Kerry King’s Bold Metallica vs. Megadeth Take
In the world of thrash metal, few debates ignite as much passion as Metallica vs. Megadeth. Both bands shaped the genre, but Slayer’s Kerry King has a clear favorite—and he’s not afraid to say why.
During a recent interview, King laughed, “Look, I love Dave [Mustaine], but Metallica just does it better for me. Sorry Dave!” His reasoning? One crucial element: the vocals.
The Vocal Showdown: Hetfield vs. Mustaine
King pinpointed James Hetfield’s voice as the key difference. “James’s voice is more powerful, more commanding,” he explained. “Dave’s snarl fits Megadeth, but James’s delivery is on another level. When you hear ‘Master of Puppets,’ that voice grabs you by the throat.”
Hetfield’s booming baritone has long been praised, while Mustaine’s raspy style divides fans. King’s take? Metallica’s vocals win.
Respect for Megadeth’s Riff Mastery
Despite his vocal preference, King acknowledged Mustaine’s genius. “Dave’s a riff machine—‘Holy Wars’ and ‘Symphony of Destruction’ are legendary,” he said. He also credited Mustaine’s early influence on Metallica: “Without Dave, you don’t get ‘The Four Horsemen.’”
Still, King argued Metallica’s consistency and evolution give them the edge. “They took thrash mainstream without losing their edge—at least for a while.”
The Big Four: Brotherhood and Rivalry
King’s comments highlight the long-standing dynamic among thrash’s “Big Four” (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax). While Mustaine’s feud with Metallica is well-documented, King stays diplomatic: “We’re all part of this thrash family. I’ll still blast ‘Rust in Peace’—just not as loud as ‘Ride the Lightning.’”
Fan Reactions: Thrash Loyalists Weigh In
Metal forums and social media erupted after King’s remarks. One fan tweeted, “Kerry’s right—Hetfield’s voice is unstoppable.” Another fired back: “Megadeth’s complexity > Metallica. Sorry, Kerry!”
Final Verdict: A Matter of Taste
For King, the choice is clear: “If I’m picking a desert island band? It’s Metallica. No offense, Dave—you know I love ya.”
The Metallica vs. Megadeth debate will never die, but King’s take adds fuel to the fire. Who’s your pick? Sound off in the comments!
