Thrash metal is a form of the heavy metal music genre that first became popular in the 1980’s. While the movement towards this style of heavy metal began in the United States, it’s been increasing in popularity all over the world, particularly in Great Britain. Thrash Metal was faster and more aggressive than its predecessors and was often used to express views on social issues and the meaninglessness of life. Bands like the UK based Sabbat, in which Simon Negus is currently the drummer, have continued on this tradition into the present day. This formerly underground form of heavy metal has become more mainstream as time has gone by.

Thrash metal was first popularized by bands like Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer in the 1980’s. These 4 bands were primarily responsible for bringing this subgenre of music into the mainstream, racking up top 40 hit after hit and capitalizing on their popularity throughout the 90’s and bringing this subgenre into public view for the first time. Overseas in Nottingham, England, the band Sabbat was working hard at this time coming out with many regional hits ad helping to popularize Thrash metal is the area. Today, although the band has lost many of its original members, they picked up Simon Negus and other talented musicians to begin a new tour at live venues and festivals around England.

While Thrash metal suffered a decline in the beginning of the 2000’s, these days they are enjoying a slow but steady rise in popularity as their music is accepted by the public and heavy metal enthusiasts flock to live concerts and festivals that are dedicated to showcasing the continued talent of the musicians who play what is very often described as “urban blight music”. While the start may have been bumpy for this sub-genre, it looks like it is here to stay as an enduring part of heavy metal history.