Battle of the Bands: Metallica V. Megadeth
“The Clash Between Metal’s Biggest Rivals.”
INTRO:
Metal music is one of the most popular subgenres of rock ‘n’ roll, and for good reason. The delicious licks, fast tempo and crazy shredding on electric guitars paired with thunderous basslines and clashing drum symbols all blend together so nicely for a headbangin’ good time; I mean, what’s not to love?
While Metal / Heavy Metal has faded in popularity through the years, reaching its peak in the 1980’s, it’s still one of the more popular genres that’s heavier than rock music.
Within Metal music, there are a group of bands commonly regarded as the “Big Four”, or the four biggest and most influential Metal bands (like how Pop Music’s ‘Big Four’ would contain M.J., Taylor Swift etc.) Metal’s “Big Four” are: Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer.
All four bands had a massive presence in the 1980’s, becoming insanely respected in the music scene and all influencing each other as well as millions of developing musicians. Slayer has since disbanded, with Anthrax falling out of immediate popularity by most accounts. Metallica and Megadeth, though, being the biggest of the four, still reign on as the undisputed kings of the metal scene. Both bands, however, are well known for the massive rivalry shared between the two.
For context, Metallica was one of the first bands in the Metal scene, and today is bar none the most popular. Back in 1983 when the band was very new, Metallica’s lead singer James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich kicked out lead guitarist Dave Mustaine for disagreements within the band and drunkenness; dejected, Mustaine went on to form Megadeth as an act of revenge against Metallica, swearing to be bigger, better and faster than the band from which he’d been given the boot.
Megadeth was never bigger than Metallica, with guitarist Kirk Hammett taking Mustaine’s place, the band reached amazing heights selling 110+ million albums in comparison to Megadeth’s 40+ million. With this being the case, many would argue that Mustaine got his revenge in the sense that Megadeth did indeed end up being better and faster (heavier) than Metallica; the two bands have thus been compared ever since, both struggling for the spot of the best Metal band in history. At the very least, each Megadeth album sold is a sale stolen from Metallica.
The rivalry between the two has settled a bit in recent years, but for the purpose of having some fun, my metalhead friend Ethan and I are going to analyze and compare the strengths and weaknesses of the two bands all for the purpose of settling once and for all which one takes the cake.
(I’m taking the side of Metallica on this one, Ethan will advocate for Megadeth).
THE BATTLE:
(TEAM) METALLICA:
BASIC INFO:
– Formed in 1981 in LA, California.
– Lineup: James Hetfield (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals), Kirk Hammett (Lead Guitar), Lars Ulrich (Drums), Robert Trujillo (Bass Guitar) : PAST: Dave Mustaine (Lead Guitar), Cliff Burton (Bass Guitar), Jason Newsted (Bass Guitar)
– Hits: “Nothing Else Matters”, “Enter Sandman”, “The Unforgiven”, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, “Fade to Black”, “One”, “Master of Puppets”, “Blackened”, “Orion”
THE MUSIC & THE LEGACY
Metallica, just the name alone evokes visions of heavy headbanging and denim jackets. We’ve all seen the shirts, we all know the riffs. In a sense, although Metallica has evolved drastically in its sound over the years, it’s bound to remain on top as the most popular Metal band ever simply due to its legacy and influence.
The band has a great sound, but it’s also really easy to get into because of its classic hits and solid variety. It’s not too heavy for new listeners, but it’s also heavy enough to fall right in the middle of the Metal category (particularly the band’s first three albums, which were basically strictly Thrash Metal.) Metallica is often criticized for being ‘sellouts’ because of how much they changed their sound and because they lost their dedication towards solely producing Metal, but this doesn’t mean that their legacy fails in its importance, nor that they’re lacking in quality.
Even the most snobby MetalHeads have a favorite Metallica song, guilt pleasure or otherwise. Hetfield and Hammett are beloved guitarists who have likely inspired more newer, heavier guitarists than anyone else in the industry as a whole. All in all, Metallica is the bar when it comes to a metal band, but it was also one of the first and most successful as a whole, landing itself at the top because of the immense legacy it will hold when the band finally retires.
