 Kill ' Em All , as the first thrash metal album released in the US , had substantial impact on the emerging scene and inspired numerous bands with its aggression and austere seriousness . Guitarist Kerry King acknowledged Slayer was still finding its sound while Metallica had already determined its image and musical identity . Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian was impressed by the album 's heaviness and songwriting , and said it influenced him as much as the albums by Iron Maiden . Dream Theater 's drummer Mike Portnoy observed that Kill ' Em All surpassed the NWOBHM bands in terms of sheer velocity and cited Burton 's bass solo as the album 's peak . Guitarist Ulf Cederlund of Swedish black metal band Morbid cited " Motorbreath " and " Metal Militia " as songs that influenced him as a young musician . Kill ' Em All was ranked at number 35 on Rolling Stone 's list of The 100 Greatest Albums of the ' 80s . Additionally , the album placed at number 54 on " The 100 Best Debut Albums of All Time " , a list compiled by the same magazine . Kerrang ! listed the album at number 29 among the " 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time " . In 2010 , Consequence of Sound ranked it number 94 among its " Top 100 Albums Ever " . 
