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"Seeing Red" was originally released on Minor Threat's first 1981 self-titled EP. One of the most well-known and influential 80s hardcore punk bands. Fronted by Ian MacKaye, who would leader go on to be part of the seminal Fugazi. Prior to Minor Threat, MacKaye was a member of punk act Teen Idles. Remember Henry Rollins? He was a roadie for Teen Idles!

Look at that, yet ANOTHER 80s Washington, D.C., hardcore punk band! Void first came to punk prominence through the 1982 Faith/Void Split, released with fellow D.C.'ers The Faith (fronted by Alex MacKate, Ian's brother). Void's sound was marked by 1-minute (or under) blasts that hinted at a metal influence. This cut was originally recorded during the 1981 "Hit and Run" studio session.

Based out of Detroit, Negative Approach was delivering Stooges-inspired hardcore punk band with the gravel voiced John Brannon on vocals. This cut was included on NA's 1982 self-titled debut EP. Following his work with blues-punk act Laughing Hyenas, Brannon reformed NA and tours with the band. Tucson is a popular stop!

Over on the other side of America, Portland's Poison Idea were delivering a Black Flag/The Germs inspired brand of punk rock. Cut taken from the band's 1983 debut EP. The kings to pick - referenced in the EP titled - are Jesus Christ and Elvis Presley, with Presley's portrait appearing on the back of the release.

Debut LP from this Los Angeles hardcore punk band, whose sound inspired subsequent crossover (merging of punk and metal) and thrash bands. "Possessed to Skate" - released as "Possessed" on some copies - was a quasi-anthem in 80s skating culture. Tony Hawk can tell you all about it!

Metallica's 1983 debut LP - now cited as a staple of the thrash genre - was predominantly influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (Diamond Head, Venom, Blitzkrieg). The tempos, musical flourishes, and riffing introduced here would influence subsequent American bands in what would become known as thrash metal.

1984 debut LP from this hardcore punk band originally based out of Houston. Following some line-up changes in the mid-80s, Verbal Abuse adopted a heavier sound seeped in crossover thrash.

North Carolina crossover band formed in 1982 and still active. On their second studio LP, CoC blended their British heavy metal and American hardcore punk influences to create a crossover classic.

Hailing from Reno, Nevada, 7 Seconds would later describe its punk sound as hardcore New Wave. Which makes sense, as the band is linked to Nena's "99 Luftballons" via their fun cover included on this LP.

New York City's still burgeoning hardcore punk scene dates back to the 80s (count early Beastie Boys as part of it). Cro-Mags are one of the better known and influential acts from that 80s scene, having received late-night MTV airplay with this cut. Check out the music video below:

Third studio LP from the NYC thrash band, dedicated to the late Cliff Burton of Metallica. This title cut was inspired by a character from Stephen King's novel The Stand. Among the Living launched Anthrax to commercial success and saw them enter the conversation of top 80s thrash bands.

Hardcore punk band from Santa Cruz, CA. BL'AST! was part of the cities skate culture. Nick Oliveri (Kyuss, QOTSA) and Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) cite the band as an influence.

Don't let the name fool you. This band hailed San Antonio, TX. Title cut from the band's 1988 LP saw them lean into the crossover/thrash sound, having started out as a hardcore punk band in 1983. Some members of the band would go on to play on early Butthole Surfers recordings.

Thrash band based out of Phoenix. Unsurprisingly, have shared the stage with many bands heard tonight: Cro-Mags, Suicidal Tendencies, Corrosion of Conformity, and more!

Final 1988 studio LP from this New York crossover band. Borrowed elements from the 80s NYC hardcore scene and thrash to create its sound.

Long-lasting thrash band from California, having formed in 1979. Solid thrash album through-and-through, so not a bad place to start if you're exploring the genre. This cut was inspired by the infamous 1980 New Mexico State Penitentiary Riot.

Another influential NYC hardcore punk band. On this release, the band previewed the hardcore punk stylings that would define the region's sound in the '90s.

Thrash band from California. On their third studio LP, Death Angel showcased their technical proficiency that set them apart from other thrash peers (especially on the acoustic number, which likely was met with confused looks from fans of the band!).

Opening cut from the fourth studio LP from the thrash legend and last to future the original line-up. Despite the band's influence and countless imitators, Slayer's sound is distinctly its own and instantly recognizable.

Hardcore punk band from New Jersey. This cut was first included on the band's 1990 debut LP Remain Sedate. Best known for their cover of King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man". Why is the mix so low, though!?

Another early 90s NYC hardcore punk band. Internal band issues led by a revolving door of members didn't allow the band to gain much traction outside of NYC and select part of Europe. Shame, since their sound made early 90s NYC hardcore punk accessible.

Yes, this is quite the time jump (and for the best, trust me). Debut LP from this short-lived Boston-based hardcore punk band. Aggressive yet a fun listen. What a dichotomy!

Crossover/thrash supergroup of sorts, featuring members of Municipal Waste, Canabis Corpse, and other bands. Debut LP from the band and one of the better crossover/thrash albums of the last decade or so.

Second studio LP from this San Diego hardcore punk band, with several members previously part of the controversial band The Locust.

One of the better known modern thrash bands, heard here on their debut LP. Along with the obvious influences, members of the band cite post-punk legends Killing Joke and Siouxsie & the Banshees as influences. Unfortunately, the future of the band is uncertain, as frontman Riley Gale passed away in 2020.

Hardcore punk band fronted by Keith Morris of Black Flag/Circle Jerks fame. Slated to release a new LP later this year and will be playing in Tucson in support. Check out the official music video for "Hypnotized" below starring David Yow of The Jesus Lizard fame:

Modern NYC hardcore punk with a melodic twist. One of the better 2022 hardcore albums to come out not just from NYC, but the entire US.

Latest release from this Virginia-based crossover thrash band with the now-obvious influences. Fun, catchy records. Municipal Waste will be playing at the Rialto Theatre on Monday, August 15th!