There are a handful of essential thrash albums that every metalhead should own on vinyl.
Thrash’s beginnings date back to the early 1980s, but by that point, cassette tapes were much more popular than vinyl records. Later in the decade, CDs became the preferred tangible music format, so perhaps you already own some of these albums on CD.
But vinyl has experienced quite a resurgence in the last few years, so whether you’re new to collecting vinyl, new to thrash or are simply looking to expand your record collection, we’ve got you covered with which you should grab a copy of.
As of recent, Loudwire’s online merchandise store sells vinyl. There are tons of artists and genres you can search through, but we went through the thrash section and picked the ones we think are essential for you to own a copy of.
Plus, one of the records we chose came out in the last decade.
READ MORE: 10 Essential Rock + Metal Records Every New Vinyl Collector Should Own
We listed three key tracks under each album cover below so you can see why we chose them, as well as a link to purchase the record through our store.
Scroll below to see our picks.
Metallica, Ride the Lightning (1984)
metallica, ride the lightning, 1984
Key Tracks: “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Fade to Black,” “Creeping Death”
Buy it here.
Anthrax, Among the Living (1987)
Anthrax, ‘Among The Living’ (1987)
Key Tracks: “Caught in a Mosh,” “I Am the Law,” “Indians”
Buy it here.
Testament, The Legacy (1987)
Testament, ‘The Legacy’ (1987)
Key Tracks: “Over the Wall,” “Alone in the Dark,” “Burnt Offerings”
Buy it here.
Slayer, South of Heaven (1988)
Key Tracks: “South of Heaven,” “Mandatory Suicide,” “Silent Scream”
Buy it here.
Overkill, The Years of Decay (1989)
Megaforce / Atlantic
Key Tracks: “Elimination,” “I Hate,” “The Years of Decay”
Buy it here.
Megadeth, Rust in Peace (1990)
megadeth, rust in peace, fourth albums
Key Tracks: “Holy Wars… the Punishment Due,” “Hangar 18,” “Tornado of Souls”
Buy it here.
Suicidal Tendencies, Lights…Camera…Revolution! (1990)
Key Tracks: “You Can’t Bring Me Down,” “Lost Again,” “Send Me Your Money”
Buy it here.
Power Trip, Nightmare Logic (2017)
power trip nightmare logic album art
Key Tracks: “Soul Sacrifice,” “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe),” “Nightmare Logic”
Buy it here.
Subscribe to Loudwire on YouTube!
The Best Thrash Album of Each Year Since 1983
A history of the best thrash metal albums, year by year.
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
