Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has opened up about the potential for a modern iteration of the legendary ‘Big Four’ of thrash metal. The original collective—comprising Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax—defined the genre in the 1980s, eventually uniting for a series of historic performances in 2010 and 2011. While those shows remain a high-water mark for the scene, Mustaine is now looking toward the future of the genre.

In a recent interview with the Czech outlet Óčko, the thrash icon discussed the possibility of assembling a new generation of heavy hitters. While he clarified that he wasn’t necessarily looking for a ‘young’ generation, he identified several bands that possess the stature and musical prowess to fill those shoes. “I think Testament, I think Overkill, I think Exodus, and maybe Trivium,” Mustaine noted, though he expressed some hesitation regarding the latter due to their leanings toward metalcore.

Defining the Next Generation

Mustaine’s selection highlights a deep respect for the history and technicality of the genre. He spoke highly of the East Coast metal scene, particularly praising Overkill for their enduring influence. His admiration for Exodus is equally well-documented; he has previously suggested that if the original ‘Big Four’ were to expand, the California thrash giants would be his first choice, citing his long-standing friendship with guitarist Gary Holt.

Regarding Testament, Mustaine pointed to the exceptional guitar work of Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick as a primary reason for their inclusion. “Those guys are really great guitar players. And I love when we get a chance to play with the band,” he added.

The Legacy of the ‘Big Four’

The conversation surrounding a new ‘Big Four’ comes amidst ongoing speculation about whether the original lineup will ever reunite for one final, symbolic performance. Mustaine has previously floated the idea of a show at the LA Coliseum to “pass the torch,” though he acknowledged that such a plan would be difficult to execute, particularly given that Slayer concluded their career with a farewell tour in 2019.

“I personally have been hoping for this for a while, and I keep asking and asking and asking,” Mustaine revealed regarding his attempts to coordinate with the other bands. “They’re just not into it. But that’s up to them.”

While a reunion remains uncertain, the spirit of the movement continues to influence new artists. Mustaine remains optimistic about the future of the genre, suggesting that the release of new material—such as Megadeth’s recent work—could spark a “renaissance” in heavy metal, reminding listeners of the raw power that made the genre a global force in the first place.