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4 Bands Carrying the Torch of 80s Heavy Metal and Thrash in 2026

The sound of 80s heavy metal and thrash marks a unique era for the genre, and bands like Haunt and Inhuman Nature are keeping it alive.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher

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There’s nothing quite like the sound of 80s heavy metal and thrash. Two distinctive approaches to the genre, but sharing a lot of DNA.

Blending the abrasiveness of punk with the whiskey-fueled rock’n’roll of bands like AC/DC and Motörhead. As I’ll mention again later, even bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest—who have roots in the 70s—were transformed during the 80s, breaking ground on renovated sounds in the NWOBHM movement.

All this leads us to thrash and death metal, making for one epic, albeit unholy, decade of metal. So, how about we take a look at some 2026 bands who are keeping the torch lit for thrash and 80s metal.

Starting with a heavier band, you definitely need to know about Schizophrenia. Hailing from Belgium, these death-thrashers are very take-no-prisoners........

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