Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has boldly reflected on his foundational role in the 1980s thrash metal scene. He claims he directly influenced the trajectory and sound of his “Big Four” peers—Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax—during their formative years.
In a recent interview, Mustaine elaborated on his connections with each band. “Well, I’ve been very invested in the metal community. Kerry [King, Slayer guitarist] and I played together during the two bands’ early days. I showed him how to play Megadeth songs, which was before Slayer started having all their pivotal records. Kerry and I had a really great time together,” Mustaine stated.
He further emphasized his contributions across multiple bands: “I wrote music in Metallica and I wrote music in Megadeth. So, I’ve been very influential with the guitar with these three bands. When I met Scott [Ian, Anthrax guitarist] and the guys in Anthrax out in New York, the same thing happened. Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica. So I think that’s great. I love all those bands.”
Mustaine’s claims reflect a broader narrative about his role in shaping thrash metal’s golden era. However, historical records provide a more nuanced picture of his actual influence on these legendary bands.
Mustaine’s most verifiable influence came through his early work with Metallica, where he served as the band’s original lead guitarist before his 1983 departure. He contributed key riffs to Metallica’s landmark debut album Kill ‘Em All, establishing himself as a foundational figure in the band’s sound during their formative years, according to Louder Sound. His aggressive guitar style and songwriting helped define the raw, unpolished energy that characterized early thrash metal.
The firing that led to Mustaine’s departure from Metallica became a pivotal moment in metal history. Rather than fade into obscurity, Mustaine channeled his resentment into forming Megadeth. He positioned it as a direct rival to “kick Metallica’s ass.” This competitive drive propelled Megadeth to become one of the most influential thrash metal bands of all time, cementing Mustaine’s legacy as a central figure in the genre’s evolution.
Mustaine’s claim about influencing Slayer through Kerry King carries more credibility than his other assertions. King himself has acknowledged that Mustaine’s early playing style and approach to guitar work impressed him during their brief 1984 collaboration, as noted by Louder Sound. King described Mustaine as a “great guitar player” with a distinctive ripping style that stood out in the emerging thrash metal scene.
However, the extent of this influence on Slayer’s overall sound remains debatable. While King may have been inspired by Mustaine’s technical prowess, Slayer developed its own distinctive brutal aesthetic under the leadership of Tom Araya and the songwriting partnership of King and Jeff Hanneman. The band’s evolution was shaped by multiple influences and their own creative vision rather than being primarily molded by Mustaine’s direct involvement.
