10 Criminally Underrated Thrash Metal Albums Of All Time

3. Paradox - Heresy

Looking for a history lesson?

Paradox have got you covered with this supremely composed epic centred on the Albigensian Crusade. All nine tracks on this masterpiece from the Teutonic thrash scene boast genre-breaking madness combined with spirited, often bloodthirsty lyrics.

Paradox fused the conventions of thrash with the sweeping scale of power metal, forming a distinctive sound unlike anyone else out there at the time. Their ground-shaking solos, melodic style and speed metal-influenced drumming provide an imaginative sensory beatdown for listeners.

While 'Heresy' did manage to bring Paradox some international recognition (something many from the Teutonic scene struggled to attain), it didn't amount to much. A key reason for this was Paradox not following it up for a whopping 11 years. By the time they finally made a comeback with 2000's 'Collision Course', the toothpaste was out of the tube.

The general lack of exposure during that time allowed this should-be GOAT contender in the thrash pantheon to fall by the wayside. As it stands, 'Heresy' is, at best, a cult favourite now. The tragedy here is that it does not get to enjoy the reputation it deserves as a trailblazing moment in what thrash could be when in the hands of top tier musical talent.