The First Ever Thrash Metal Song: A Historical Analysis
" "Thrash metal, a subgenre known for its high energy and speed, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1980s. While it is challenging to definitively identify the first thrash metal song, several influential tracks and bands have played a pivotal role in shaping the genre. This article delves into the origins of thrash metal and explores the potential contenders for the first ever thrash metal song.
" "The Origins of Thrash Metal
" "Thrash metal emerged in the early 1980s, blending elements of heavy metal and punk rock. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth are often credited with pushing the boundaries and defining the genre. However, pinpointing an exact song as the first ever thrash metal track is a subjective debate. Several tracks from different bands have been proposed as contenders for this honor.
" "Early Contenders: Metallica and Beyond
" "One of the most commonly cited candidates is "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses, which was released in 1987. However, several earlier tracks from the early 1980s have also been considered as potential first thrash metal songs:
" "Budgie - Breadfan
" "Budgie, an Australian band from the late 1970s and early 1980s, is often credited with creating thrashy elements in their music. Their 1981 song "Breadfan" is frequently mentioned as one of the earliest examples of thrash metal.
" "Black Sabbath - Symptom of the Universe
" "Another contender is "Symptom of the Universe" by Black Sabbath. This track, released in 1980, has thrashy elements that resonate with the raw energy characteristic of the genre.
" "Queens - Modern Times
" "Queens of the Stone Age's "Modern Times", along with tracks like "Stone Cold Crazy" from their 1992 album "Sghing My Blues Away", has also been considered. These songs exhibit a chaotic energy and fast tempos that align with the thrash metal sound.
" "Venom - Angel Dust
" "A strong contender for the first true thrash metal song is "Angel Dust" by Venom, released in 1981. Venom's music is often credited with having a significant influence on the development of thrash metal, and "Angel Dust" is credited with being one of the earliest examples of the genre.
" "Further Contenders: Accept and Beyond
" "Beyond these, other tracks have been proposed as potential first thrash metal songs. For example, "Fast as a Shark" by Accept, released in 1984, which is often cited as an early thrash metal song. Additionally, the 'Big Four' of thrash metal - Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax - have all released songs that are considered pioneering in the genre:
" ""Metal Militia" by Metallica (1984), "South of Heaven" by Slayer (1986), "So Far, So Good... So What!" by Megadeth (1985), and "Read Between the Wires" by Anthrax (1984) all lay claim to being early and influential examples of thrash metal.
" "It is worth noting that the exact lineage and origin of thrash metal are subject to debate. Some argue that Queen or other earlier bands might have started the trend in 1974, given the fusion of elements from both heavy metal and punk rock. Nevertheless, the first true thrash metal song remains a topic of discussion among fans and music historians.
" "Conclusion
" "The search for the first ever thrash metal song is part of a larger debate about the genre's origins. While several tracks and bands are widely recognized as key contributors to the development of thrash metal, the debate continues. The true genesis of thrash metal remains a mix of history, music, and personal preferences. Nonetheless, identifying these early contenders provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of this energetic and influential subgenre.