The Greatest Thrash/Black Metal Band of the 80's

[varzum]

Well to me there were so many good bands in the 80's,here is a list of my top contenders in no particular order;

celtic frost
hirax
sodom
bathory
possessed
(early)venom

Who is the best? Bathory of course!! Quorthon made great music right into the new millenium right up until his untimely death,something most bands of the 80's couldnt do(celtic frost)

[Psycho Circus]

If we're talking Thrash aswell as Black Metal, then I must mention a few of my favourites. Obvisously the "big four", although I don't think Metallica deserve to be included in that anymore, maybe Anthrax too? So, Slayer & Megadeth for sure.

To me, there was another "big four", a better one at that too; Overkill, Testament, Exodus & Metal Church. 

As for strictly "Black" Metal, then I'd have to go with Venom, Bathory and then Celtic Frost for being the true groundbreakers and innovators of that particular genre.

[Brother Ragnarok]

Let's not forget Sarcofago (although they barely make the cut, their first record was in '89) and Hellhammer.

If we're going the thrash route, no one beats Exodus.  Those dudes are still faster and meaner than everyone else.  Sadus and Destruction don't get much love, but they're pretty kickass as well.  If you want to hear how great a metal bass player can be, Steve Di Georgio's performance on Sadus's "Out for Blood" is incredible (he's also done some pretty amazing work with Vintersorg).

[Psycho Circus]

We must not forget Dark Angel & Onslaught either 

[diamondwaspvenom]

Mercyful Fate, Venom and Slayer are my definite picks for awesome Thrash/Black metal.
If only modern bands were more like this unholy trinity, the world would be a better place.