What are some examples of some thrash bands that were active in the 80s & put out some great stuff but for one reason or another had a very small output, if not one album? The best examples I can think of are Morbid Saint, Wehrmacht & Overthrow. Is it me or was that kind of a common thing?

Blind Illusion comes to mind with their album 'The Sane Asylum', which has very positive reviews. They released another album in 2010 but from what I've read it's pretty bad.

Blind Illusion is a great example.

I checked out Blind Illusion, definitely solid prog thrash. Thx for the tip guys.

Midas Touch and Mezzrow from Sweden, DBC from Canada.

Flaming Anger. Four demos, and one album album 1997.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgDRqkDhNoE

Here's five killer bands from the states that only released one full length album...

Anvil Bitch
Cyclone Temple
Gammacide
Kublai Khan
Savage Thrust

Came out in '91, so technically not an 80s album...but I think Silence's only full-length output, Vision, is a pretty great thrash metal gem.
Unfortunately, it's also expensive to acquire, unless you're a download-only kinda guy.

What about Evildead? They were kind of on a roll. Two full lengths, 1 live, some EP's and they fizzled out. I believe a lot of thrash bands really started to get going and grunge came out. It was tough to make a living doing thrash as it was. Grunge came along and heavy metal seemed to be the enemy for a short time. A lot of these bands couldn't keep going for no profit. They got older, had a bitchy wife, bratty kids, next thing you know little Tommy needs braces. Sorry guys I have to leave our band "Accidental Spillage" and go make some money.

That album isn't so hot though. Worse than their demos IMHO.

I've checked out Mezzrow & DBC so far. I thought Mezzrow was reminiscent of early Metallica & DBC was more prog thrash. The rest also look very interesting & I'll get to them eventually. Thx for the responses everyone.

Mezzrow's debut came out in 1990.

Another band who only put out one studio album that I enjoyed was Acridity.

For Freedom I Cry was very solid melodic thrash metal in the vein of Testament and 1980s-era Metallica. It was released in 1991, though.

Cyclone Temple actually released two albums. People actually dislike the second one for the most part but I like them both. The debut has a fairly unique sound for a thrash band.

Aragon, and Apocalypse (from Switzerland). Both great bands

Apocalypse released two albums also if I recall correctly. With the second one being even better than the first one.

Exorcist, still appreciate this band.


Bruce

I would not consider Exorcist a "thrash" band per se but their record was indeed a great one.

If you consider them thrash Heretic released only one album ("Breaking Point") before their reformation. An excellent record at that!

I prefer the first Apocalypse album.

I discuss that album in one of my YouTube videos.

Funny thing about those Apocalypse albums. I should love the debut more as it is rawer and more "in your face". However I consider the tunes on the second one to be better compositions. The production is also better and I think the riffing is up to par. I can understand why one would prefer the debut - in most cases I would too.

Xentrix with Ghostbusters ?

ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT

Their first 2 albums are thrash classics, and their newest albums is pretty solid as well.

Agreed! The debut in particular is a classic with some of the best melodic thrash riffing this side of Heathen.