In 1980, the East Coast of North America experienced a massive culture clash of Punk, Disco, Stoner Music, New Wave and Heavy Metal. Frustrated by this Suburban identity crisis and fueled by "The New Wave of British Heavy Metal", a small group of energetic youths were unknowingly creating the most extreme music ever to assault global eardrums: THRASH METAL. One of the movements' most recognized pioneers was RAT SKATES.