Southern thrash metal

 is a regional scene of thrash metal music that was centered in the during the 1980s. Though not as large or well known as the Bay Area, East Coast, Brazilian and European thrash movements, it was notable for introducing influences from southern rock and outlaw country into the thrash metal genre. Despite the conservative roots of the originating region, the scene tended to be more egalitarian and nonpartisan than the main thrash metal scenes in North America, which were known for rallying against the conservatism of the Reagan administration.

History
Two bands influential to southern thrash metal were The Outlaw Angels (from ) and Assassination (from ), which began as hardcore punk/outlaw country/southern rock fusion groups. After hearing 's Ride the Lightning album, both bands soon changed their sound within a matter of weeks to their new and permanent sound. Their styles featured raspy, southern-rock style vocals, palm muted guitar riffs, and frantic double bass drumming.