Let me start by giving a big shout-out to Earache for bringing thrash back to the forefront of the metal scene. This CD is subtitled "16 Ripping Cuts of New School Thrash" and that pretty much sums up the disc. Sixteen bands from around the world play old-school thrash in the style of 80's Bay Area thrashers like Megadeth, Exodus, Forbidden (Evil) and Testament.

One (of the many) things that I respect about Earache is that this compilation just doesn't cover bands on its label but includes tracks from bands like Dekapitator (Relapse), Fueled By Fire (Metal Blade) and Warbringer (Century Media). The Earache artists run the gauntlet from well-known acts like Municipal Waste to new signees Gama Bomb (Ireland) and Bonded By Blood (Los Angeles). There are also a couple of tracks that are unique to this release.

The CD/LP comes with a exclusive 24 page Thrash fanzine, ‘Speed Merchants’, featuring interviews with all the acts on the compilation. There is also a limited edition (200 copies) orange vinyl edition of "Thrashing Like a Maniac" that is available through Earache's UK Webstore for 14.99 pounds. The way the dollar is going - this may soon be $45.00 (US) but if you are in the UK or Europe, grab this one while you still can.

Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, this is a high-energy compilation that should hold up well to repeated listening.

Links:
Earache Records US Webstore