When it comes to the enduring rivalry between Metallica and Megadeth, Slayer’s Kerry King has weighed in with his thoughts on these thrash metal icons. The roots of this rivalry date back to 1981 when Dave Mustaine, the future founder of Megadeth, was ousted from Metallica due to substance abuse issues. This led Mustaine to form Megadeth with a determination to create a band that could rival and surpass his former group.
Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success as Metallica, Megadeth has solidified its place as a formidable competitor in the thrash metal scene. Alongside Slayer and Anthrax, these bands form the ‘big four’ acts of thrash metal. Kerry King, who briefly played with Megadeth in 1984 during a challenging period for Slayer, recently shared his perspective on these iconic bands and their frontmen.
In a conversation with Death Angel’s Mark Osegueda, King and Osegueda were asked to choose between Metallica’s James Hetfield and Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine as their preferred frontman. Both musicians opted for Hetfield, citing his contributions and stage presence. King expressed his admiration for Hetfield, acknowledging his preference over Mustaine despite his past involvement with Megadeth.
The discussion extended to comparisons between other rock legends, such as AC/DC’s Bon Scott and Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister. King highlighted the impact of having two iconic singers in a band like AC/DC. The conversation culminated in a comparison between Metallica and Megadeth as the quintessential thrash metal outfit, with King candidly acknowledging Metallica’s edge due to their frontman.
Throughout the years, tensions between Metallica and Megadeth have fluctuated, with occasional reconciliations and collaborations. Despite past conflicts, recent developments have shown signs of mutual respect and camaraderie between the two bands. Megadeth’s decision to include a cover of Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning” on their final album signifies a symbolic gesture of respect and nostalgia for their shared history.
As Metallica embarks on their Australian tour, and Megadeth gears up for their last album release, the music world reflects on the legacy of these iconic bands and the impact of their rivalry. Mustaine’s contemplation on his relationship with Hetfield and the evolution of their dynamic over time adds a poignant layer to the narrative of these legendary musicians.
While fans continue to debate the merits of Metallica versus Megadeth, the influence and significance of both bands in shaping the landscape of heavy metal music remain undeniable. As the thrash metal genre continues to evolve, the legacy of these iconic bands and their enduring rivalry will undoubtedly be a topic of fascination and discussion for years to come.
📰 Related Articles
- Kerry King Rules Out New Slayer Album, Focusing on Solo Career
- Zach King Breaks TikTok Record with Viral Magic Video
- Veterans Twal and Marshall Reflect on NRL Rivalry Intensity
- Unearthing Slayer’s Hidden Gems: A Tribute to Metal Legends
- Trainer Mike Reed Confident in Water Lou’s Kerry Clarke Bid