The Thrashers, ‘Nine’ — New Album

Even if the Thrashers aren't the best-performing metal band on the planet, they're most likely the youngest. All of the members are 9-year-olds, and if they keep at it, they just might be the greatest group to ever rock the planet before they exit their teens.

The San Francisco band will play its first Los Angeles gig on March 20 at the Whisky a Go Go at a record release party for its debut disc 'Nine.' The Thrashers will be opening for Bang Tango and BulletBoys.

Five songs from the album can be streamed, including a cover of Stevie Wonder's 'Higher Ground.' And while the kids would clearly benefit from ProTools (especially on the drums), they're off to hell of a good start, whether playing trudging metal in the vein of Black Sabbath or flashy blues rock redolent of The Runaways.

The Thrashers were formed in Pacifica, Calif. by twin brothers Nick (bass and vocals) and Chris Rigling (drums). They were soon joined by former day care classmates -- guitarists Geddy Franco and Charles Rutledge and keyboardist Brandon Lurie -- and first raised eyebrows with a cover of Deep Purple's 'Smoke on the Water,' which they performed at the Ortega Elementary talent show.

They might not be ready yet for sex and drugs, but the Thrashers have certainly discovered rock 'n' roll.