In a recent interview, Slayer’s iconic guitarist Kerry King offered his perspective on how the “Big 4” of thrash metal—Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer—have evolved over time and named the band that has remained the closest to their thrash metal roots. King, who is known for his fierce dedication to the genre, spoke candidly about the trajectory of these influential bands and the changes each has undergone throughout their careers.
The conversation took place during an interview with Nikki Blakk, a prominent metal journalist, where King provided insight into the state of thrash metal and reflected on the early days when these legendary bands were just starting to make waves in the heavy metal scene.
The Thrash Metal Origins of the ‘Big 4’
Kerry King denied the notion that Slayer was doing something entirely unique in the early 1980s when they were first gaining attention. Instead, he recognized that Metallica, Megadeth, and other thrash bands were also carving out their own paths in a similar vein.
“I don’t think we were doing something completely unique in the early ’80s,” King said. “Metallica, Megadeth, and others were doing something very similar. There was this collective energy, and we were all feeding off each other, contributing to the evolution of thrash metal.”
In the early days, thrash metal emerged as a response to the mainstream metal sounds of bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden, which leaned towards traditional heavy metal. Thrash metal was faster, more aggressive, and rawer. The “Big 4” bands helped define the genre with albums that pushed the boundaries of speed and intensity. Slayer’s Reign in Blood, Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Megadeth’s Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, and Anthrax’s Among the Living all became defining albums of the era.
Metallica’s Evolution: A Shift Towards Mainstream
As the conversation delved deeper into the history of the “Big 4,” King pointed out how Metallica took a much different direction than the other bands during the 1990s. “Obviously, Metallica went on a much more poppy trail than we did,” King explained, referencing the band’s shift toward a more mainstream, radio-friendly sound with the release of their 1991 self-titled album, often referred to as The Black Album.
The release of The Black Album marked a turning point for Metallica. With its slower tempos, more polished production, and commercial appeal, it was a departure from the band’s earlier, more aggressive thrash metal sound. Tracks like “Enter Sandman” and “The Unforgiven” became massive hits, catapulting Metallica to global superstardom but also distancing them from the thrash metal sound that had initially defined them.
Despite this shift, King praised Metallica for returning to their thrash roots in recent years. “They came back around,” King said, referring to Metallica’s more recent albums, particularly Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016), which features the song “Spit Out the Bone,” a track King singled out for its return to the band’s earlier thrash style. “I really like what they’ve been doing recently. ‘Spit Out the Bone’ is a great track.”
Slayer’s Legacy: The Thrashiest of the ‘Big 4’
When it came to his own band, King emphasized that Slayer remained true to thrash metal throughout their career, even as the other bands in the “Big 4” explored different musical directions. “As we matured and went our separate paths, we pretty much stayed the thrashiest of the ‘Big 4,’ I would say,” King stated confidently.
Slayer, often regarded as one of the heaviest and most uncompromising thrash metal bands, built a legacy around their fast, brutal sound. Albums like Reign in Blood and Seasons in the Abyss are hallmarks of the genre, showcasing relentless speed, complex riffs, and dark, controversial themes.
King was quick to point out that Slayer’s commitment to staying true to their thrash roots didn’t necessarily make them “better” than the other bands. “That didn’t make us better or anything, we’re just different,” he said, emphasizing that each band in the “Big 4” had its own path and sound.
Slayer officially retired from touring in 2019, marking the end of an era for one of the most important thrash metal bands in history. However, King’s reflections indicate that their musical legacy continues to influence the genre and that their place in the “Big 4” remains solidified in metal history.
Who Could Replace Slayer in the ‘Big 4’?
With Slayer no longer an active touring band, the inevitable question arises: Who could take their place in the “Big 4”? Over the summer, King was asked which modern metal band could potentially fill that void, and he didn’t hesitate to name Lamb of God.
“I don’t really know enough about 21st-century metal to speak too authoritatively on that, but I’d obviously pick Lamb of God, who we’re playing a bunch of shows with,” King said during the interview with Metal Hammer.
Lamb of God has often been mentioned as one of the successors to the “Big 4” due to their aggressive sound, technical prowess, and influence within the modern metal scene. The band’s consistency and dedication to pushing the boundaries of metal over the past two decades have made them a favorite among fans of heavier music.
“Beyond that, well, the other three of the Big 4 still play,” King added, referring to Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax, who continue to tour and release music. “Maybe I’ll be a bro and let Lamb of God take our spot up there with Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth.”
Slayer’s Continued Legacy and Recent Performances
Despite Slayer’s official retirement from touring in 2019, the band recently made a surprise return to the stage at Chicago’s Riot Fest in 2023, marking their first performance in four years. Fans were ecstatic to see the thrash legends back in action, and the performance reignited discussions about the possibility of future one-off shows.
However, their scheduled performance at Kentucky’s Louder Than Life festival was unfortunately canceled due to weather-related issues, leaving fans disappointed. Slayer has one more performance booked this year at the Aftershock festival in California, which has fueled speculation that the band could continue to make occasional appearances despite their formal retirement from touring.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Thrash Metal
As the metal community continues to evolve, the legacy of the “Big 4” remains firmly intact. Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax are still releasing music and touring, while Slayer’s influence endures through their recorded catalog and the occasional live performance.
King’s reflections on the evolution of the “Big 4” bands provide valuable insight into how each band has adapted to the changing musical landscape while staying true to their thrash metal origins. His endorsement of Lamb of God as a potential replacement for Slayer in the “Big 4” demonstrates his respect for the newer generation of metal bands carrying the torch.
In the end, Kerry King’s comments serve as a reminder that thrash metal’s legacy is still alive and thriving, and the “Big 4” will forever be remembered as pioneers of the genre that shaped heavy metal as we know it today.
