🎤 The legendary “Big Four” debate—Metallica vs. Megadeth—just got a fiery new spark, courtesy of Slayer guitarist Kerry King. Never one to mince words, King recently jumped into the long-running thrash metal rivalry during an interview on the YouTube show Reigning TV, and he didn’t hold back on his former bandmate, Dave Mustaine.
King was directly quizzed on his preference between his fellow titans, and his answers were quick and decisive, albeit savage.
Sorry, Dave: James Hetfield Wins
The interview started with a simple, yet loaded, question: “James Hetfield or Dave Mustaine?”
King’s reply instantly cemented his loyalty: “James Hetfield. Sorry Dave, I know I played in your band, but I’m going with James.”
While King briefly played with Megadeth in 1984, his commitment ultimately remained with Slayer, who had just released their debut album, Show No Mercy, the year prior.
The Ultimate Insult: “Metallica Has a Singer”
The host quickly followed up with the ultimate thrash metal question: “Metallica or Megadeth?”
King’s response not only settled the score for him but also delivered a highly publicized jab straight at the Megadeth frontman’s vocal ability.
“Metallica,” King stated plainly, before adding the quip heard around the metal world: “I’m gonna be brutally honest, Metallica has a singer. Sorry, Dave!”
This comment reignites the famously volatile history between the bands and their leaders. While King has respect for Mustaine (who was famously a member of Metallica from 1981 to 1983 before founding Megadeth), his recent statement makes it clear where his musical allegiance lies. For Kerry King, the power and vocal stability provided by James Hetfield give Metallica the edge.
The debate rages on, but thanks to Kerry King, the phrase “Metallica has a singer” is the newest, most cutting entry in the thrash metal war of words.