In a revealing conversation, Slayer’s Kerry King shares why he sides with Metallica over Megadeth. His comments highlight the impact Metallica had on his early years, the challenges of working with Dave Mustaine, and why Metallica’s unity and legacy still stand apart today.
Kerry King Chooses Metallica Over Megadeth: His Honest Perspective
When Slayer legend Kerry King recently spoke about his feelings toward two of thrash metal’s biggest bands, he made headlines for declaring his preference for Metallica over Megadeth. The guitarist, who played briefly with Dave Mustaine’s Megadeth in the early 1980s, revealed that while he respects both groups, Metallica had a deeper, lasting influence on him — both musically and personally.
In this article, we explore King’s reasons for choosing Metallica, his reflections on Mustaine, and how this revelation fits into the wider history of metal’s “Big Four.”
How Metallica Inspired Kerry King’s Career
Kerry King has often credited Metallica as a major influence on his early musical development. Long before Slayer reached international fame, King was watching Metallica perform in the early 1980s and was, in his own words, “blown away by their energy and precision.”
He recalls,
“Metallica certainly influenced me. They were ahead of everyone else at that time — maybe a year or more ahead of Slayer.”
That early exposure helped shape Slayer’s aggressive sound, and King has always acknowledged that Metallica’s tight musicianship and songwriting pushed him to elevate his own playing.
Even decades later, he admits that the band’s early albums, especially Kill ’Em All and Ride the Lightning, left a permanent mark on the thrash metal genre — one that continues to inspire new generations of guitarists.
Kerry King’s Short Time in Megadeth
While King’s admiration for Metallica is clear, his experience with Megadeth was far more complicated. In 1984, King briefly joined Dave Mustaine’s new project after Mustaine’s departure from Metallica. At first, he was drawn in by Mustaine’s talent and intensity, but the collaboration was short-lived.
“I thought Mustaine was an amazing guitarist,” King once said. “But I knew we’d end up butting heads like no tomorrow.”
King admired Mustaine’s technical skills but struggled with his leadership style and personality. He soon realized that a permanent role in Megadeth wasn’t the right fit for him, leading him to return full-time to Slayer. This decision, he says, was one of the best he ever made — it allowed him to stay true to his own creative instincts and avoid unnecessary drama.
Metallica Over Megadeth: King’s Core Reasons
1. Musical Cohesion and Longevity
Kerry King believes that Metallica’s stability and sense of unity are key reasons for their long-term success. While Megadeth has gone through frequent lineup changes and internal conflicts, Metallica has largely stayed consistent — something King deeply respects.
“Metallica knew who they were early on and stuck together through everything,” he said.
2. Shared Influence and Respect
King admits he has always felt a closer personal and artistic connection to Metallica’s members — particularly James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. Their friendship and shared musical roots in the Bay Area thrash scene created a sense of respect that continues today.
3. Cultural Legacy
There’s no denying Metallica’s monumental cultural footprint. Albums like Master of Puppets and The Black Album changed the course of heavy metal forever. King respects that level of global impact, saying that Metallica over Megadeth isn’t just a personal opinion — it’s a recognition of how far Metallica pushed the genre.
King’s Thoughts on Dave Mustaine
Despite their differences, King hasn’t dismissed Mustaine’s talent. In fact, he often praises him as “one of the greatest guitarists ever.” However, he’s also candid about their conflicting personalities.
“Mustaine’s brilliant, but he’s his own worst enemy sometimes,” King said.
That honesty reflects King’s no-nonsense approach to the music business — one that has kept him grounded throughout Slayer’s decades-long career. His comments aren’t meant as an attack but as a reflection on how creative personalities sometimes clash even within the same musical movement.
Metallica’s Influence on Thrash Metal and Beyond
Kerry King’s preference for Metallica over Megadeth also ties into the wider influence Metallica had on thrash metal as a whole. While both bands were part of the genre’s “Big Four,” Metallica managed to reach audiences far beyond the metal scene.
Their ability to balance technical skill with mainstream appeal — from the raw aggression of …And Justice for All to the melodic polish of The Black Album — proved that heavy metal could evolve without losing its core intensity. King has often said that Metallica’s success paved the way for bands like Slayer to gain wider recognition too.
The Thrash Rivalry: Metallica vs. Megadeth
The Metallica vs. Megadeth debate has raged on for decades among fans, but King’s insights offer a balanced perspective. He acknowledges that both bands shaped thrash metal in unique ways:
- Metallica created a sound that was both brutal and accessible, defining the genre’s global reach.
- Megadeth mastered technical precision and speed, influencing generations of shredders.
However, for King, Metallica’s chemistry and creative synergy made them stand out. Their consistency, teamwork, and focus on musical evolution gave them an edge that Megadeth’s internal instability sometimes lacked.
Kerry King’s Legacy in the Big Four
Kerry King’s career with Slayer cements him as one of thrash metal’s foundational figures. Yet his openness about respecting Metallica more deeply than Megadeth shows the camaraderie — and competition — that fueled the genre’s rise.
By choosing Metallica over Megadeth, King isn’t dismissing Mustaine’s legacy. Instead, he’s acknowledging how Metallica’s creative unity aligns more closely with his own artistic philosophy.
What Fans Think About King’s Statement
Metal fans have reacted strongly to King’s comments, sparking debates across social media. Some agree with his reasoning, citing Metallica’s evolution and wider influence. Others argue that Megadeth’s technical prowess and consistency in sound make them superior.
Regardless of which side fans take, King’s remarks have reignited one of metal’s most iconic rivalries — proving that, even in 2025, the Metallica vs. Megadeth debate is far from over.
Conclusion: Kerry King’s Candid Choice
In the end, Kerry King’s decision to side with Metallica over Megadeth reflects a lifetime of experience in the world of heavy metal. His reasoning — grounded in respect, influence, and personal chemistry — offers a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of one of metal’s most respected guitarists.
Metallica may not be perfect, but for King, their legacy, unity, and enduring impact make them the band that truly defined the thrash metal era.
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FAQs
Q1. Why does Kerry King prefer Metallica over Megadeth?
Kerry King says Metallica had a more stable dynamic, stronger teamwork, and greater overall influence on metal, whereas he felt Megadeth’s internal conflicts made it a tougher fit for him personally.
Q2. Did Kerry King ever officially join Megadeth?
No, he only played live with Megadeth for a few early shows before returning to Slayer full-time.
Q3. Does Kerry King respect Dave Mustaine?
Yes. King has repeatedly praised Mustaine as one of the best guitarists alive but admits their personalities would have clashed if they had continued working together.
Q4. How did Metallica influence Kerry King’s guitar style?
King credits Metallica’s early sound and tight songwriting with pushing him to refine his rhythm playing and stage performance during Slayer’s formative years.
Q5. What does this reveal about the Big Four bands?
King’s comments show the mutual respect among thrash metal’s Big Four — Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax — even when personal dynamics differ.
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