Ol’ Qwerty Bastard

Anthrax, Slayer, Metallica, and Megadeth, who are commonly referred to as the "Big Four" of thrash metal are not only recognized as the acts who helped bring the metal subgenre to tremendous heights in the mid 80's, but also as decorated heavy metal bands who have remained (mostly) true to their roots of creating a fast-paced, hellish blend of hardcore punk and speed metal for well over 30 years.

Ask nearly any metalhead for the bands who influenced and shaped their musical tastes, and it's all but guaranteed at least one of the big four acts will be mentioned. I've always wondered though, which of the band's are truly the best at what they do? There's no concrete answer of course, and everyone has their own opinion on the matter, but I've decided to take it into my own hands to decide who I feel is the superior.

I've listened to a fair amount of releases from each band, although I haven't heard every album from any of them. I don't plan on reviewing every album either, as that would make for unfair circumstances and either quantity over quality, as Megadeth have released 15 albums versus Metallica's 9. Instead, I'll break their respective discographies into four (might add a fifth later) categories and award points to each band as follows:

Best album: 3pts
Second best: 2pts
Third best: 1pt
Worst: -1pt

The categories will be as follows:

Debut Albums:

Metallica - Kill 'Em All (1983)
Slayer - Show No Mercy (1983)
Anthrax - Fistful of Metal (1984)
Megadeth - Killing is My Business.... and Business is Good! (1985)

Best Albums: (according to RYM)

Metallica - Ride the Lightning (1984)
Slayer - Reign In Blood (1986)
Anthrax - Among the Living (1987)
Megadeth - Rust in Peace (1990)

Worst Albums (again, according to RYM)

Metallica - St. Anger [2003(not counting collaborative albums, sorry Lou Reed)]
Slayer - Diabolus in Musica (1998)
Anthrax - Volume 8: The Threat is Real (1998)
Megadeth: Risk (1999)

Latest Releases:

Metallica - Death Magnetic [2008 (unless their next album is released before this concludes)]
Slayer - Repentless (2015)
Anthrax - For All Kings (2016)
Megadeth - Dystopia (2016)

We'll kick this thing off with Kill 'Em All shortly.

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