POP LIFE EP. 30: WAS 1986 THE GREATEST YEAR FOR THRASH METAL? ft. Chris Kontos

THIS IS REVOLUTION ＞podcast

Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the explosive year of 1986—a year many consider the greatest in the history of thrash metal. We'll explore the rise of "The Big 4 of Thrash," the decline of punk (as well as hardcore starting to morph into crossover) as the dominant subgenre for disaffected youth, and how metal, especially thrash metal, began to roar into the mainstream. This was a year when Metallica gained significant exposure by touring with Ozzy Osbourne, and just a year after Motley Crue catapulted into the record-selling stratosphere. The "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" had established itself, transitioning from the "new" phenomenon to a major force in the arena circuit in the U.S. and beyond.

### Was 1986 the Greatest Year of Thrash Metal?

#### The Rise of "The Big 4 of Thrash"

1. **Metallica:**

- 1986 saw the release of Metallica's seminal album *Master of Puppets*, which is often hailed as one of the greatest metal albums of all time. The album's complex compositions, aggressive sound, and critical lyrics elevated thrash metal to new artistic heights. How did *Master of Puppets* influence the thrash metal genre and its acceptance in the mainstream?

- Metallica's tour with Ozzy Osbourne in 1986 was a pivotal moment for the band, exposing them to a broader audience. How did this tour help Metallica and thrash metal gain mainstream recognition?

2. **Megadeth:**

- Megadeth released their influential album *Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?* in 1986. The album's politically charged lyrics and technical prowess set it apart. How did Megadeth contribute to the evolution of thrash metal with this release?

- Discuss the impact of Dave Mustaine's previous association with Metallica and how it shaped Megadeth's sound and rivalry with Metallica.

3. **Slayer:**

- Slayer's *Reign in Blood* also debuted in 1986, known for its brutal speed, intensity, and dark themes. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album pushed the boundaries of thrash metal. What was the significance of *Reign in Blood* in establishing Slayer's reputation in the metal community?

- How did the album's controversial themes and aggressive style influence the thrash metal genre?

4. **Anthrax:**

- Anthrax released *Spreading the Disease* in late 1985 and followed it up with *Among the Living* in early 1987. Although slightly outside of 1986, these albums were critical in shaping their influence in the thrash scene. What role did Anthrax play in the diversification and popularization of thrash metal?

#### The Decline of Punk as a Dominant Subgenre

5. **Punk's Waning Influence:**

- By 1986, punk's initial wave had largely dissipated, giving way to more diverse subgenres and a shift in youth culture. How did the punk movement's decline create a space for thrash metal to rise?

- Discuss how the ethos of punk—its DIY spirit and rebellious attitude—continued to influence thrash metal bands, even as punk's mainstream presence waned.

6. **Anarchy vs. Apathy:**

- Punk had often been associated with anarchy and a rejection of societal norms, but by the mid-1980s, some elements of the punk scene had turned towards apathy and malaise. How did this shift affect punk's relevance to youth culture?

- Compare and contrast how thrash metal's more structured rebellion and complex musicianship offered a new outlet for disaffected youth.

#### Thrash Metal's Mainstream Breakthrough

7. **Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne Tour:**

- Metallica's tour with Ozzy Osbourne in 1986 was a significant boost for the band. How did Ozzy's endorsement and the exposure from the tour help solidify thrash metal's presence in the mainstream?

- Discuss the broader impact of established metal acts like Ozzy Osbourne and Iron Maiden embracing and supporting the thrash metal movement.

8. **Motley Crue's Success:**

- Motley Crue's rise to fame after opening for Ozzy Osbourne in 1985 set a precedent for other metal bands. How did this success pave the way for thrash metal bands to achieve similar mainstream breakthroughs?

- In what ways did the success of glam metal acts like Motley Crue contrast with the rise of thrash metal, and how did these two subgenres coexist in the mid-1980s?

#### The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)

9. **Cementing the Legacy:**

- By 1986, the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" (NWOBHM) had firmly established itself. Bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard were now major arena acts. How did NWOBHM influence the development of thrash metal?

- Discuss the transition of NWOBHM bands from new and emerging acts to established, influential forces in the global metal scene.

10. **Cross-Pollination of Genres:**

- How did the NWOBHM's success in the early 1980s pave the way for the thrash metal bands of the mid-1980s?

- In what ways did NWOBHM and thrash metal bands influence each other musically and culturally?

### Conclusion

1986 was indeed a landmark year for thrash metal, marked by iconic releases from "The Big 4" and significant mainstream breakthroughs. This year saw the decline of punk's dominance, as thrash metal emerged as the new voice of disaffected youth, blending punk's rebellious spirit with metal's technical prowess. As the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" transitioned into established arena acts, thrash metal began to carve out its own place in the mainstream, setting the stage for its enduring influence on the music landscape.

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