speed metal

TOXIC HOLOCAUST mutated into existence in 1999, when Joel Grind merged his love for classic punk and metal and the flash of L.A. hard rock into his ideal band. Like his influences - Bathory, Venom, Onslaught, English Dogs, Possessed, Broken Bones - TOXIC HOLOCAUST featured blazing riffs, gravel-throated vocals, and a deadly fixation on the evil in man and a post-apocalyptic world. Grind wrapped all of these elements up with a DIY attitude and begin writing and recording material almost instantly.

FORBIDDEN Forbidden was part of the second wave of thrash metal bands which arose from the bay area thrash scene (along with Testament, Death Angel, Vio-Lence, etc.). Through-out the 1980’s the thrash metal scene was bursting with talent and among the rhythmic collection a band that refused to be labeled in with the so called bay area sound. They were much more than just the next thrash band, they used odd signatures and melodies to create an original style all their own.

Overkill is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in New Jersey. The band has been active since 1984, releasing 16 studio albums, 2 EPs, 2 live albums and a "covers" album. The band also has a notable mascot (named Chaly), a skeletal bat with a skull-like face, bony wings, and green eyes. It has appeared on most of their album covers. Overkill has gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining the only consistent members. Along with Anthrax the band is one of the most successful East coast thrash metal bands.

DragonForce is a power metal band that was formed in 1999, from the remnants of black metal band Demoniac under the name of DragonHeart. However, the band soon changed its name to DragonForce before releasing any commercial albums due to possible commercial issues with Brazilian band DragonHeart. Their career began with publishing of songs on the first incarnation of MP3.com, claiming the top of the site's heavy metal charts. The hit song Valley Of The Damned reached over 500,000 downloads in the first few months.