thrash

A style of metal derived from speed metal like Motörhead and Judas Priest, influenced by hardcore punk such as Discharge and Bad Brains. Faster and more focused on rhythm than traditional heavy metal; the guitar riff is the absolute center of thrash metal, and many thrash bands (Dark Angel in particular) are famous for cramming as many riffs as they can into every song. Lyrics are primarily sociopolitical/(anti-)religious, or focused on mindless violence (often tongue-in-cheek); vocals have the widest range of any metal genre, from hardcore punk shouts to melodic singing to death metal growls. Thrash began in the early 80s; depending on who you ask, the first thrash band was Metallica, Exodus, Overkill or even Venom. Thrash is best enjoyed by headbanging or moshing.