defiance formed in Oakland in 1985, part of the second wave of Bay Area thrash. The early lineup featured guitarist Doug Harrington, bassist Mike Kaufmann, drummer Matt Vander Ende, and vocalist Eric Lott, later replaced by Ken Elkington. Defiance leaned toward a tight, riff‑driven style with a strong emphasis on precision and speed, drawing influence from Exodus and Testament while developing their own sound.

Their early demos, especially the 1986 material, circulated widely in the local scene and helped them secure opening slots with established Bay Area acts. The band’s identity and core sound were in place by 1986, marking them as one of the most promising young thrash outfits in the region.

BLIND ILLUSION (1975–1986)

Blind Illusion is one of the oldest bands connected to the Bay Area thrash movement, originally forming in 1975 under guitarist and songwriter Mark Biedermann. For years they operated as a progressive, psychedelic‑leaning heavy metal band, influenced by Rush, Hendrix, and early hard rock. Their lineup changed constantly, with Biedermann as the only permanent member.

By the early 1980s, Blind Illusion began absorbing the speed and aggression of the rising thrash scene while keeping their progressive roots intact. Future legends Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde (later of Primus) passed through the band’s orbit, contributing to its evolving sound. Throughout 1983–86, Blind Illusion recorded a series of demos that blended technical thrash, odd time signatures, and psychedelic guitar work, making them one of the most unique bands in the Bay Area.

By 1986, they had become a respected cult act, known for their musicianship and experimental approach. Despite being a band for ten years their debut album had to wait a few more years. 


HEXX (1983–1986)

Hexx formed in San Francisco in 1983, becoming one of the lesser‑known but genuinely important bands in the early Bay Area thrash movement. Built around guitarist Dan Watson, bassist Bill Peterson, drummer Dave Schmidt, and vocalist Dennis Manzo (later Dan Bryant), Hexx blended fast, melodic speed metal with the rising aggression of Bay Area thrash.

They released their debut album No Escape in 1984, a raw, high‑energy record rooted more in the American power‑metal tradition than pure thrash. Even so, it placed them alongside the first wave of Bay Area heavy bands, and with each release Hexx pushed further into heavier, more aggressive territory. By 1986, with Under the Spell, the band had sharpened their sound significantly, marking the beginning of their evolution into one of the Bay Area’s most underrated thrash acts.

FAST AND HEAVY SONGS FROM THE ERA: 1983-1986
(Spotify-Playlist)

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