Sauron

This is the sound of the metal underground at its most feral. Sauron (specifically the US blackened thrash entity) specializes in a high-velocity collision between the grim atmosphere of early black metal and the neck-snapping rhythms of 80s thrash. It is music that feels perpetually on the verge of spinning out of control, held together by a relentless d-beat and guitars that sound like they were recorded through a blown-out stack in a garage.

What sets them apart is their commitment to the 'first wave' aesthetic. While modern black metal often leans into atmospheric or symphonic textures, Sauron keeps the focus on the riff. The vocals are a caustic rasp that cuts through the muddy mix, and the songwriting favors short, punchy bursts of violence over long-winded epics. It is music that prioritizes momentum and grit over technical perfection.

Start with 'Thrash Assault' if you want to understand the foundational energy of the blackened thrash revival. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who thinks black metal needs more speed and thrash needs more darkness. It is loud, ugly, and unapologetically primitive.