Slayer guitarist Kerry King recently weighed in on the long-running rivalry between two of metal’s most iconic bands. His remarks, shared via Reigning Phoenix Music, offered a characteristically blunt take.
When asked to choose between the two metal giants, King didn’t hesitate. The question was simple: “Metallica or Megadeth?” “Metallica,” King replied. “Well, hang on. Hang on. I’m going to be brutally honest. Metallica has a singer. Sorry, Dave.”
King’s remark was seen by many as a sharp critique of Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine’s vocal style, especially when compared to Metallica’s James Hetfield. The comment came during an appearance on REIGNING TV, Episode #8, where King discussed the state of heavy metal and reflected on its leading figures.
While the statement may sound harsh on its own, King’s history with Mustaine paints a more complex picture. He has long praised Mustaine’s extraordinary guitar skills and his early influence on Metallica’s sound. King has repeatedly emphasized that his respect for Mustaine as a musician runs deep, despite their occasional differences.
According to Metal Injection, King once recalled being “blown away” by Mustaine’s performances with Metallica in the early 1980s, describing the experience as “way more extreme than what I thought metal was or could be.” He credited Mustaine with helping shape Metallica’s early musical identity and affirmed that Mustaine remains “a fucking great guitar player.” King’s comments make clear that his critique of Mustaine’s singing doesn’t detract from his recognition of the guitarist’s instrumental talent.
King’s respect for Mustaine was also evident when he briefly joined Megadeth as a second guitarist for their first five live shows. This occurred during a lull in Slayer’s recording schedule. As reported by Consequence, King said he was “honored” to be asked, given his admiration for Mustaine’s technical abilities.
However, he ultimately decided to stay with Slayer, reflecting later, “I’m sure I probably did, but [Slayer] is where I belong.” He added, “I absolutely made the right choice,” acknowledging that creative friction would have made a lasting collaboration with Mustaine difficult.
In an interview with Blabbermouth, King elaborated on this point: “Me and Dave would’ve butted heads like no tomorrow… It’s just his personality. I mean, look how many people have been in his band. Fifty?” He described Mustaine as “such a dictator,” suggesting that their strong personalities would have inevitably clashed.
Despite these challenges, King continues to express respect for Mustaine as both a musician and a figure in metal history. He recognizes that Mustaine often makes polarizing public remarks, joking that he tends to “stick his foot in his mouth.” Yet King avoids hostility, instead offering a balance of humor and sincerity. “I love Mustaine to this day,” he said.
Their relationship, while not built on close friendship, reflects mutual recognition of each other’s enduring impact on the genre—two metal titans linked by history, rivalry, and respect.
