Bloodlust

Bloodlust is a seminal figure in the 1980s California thrash and speed metal scene, most notably associated with the legendary Metal Blade Records. Formed in 1983, they epitomize the US Power Metal (USPM) transition into thrash, characterized by high-tempo compositions and aggressive vocal delivery.

Their 1985 debut, 'Guilty as Sin', remains a cult classic, showcasing a sound that influenced the burgeoning extreme metal landscape. Despite a brief hiatus and lineup changes, their legacy is preserved through reissues that highlight their role in the mid-80s metal explosion. Their sound is defined by analog grit and a DIY aesthetic that contrasts with the later, more commercialized thrash of the 1990s. Critically, they are viewed as a 'missing link' between the NWOBHM influence and the more violent sounds of early Slayer or Metallica. They remain a staple for collectors of rare 80s metal and those interested in the foundational years of American speed metal.