Metallica were the thrash metal kings up until the black album. But over all, i went with Testament. Even after the 80's they cranked out some awesome thrash, like "Souls Of Black", "Low" and especially "The Gathering". Exodus kick ass as well. If Death Angel kept sounding like they did on "The Ultra-Violence", they'd win. Fobidden is good, but the only great album they came out with was "Forbidden Evil". "Twisted Into Form" sucked. Heathen definately deserves more credit than they get, they're awesome. Vio-Lence is up there with Exodus in my opinion, in the way that both bands came out with some great stuff, but also relaesed some absolute crap. But i went with Testament.