Malus Rex one to watch as they bash out frenetic thrash

They're one of the best hard-hitting Vegas bands that you probably haven't heard of just yet. Not only does Malus Rex boast one of the finest metal vocalists in town, an old school, upper register dynamo, but they also bash out some of the most frenetic thrash around. It's a combustible pairing of melody and malevolence that makes this bunch a band to watch. Read on as they break it down for us: What does Malus Rex sound like?

"We don't like to categorize ourselves. Come out to one of our shows and see for yourself."

Since you guys are something of an authority on the subject, how would you rank the following metal wailers: King Diamond, Dio, Matt Barlow, Tim "Ripper" Owens?

"That's a hard one, but we'd have to say 1) Dio 2) King Diamond 3) Tim 'Ripper' Owens 4) Matt Barlow (some of us disagree, though, that 'Ripper' should be in front of Matt Barlow).

"We chose Dio first, because, well, it's Dio, come on! King Diamond has his own unique and original vocal style, and he's just badass. 'Ripper' Owens can hit some pretty high notes and has a great attack. His time in Judas Priest and Beyond Fear were probably our favorite eras for 'Ripper.' Matt Barlow kicked so much ass in Iced Earth. He has a real broad vocal range and his voice sends chills down your spine whenever you hear him sing. Glad he's back with Iced Earth."

Thrash is back in a major way. For newbies to the scene, name five must-have classic thrash discs.

"In no particular order: Forbidden, 'Forbidden Evil'; Testament, 'Practice What You Preach'; Kreator, 'Pleasure To Kill'; Overkill, 'Taking Over'; and Sepultura, 'Beneath The Remains.' These are mainly our influences in the thrash genre. They all have a different style, amazing vocalists and insane guitarists. All of these bands bring a different feel to the genre. And they just straight up kick ass."

On your MySpace page, you instruct visitors to "hail the evil king." Who exactly are you referring to? Carrot Top?

"The Juggernaut! Just kidding. It's actually Malus Rex translated into English."

See Malus Rex at 6 p.m. Saturday at Sinister, 1700 E. Flamingo Road. Tickets are $10.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.