Thirty years ago today, four kids from California took the stage at Radio City in Anaheim, California completely unaware that their band would one day be among the biggest in the world.

Exodus, Forbidden, Heathen and Possessed are just a few of the Bay-Area thrash bands who've signed up for a special tribute show to late Exodus vocalist Paul Baloff. The show, titled "Bonded By Baloff: A Decade of Rememberance," will take place Saturday, February 4 at the Oakland Metro Opera House.

While we're not sure about the long-term viability of the holiday, today seems as fitting a time as any to look at 11 essential thrash metal albums that any self-respecting metalhead will have in their record collection.

In a recent interview with The Quietus, Exodus guitarist Gary Holt revealed that one of his main motivations for filling in for injured Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman was being able to reconnect with Metallica lead guitarist and former Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammett.