Riff Raff

Riff Raff (Germany) represents a specific niche of the 1990s European thrash metal scene. Formed in 1990, the band emerged during a transitional period for the genre, moving away from the high-speed precision of the 80s toward a grittier, more groove-oriented sound often associated with the 'post-thrash' movement.

Their discography, including 'Recently Deceased' (1993) and 'Cosmic Haze' (1995), showcases a sound defined by raw analog production and a focus on rhythmic density. Unlike their American contemporaries who were moving toward industrial or alternative influences, this Riff Raff maintained a traditionalist's grip on the power trio (or quartet) dynamic, emphasizing the physical impact of the electric guitar. Critically, they are viewed as a cult entity, often overshadowed by the more famous rapper of the same name, yet they remain a significant reference point for collectors of obscure European metal. Their 2019 return with 'One Minute in My Head' suggests a persistent creative arc that bridges their early 90s roots with modern, albeit still underground, production standards.