In the realm of rock music, fans have always enjoyed debating iconic rivalries, such as the likes of Blur versus Oasis or The Beatles against The Rolling Stones. One of the most enduring and contentious feuds in heavy metal, however, centers around Metallica and Megadeth, a rivalry that Slayer guitarist Kerry King recently discussed.
The roots of the Metallica and Megadeth feud trace back to the early 1980s when Dave Mustaine, who would later found Megadeth, was originally a guitarist for Metallica. In a turn of events that would shape metal history, Mustaine was dismissed from the band just prior to the release of their 1983 debut album, “Kill ‘Em All,” due to issues with substance abuse. Subsequently, Kirk Hammett took his place, and Mustaine formed Megadeth later that same year. While Megadeth has not reached the same commercial success as Metallica, it has remained a fierce competitor within the thrash metal scene, alongside Slayer and Anthrax—collectively known as the ‘Big Four’.
In a recent interview with Reigning TV, King shared his perspectives on this musical rivalry, alongside Death Angel’s Mark Osegueda. When asked to choose between James Hetfield of Metallica and Dave Mustaine from Megadeth, both ultimately favored Hetfield. King stated, “James Hetfield… I know I played in your band, but I’m going with James.” The conversation evolved from there, as King also compared various iconic frontmen, bringing a light-hearted yet competitive edge to the discussion.
Continuing their debate, the pair tackled the preference between Metallica and Megadeth as the preeminent thrash band. “I’m gonna be brutally honest, Metallica has a singer,” King remarked, humorously underscoring his preference for the former.
Despite the historic tensions that have flared between the two camps, it appears that Metallica and Megadeth are currently on better terms. Former grievances were scrutinized during the filming of the documentary “Some Kind Of Monster,” and in a notable joint performance during the Big Four tours of 2010 and 2011, the rival bands shared the stage. More recently, Mustaine announced that Megadeth’s forthcoming album would be their last, featuring a cover of Metallica’s classic track “Ride The Lightning.” Mustaine stated, “As I come full circle on the career of a lifetime… was to pay my respects to where my career first started.”
Moreover, Mustaine reflected on the complex personal dynamics with Hetfield, expressing a desire to rebuild their friendship by hanging out and enjoying music together. “I know I would like to hang out and listen to new music and goof off… maybe we’re all too old,” he mused.
This ongoing narrative not only highlights the fierce competition between these iconic metal bands but also showcases a hopeful possibility for reconciliation and mutual respect in the future. As both groups continue to evolve, fans remain captivated by their storied history and the potential for new connections.