Dave Mustaine names modern thrash metal Big Four

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has named Testament, Overkill, and Exodus as the bands he would include in a modern "Big Four" of thrash metal, with Trivium as a possible fourth. The comments, made in a recent interview, offer a contemporary counterpart to the iconic 1980s lineup of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. Speaking to Czech Republic's Óčko TV, Mustaine was asked about a "new young generation" of the genre's defining quartet. He responded, "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." He immediately expressed hesitation about including Trivium, stating, "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 elaborated on his selections, citing personal connections and professional admiration. He called Overkill "really important on the East Coast metal scene" and noted his long-standing friendship with Exodus guitarist Gary Holt. "I've been friends with Gary Holt longer than almost anyone else in the music industry," Mustaine said.