I've never been all that crazy about EXODUS's "Bonded By Blood". I like it, but I'd much rather listen to HEATHEN's "Breaking The Silence". As for MERCYFUL FATE I really think its almost all down to King's vocals. I like them, but I can understand some people just cannot take it....

"To The Last Breath" by ZNOWHITE.

I like my female singers on the "pissed off" side, and I've always loved Nicole Lee's voice. She's a rager and that song is a great opening track. She's great on the early ZOWHITE stuff as well.

Oops/ What I actually wanted to know was what were the best bay-area thrash albums from bands outside the bay. AGONY - "The First Defiance" would fit that bill - as would MEZZROW's - "Then Came The Killing". I'd also go for the RE-ANIMATOR (UK) first mini-lp and their debut (&qu...

Have not heard it years (though I do own it) but I recall the HELLHOUND Ice Age cd re-issue that High Vaultage put out a long time ago being pretty vintage METALLICA influenced.