Dave Mustaine Reveals His Picks for Thrash Metal’s New ‘Big Four’

Megadeth vocalist Dave Mustaine has named Testament, Trivium, Overkill and Exodus as the bands he considers thrash metal’s modern “Big Four.”

The 65 year old musician’s band formed part of the original “Big Four” during the 1980s alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax. However, he believes another group of artists could now lead the genre forward.

During an appearance on Czech music television channel Ocko, he explained: “Well, it wouldn't be a young generation, but I do believe that there are ways to do a new 'Big Four'.”

“I think that Testament, I think Overkill, I think Exodus, and maybe Trivium; I don't know.”

“Trivium's not really a thrash metal band, so I'd have to think about that. But I think those other three guys would be really great.”

Mustaine especially enjoys sharing the stage with Testament and also considers Overkill an essential part of the East Coast metal community.

He continued: “Overkill is really important on the East Coast metal scene. Exodus, of course, I love Exodus. And I've been friends with Gary [Holt, Exodus guitarist] longest of all people that I've been friends with in the music industry.”

“And Testament. Eric [Peterson, Testament guitarist], Alex [Skolnick, Testament guitarist], those guys are really great guitar players. And I love when we get a chance to play with the band.”

Megadeth’s time in the thrash metal world is nearing its conclusion, however, as the band will begin its farewell tour next year.

Dave previously explained that the band’s final series of concerts will serve as a “true celebration of metal” instead of becoming an emotional farewell.

He shared in a statement: “This isn't about saying goodbye. It's about celebrating everything we've built together over the last four decades. Every city has its own story, every crowd has given us unforgettable memories, and we want to come back to celebrate that with the fans who made it all possible.”

“When we started talking about this tour, we wanted it to be a true celebration of metal. Black Label Society and Testament are bands we have tremendous respect for, and having them join us makes these shows even more special.”

“This line-up represents decades of heavy music, and it's going to be an incredible night for the fans.”