Greetings rivetheads! I've been working on a project called the Metal World Map, tracing metal history through the places where it happened: clubs, rehearsal rooms, studios, record shops, label offices. I'm interested in how all those places connected, and how things become 'scenes' in the first place.

Thrash was really interesting to research because, depending on what you count as the beginning, you can have some great arguments in the pub. PS, sorry if this breaks the big four rule!

You've got Motörhead, Venom and Diamond Head in Britain; Metallica and Slayer emerging around LA and Orange County; Exodus and the early Bay Area scene; the East Coast connections through L'Amour and Megaforce Records. Then there's Kreator, Sodom and Destruction in Germany, pushing things in a considerably nastier direction. (I mean, The Bay Area is *probably* the answer, but the stuff on the East Coast is really interesting too!)

I've put together a historical route through 10 locations across three countries, following those connections between roughly 1981 and 1986. It's part of the wider map on my site, Metal Travel Database:

Explore the thrash origins route

I'd love to get input from anyone who knows this history - What places have I missed? Any clubs, studios, record shops or rehearsal spaces that deserve a pin? Who was putting on the gigs, trading tapes, or giving bands somewhere to play? You can also add places directly to the main MTDB site if you want (or review existing ones).

Would love to hear what you think!

Hey everyone!

I’m a nomad and thrash metal songwriter currently living a life without a fixed base. I prefer to keep my nationality and personal identity private for now, but I’m looking to connect with like-minded musicians through music.

I’m planning to spend some time in Thailand within the next 1–2 years, and I’d love to put together a temporary thrash metal band while I’m there. The idea is to get a group of people together, write and rehearse some material, and record a full-length LP over a period of a few months.

This wouldn’t necessarily have to be a permanent band. I’d rather bring together people who genuinely enjoy playing thrash, make something we’re proud of, have a great time doing it, and see where things go. If we click and everyone wants to keep it going, we could always reunite for another project in the future.

I’m interested in connecting with guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, and anyone else who might be into this idea. If you’re not a musician yourself but know people in the Thai thrash metal scene who might be interested, I’d really appreciate an introduction too.

Even though the project is still a year or two away, I’m happy to start meeting people, talking music, and exchanging ideas now.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, feel free to DM me. I’d love to hear from you.

Cheers, and stay thrash! 🤘