Nuclear Assault

Nuclear Assault were among thrash metal's most socially aware groups, making room for serious subject matter (and occasional goofs) in their careening speed metal riffing. They also remained closer to the world of hardcore than most of their peers, and at their late-'80s peak released some of the most uncompromising (albeit, interesting) thrash metal offerings of the time. Sadly, because they lacked any truly commercial material, Nuclear Assault would never reach the mainstream acceptance of a Metallica, Megadeth, or even Anthrax (of the Joey Belladonna yore. After performing on Anthrax' 1984 debut Fistful of Metal, bass player Danny Lilker decided to jump ship and search for a more aggressive outlet (if you can imagine that) for his music. Subsequent to a brief reunion of sorts with Anthrax pals Scott Ian and Charlie Benante, and ex-Psychos singer Billy Milano for the hugely influential S.O.D. opus Speak English or Die, Lilker formed Nuclear Assault with vocalist and guitarist John Connely (also briefly a member of Anthrax in its formative years) in 1985. Guitarist Mike Bogush and drummer Scott Duboys (who would later join Warrior Soul) only lasted a few months before being replaced by guitarist Anthony Bramante and ex-T.T. Quick powerhouse drummer Glenn Evans. One of the Big Apple's few challengers (along with Anthrax and Overkill) to the Bay Area dominance of all things thrash metal, Nuclear Assault became immediate contenders due to the cumulative sum of its parts -- not to mention, their extreme nature and their ability to back it up with solid musicianship. Produced by metal stalwart Alex Perialas, their first album, 1986's Game Over, was regarded as a breath of fresh air with its potent speed metal tinged with hardcore overtones. In the process, fans and critics...