DEAD METAL

Nuclear Assault was formed by Dan Lilker in 1984, following his departure from  Anthrax . Handled With Care is the underrated New York band's third full-length, released in 1989. It was their finest hour in commercial terms; and quite possibly creative terms as well. Socio-political messages aplenty, as you might have guessed from the cover; but also a healthy dose of humour. Hardcore and speed metal influences, and an often-quite-high-pitched vocal style that won't be for everyone. Thirty years later, the album still holds up. Spend some time with it if you are unfamiliar. You can listen to the opening track below, and pick up a copy here .

These German thrash metal legends should need no introduction. Their fifteenth (and most recent) full-length (released on Steamhammer/SPV) is Decision Day. Thirty-five years into their career, it is one of the strongest Sodom releases to date and tops the 2016 efforts from their contemporaries - Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Testament, Death Angel... Highlights include Rolling Thunder, Strange Lost World, Belligerence and the title track; but it's a very solid effort front to back. The production is also very solid, which can't be said of all Sodom records. Bassist and vocalist Tom Angelripper is the only consistent feature of the band, which has had a high turnover of members over the years. Decision Day features superb guitarist Bernemann, and drummer Makka - who both departed in 2018 - Makka after 8 years, Bernemann after an impressive 22 years. History, and November's Partisan EP , demonstrate that Sodom will always be a force to be reckoned with; but this ...

13th February - Fossilization  ( Brazil, death-doom ) - Advent Of Wounds   ( Everlasting Spew ) 14th May - Nedgravd  ( Norway, death metal ) - Ascension   ( Headsplit ) 28th August - Static Abyss  ( US, death-doom ) - The Dying Hunt   ( Peaceville ) 18th September - Anthrax  ( US, thrash metal ) - Cursum Perficio   ( Megaforce/Nuclear Blast )

All obvious choices here. Underrated thrash will no doubt be featured in due course, but for anyone new to the genre... Sepultura - Arise ( Roadrunner, 1991 ): Slayer  -  Reign in Blood  ( Def Jam, 1986 ): Slayer - South of Heaven ( Def Jam, 1988 ): Slayer - Seasons in the Abyss ( Def American, 1990 ): Kreator  -  Coma of Souls  ( Noise International, 1990 ): Megadeth  -  Rust in Peace  ( Capitol, 1990 ): Metallica  -  Ride the Lightning  ( Megaforce, 1984 ): Metallica - Master of Puppets ( Elektra, 1986 ): Metallica  -  And Justice for All   ( Elektra, 1988 ): Anthrax  -  Persistence of Time  ( Island/Megaforce, 1990 ):

More suggested listening, for anyone that is new to the genre. Sepultura - Beneath the Remains ( R/C, 1989 ): Slayer - World Painted Blood ( American, 2009 ): Kreator - Extreme Aggression ( Noise International, 1989 ): Kreator - Enemy of God ( Steamhammer, 2005 ): Kreator - Gods of Violence ( Nuclear Blast, 2017 ): Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction ( Capitol, 1992 ): Anthrax - Among the Living ( Island/Megaforce, 1987 ): Metallica - Kill 'Em All ( Megaforce, 1983 ):

Sodom - In The Sign Of Evil ( Devil's Game, 1984 ) Anthrax - Spreading The Disease ( Megaforce, 1985 ) Sodom - Obsessed By Cruelty ( Steamhammer, 1986 ) Megadeth  -  Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?   ( Capitol, 1986 ) Megadeth  -  So Far, So Good... So What!  ( Capitol, 1988 ) Forbidden - Twisted Into Form ( Combat/Under One Flag, 1990)