Can't talk metal without mentioning the "Big 4". More specifically in regards to Thrash Metal which is its own genre and is usually marked by its speed, ferocity, anger, and politics.
Those familiar with the Big 4 know that it consists of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. Metallica lost their Big 4 credentials a long time ago and it's unfortunate that they have never bothered to recover them since...
Personally, though I like Anthrax, their membership could be deemed as questionable due to their dabblings in punk and hip hop in the past.
In all honesty I think the Big 4 should have included Testament and Exodus instead of Metallica and Anthrax, but that is certainly just my opinion...
Here is a track from Metallica's early days when they were arguably at the top of the thrash metal food chain. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see why these guys are considered thrash metal gods and it is such a shame that they have fallen so far...
As difficult and troublesome a person Dave Mustaine has proven to be over the years, you cannot deny his technical genius. He has experimented over the years, releasing numerous Megadeth albums that range from speedy technical masterpieces to short poppy hooks that draw even the most mundane of masses in...
Slayer pretty much epitomizes what the Big 4 is all about and despite some odd albums over the years and some tragic lineup changes, they still have demonstrated they can produce some kickass metal. I'd recommend checking out their recent Repentless album, it is quite good. This track is an oldie but a goodie.
I find Anthrax to be a bit more whimsical and fun loving compared to the others but they are undoubtedly awesome. Despite some breaks, lineup changes, and plain duds of an album, they have persevered and are still producing some great metal. I find this tune to be quite reflective of their general attitude.
I mentioned earlier that I thought Testament and Exodus should have been considered to be at the top and though I am still off that mindset, the fact that both bands have been plagued by troubles in the past has definitely contributed to their lack of popularity.
Both bands still produce excellent music, Testament in particular, has aged exceptionally well, their music just keeps getting better and better. Both Testament and Exodus make current Metallica look like a poppy boy band...
Looks like I can only post 5 vids at a time...