Vader

Vader is a thrashy Death Metal outfit from Poland. Originally formed behind the Iron Curtain, Vader started out with a fairly unique sound owing to the lack of outside influence. Vader's main focus, musically, is to convey the concept of War, although there are some fantasy concepts involved. With a style that is frantic and sometimes seemingly senseless, I think they succeeded.
*Personal Meditations: Another favorite of mine. However, the music sometimes loses its meaning amid the brutality. I would not recommend listening to Vader exclusively for long periods of time, as it is easy to get burnt out on them.*

The Ultimate Incantation (1993)
Litany (2000)
The Art Of War [EP] (2005)
Impressions In Blood (2006)

Lair of the Minotaur

Chicago's Lair of the Minotaur are a sludge band that combine elements of thrash and even some grind and hardcore influences into their brutal tales of epic monsters and heroes long dead. A very interesting band to listen to and the energy you'll gain with just one listen will have you wanting to go out and murder a hydra while battling Medusa all while trying to bang your head along with the pulverizing metal that's driven you into that state. Poetic, ain't I? While I may not be much on the history of this band (who formed from Chicago legendary grind/death outfit 7000 Dying Rats, btw) I do know how much ass they kick and how many beasts they pwn with their mythological broadswords of metal. Enjoy.

2004 Carnage
2006 The Ultimate Destroyer

Blade of the Ripper

Blade of the Ripper are also from my hometown of Louisville, KY. Featuring former Brothers of Conquest/Nashville Pussy member Adam Neal, Blade of the Ripper will take your ears and rape them with copious amounts of raw heavy metal fury. Their style can be described as pummeling classic thrash metal, and they almost have an old-school Venom vibe. Their antics on album are tame compared to the fury of a BotR live show. It is an intense experience that should be indulged in as often as necessary. If you see their name on the bill, for the love of satan please go.

Visit their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bladeoftheripper

2006 Blade of the Ripper

Skeletonwitch

Hailing from Athens, Ohio Skeletonwitch play a hybrid brand of Black/Death/Bay Area thrash metal. They are a band you've got to listen to and once you hear them you will be hooked. These guys tour regularly so it would behoove you to go see their show. You will re-live the glory days of thrash and the deal is sweetened by a blackened death metal twist that will have you pumping your fists long after their last riff ends.

2007 Beyond the Permafrost