8 Underrated Technical Thrash Metal Bands That Deserved World Domination

Here are eight severely underrated technical thrash metal bands that every headbanger needs to know.

Now, listen: Technical thrash was not exactly a widespread musical phenomenon that spawned tons of chart-topping bands. Even within the confines of thrash, it maintained a cult popularity and many of its best bands had fairly brief careers.

So really, when we say underrated technical thrash metal bands, we're basically just saying good technical thrash metal bands with the exception of Voivod and Annihilator, who both enjoyed modest commercial success and have sustained decades-long careers, as well as a couple of Megadeth's most musically advanced eras.

READ MORE: The 5 Best Technical Thrash Albums (Ranked)

Why These Great Technical Thrash Bands Struggled to Break Out

The technical thrash bands on this list failed to thrive commercially for a variety of reasons. Some of them were doomed by location: As thrash exploded on both U.S. coasts, these bands struggled to find their footing in Europe or, even worse, the Midwest.

Others had promising starts but failed to maintain their momentum, subsequently getting dropped from their labels or disbanding due to frustration and a lack of resources.

And frankly, some of these bands just went over people's heads.

Although technical thrash didn't spawn a slew of successful bands, it had a major influence on other subgenres — notably technical death metal. Death leader Chuck Schuldiner cited Watchtower, arguably the true progenitors of technical thrash, as a big influence on his own band — and if it's good enough for Chuck, it's good enough for you, dammit.

We hope you see some bands you already know and love while also finding some new gems on the following list of eight severely underrated technical thrash metal bands.

Want more thrash? Check out our list of every thrash metal "Big 4" album ranked worst to best (we're still letting the new Megadeth album sink in first, though): 

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