12 Most Brutally Heavy Metal Albums EVER

When it comes to thrash metal, it's almost expected for people to pick their favorites out of the Big Four. From the classic sound of Metallica to the more technically proficient leads of Megadeth, each band brings something different to the table that encapsulates everything great about the metal scene of the mid 80's. There may be more successful acts, but nothing gets more metal than Slayer.

Seemlessly blending the doomy riffs of metal with the frantic speed of hardcore punk, Slayer have created songs that still hold up as the heaviest in the genre to this day. While the band would have slower moments on Seasons in the Abyss, nothing has matched the absolute bludgeoning that comes with Reign in Blood.

Standing at a lean 29 minutes, this record is the epitome of everything great about thrash metal, from the demonic riffs of Kerry King to Dave Lombardo's frenetic double bass performance behind the drum kit. From a lyrical perspective, the album's true accounts of evil on "Angel of Death" look to throw you deep into the bowels of Hell. Even song titles like "Limb from Limb" should give you an idea of what you're in for. It might be short in length, but this record packs more punch than most metal bands could accomplish over 3 hours.