Verified answer

As a critique of the era ,initially most thrash/speed metal fans found them to lean too much towards glam to be considered a serious thrash metal band. Also their debut LP was not that good compared to others out at the time and their following releases were disregarded/overlooked . I was part of the scene back then and remember all of the early promo material sent out to the press had the band looking pretty rather than looking like thrashers. No one took them seriously (at least nationally). Remember ,there was a lot of stiff competition back then. By the time they developed their thrash identity in the late 80s it was too late and sleaze / hair metal ruled the scene, and metal fans of the era already had an opinion one way or another. This band still enjoys a large cult following even to this day and probably will for some time to come.

They're just totally overshadowed by Metallica and Megadeth so, like so many other great bands they fall trampled in the wrack of Metal history. It's a shame as always

MA: Shot To Hell has always been my favorite

BA: Flotsam & Jetsam, Annihilator, Sacred Reich, Armored Saint

Annihilation principle is beastly I love Laaz Rockit. They're overlooked probably because people are too lazy to look past the big four when they look for thrash.

BQ: Xentrix, Overkill, Flotsam & Jetsam, Vio-lence, Sacrifice

I think they are overlooked...but also, i am familiar with their work and it doesn't stand out from other thrash bands (too me anyways). Do they put out good quality thrash? sure, but i don't think they are special

BA: all are known (except maybe powermad)...but not really mentioned alot

Powermad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxyXDNARzBg

Holy Moses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryh42sGDY2s

Razor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gO2G21Ucqk

Forbidden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55fMm-cSFBQ

Morbid Saint

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHulWnPnda8

***sure, I'm not denying that they weren't influential in that time period. I for one, just don't think they are all that great for my tastes. Same with Exodus (not that they are overlooked), but I just don't really like their style.

None of the bands I listed were overly influential...but I think they put out quality albums that aren't listened to by that many people (i.e., overlooked)

MA: I do like them. I have three of their Cds, City's Gonna Burn, Annihilation Principle, Left For Dead. I did not care for Left For Dead but Annihilation Principle is pretty amazing. I just do not think they were consistent enough through their career to make a larger impact.

BA: Here are a few that I feel should have received more recognition.

Realm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM47vz9JDGY

Xentrix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT4KJc0xths

Toxik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyWVgT6s_RQ

Wrathchild America/Souls At Zero

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXF6q3cUsR4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiBqk0QVLPY

I listened to Last Breath and thought it was great! Thanks for showing them to me. Also, I don't really have an answer to your question, but they could be overshadowed by the more commercially successful thrash metal bands

BQ: Annihilator

MQ: They are very overlooked.

BQ: Ulysses Siren, Watchtower maybe.