In the fiery realm of thrash metal, where bands like titans clash in epic battles of riffs and rebellion, Kerry King of Slayer just ignited a fresh powder keg by choosing Metallica over Megadeth – and he didn't hold back with a sharp jab at Dave Mustaine's singing chops! If you're new to this scene, picture the 'Big 4' as the undisputed heavyweights of thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, each wielding immense influence since the 1980s. Their legacies are built on blistering speed, complex compositions, and a raw energy that defined a genre. But here's where it gets controversial – Kerry's picks in a recent interview are bound to ruffle some feathers among die-hard fans.
During a chat on the YouTube series Reigning TV with host Vanessa B, Kerry King teamed up with Mark Osegueda, the vocalist for Death Angel and Kerry's own band. They faced a series of tough choices between iconic bands and musicians, kicking off with a showdown between Metallica's James Hetfield and Megadeth's Dave Mustaine. Mark jumped in right away, shouting 'Het!' Kerry chimed in, backing James Hetfield with 'James Hetfield. Sorry, Dave, I know I played in your band, but I'm going with James.' For those just tuning in, this nod to history refers to Kerry's short stint in Megadeth right after Dave was kicked out of Metallica, a brief alliance that added to the tangled web of thrash metal lore.
And this is the part most people miss – when the question escalated to 'Metallica or Megadeth?' Mark didn't hesitate, blurting out 'Tallica!' Kerry seconded that with 'Metallica,' but as the host moved on, he couldn't resist adding, 'Hang on, hang on, I'm gonna be brutally honest: Metallica has a singer. Sorry, Dave.' Ouch! It's a bold claim that pits vocal styles against each other, potentially sparking debates on whether Dave's distinctive growl holds its own or if James's broader range gives Metallica an edge. The duo also weighed in on other legends, like Bon Scott versus Lemmy Kilmister, Anthrax against Testament, and even Slayer versus Venom – you can catch the full showdown in the video below.
Shifting gears to some exciting updates in the metal world, Megadeth has dropped a bombshell announcement: they're releasing one last album and hitting the road for a farewell tour. And get this – as a nod to their thrash roots, the album will include a cover of Metallica's iconic track 'Ride the Lightning,' blending rivalry with respect in a way that's sure to intrigue fans.
On the flip side, Slayer is gearing up to headline the very first Texas leg of the Sick New World festival, set for October 2026. It's a perfect opportunity for fans to witness Kerry and his bandmates unleash their signature intensity live.
Now, let's stir the pot a bit – is Kerry's zinger about Dave Mustaine's vocals fair game, or does it unfairly dismiss the raw power of Megadeth's frontman? Could this be seen as a sneaky dig at a former collaborator, or just honest opinion in the heat of metal rivalries? What do you think – does Metallica truly dominate Megadeth, or is Dave underrated? We'd love to hear your takes in the comments – agree, disagree, or share your own favorite Big 4 moments!