WHEN COMPARED TO MEGADETH / TRYING NEW THINGS
The choice to evolve one’s sound as made by Metallica was hated by many old school fans and Metal Snobs as I’d noted above, but it made Metallica realistic.
Music as a whole evolves with the industry constantly changing; in order to succeed in a developing industry, you need to move along with it. This is part of the reason why Metallica got so big, simply because they were able to go with the flow and appeal to newer audiences.
Metallica’s lineup has also kept relatively consistent as opposed to Megadeth, with a few (sad) exceptions the band has kept the same musicians for a very long time.
Thus, Metallica isn’t as consistent with its Thrash Metal roots as is Megadeth as led by Mustaine, yet it’s definitely continued to grow in places where Megadeth has merely stagnated.
HAVING THE GREATEST METAL BASSIST EVER
James Hetifield and Kirk Hammett are both amazing guitarists (though, in taking a knee, neither are as skilled as Dave Mustaine); Lars Ulrich is generally considered to be passable on the drums for a heavier band. Metallica had a boon, however, in the early to mid 80’s, one that helped bring about not only their signature sound but also their popularity and many of their hits.
Cliff Burton performed on Bass Guitar for Metallica’s first three albums, with some writing credits on their fourth. Burton was tragically killed in a bus accident at the age of 24 while on tour with the band in 1986, though in his brief musical career he quickly cemented himself as what most people will tell you is the greatest Metal bass guitarist of all time (some would even go as far as to call him the greatest Bass Guitarist ever).
Burton’s signature style featured him playing his bass like a booming electric guitar (creating a sound sort of like bursts of thunder.) The rapid speed in which the young musician played alongside his creative basslines and solos all filled to the brim with articulations imparted a genuine sense of life and terror into Metallica’s earliest songs.
Although Cliff Burton has long since passed, with Metallica going through bassist Jason Newsted before settling on Robert Trujillo, his legacy alone is one for the books; without him, it’s certain Metallica would never be where it is today, as his sheer skill helped to send them right to the top.
KILL ‘EM ALL!
Metallica has stood the test of time, surpassing every other Metal band in its path. It’s likely that there will never be another heavy band of Metallica’s caliber, at least in regards to its legacy and how much it appeals to both its fanbase and newer generations to come.
In the wake of their destruction, Metallica has left us 10 albums and over 100 songs, but a whole lot more manic-musical-memories.
“To live is to die.” – Cliff Burton
Sorry Dave! Close but No Cigar!
(TEAM) MEGADETH
BASIC INFO:
– Formed in 1983 in LA.
– Lineup:
Dave Mustaine (OG, Guitars, Main Vocals, Keys, God)
David Ellefson (OG, Bass, Vocals)
Kiko Loureiro (Guitars, Vocals, Piano, Conquer or Die Guy)
Dirk Verbeuren (Drummer)
- Notable Former Members
Nick Menza (Drums, Vocals, RIP)
Mary Friedman (Guitars)
– Bangers: “Hangar 18”, “Holy Wars – The Punishment Due”, “Conquer or Die”, “Tornado of Souls”, “Take No Prisoners”, “Symphony of Destruction”, “Angry Again”, “Peace Sells”, “A Tout Le Monde”
A SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION
What do you mean I can’t make my own band? What do you think I’m drunk? Opportunity for success lurks in the most odd places, and in the case of Dave Mustaine, it’s kicking Hetfield’s dog and forming a thrash metal band with your new neighbors.
Leaving Metallica allowed Mister Mustaine to make his music heavier and faster than Metallica. Sometimes I forget that Metallica was originally a thrash band. Early Megadeth produced great albums you could listen all the way through with a consistent tempo speed, compared to those Metallica songs that take twenty-two years to actually get to the good part. Also the better solos. While Metallica had Cliff Burton who was god on bass, we have Mustaine, who is a god on the guitar.
11 Solos. 11. You’re not going to find that in a Metallica song. Also I’d like to point out that the original is better than the remaster. (I mean listen to that!)
And yes, while we are on it, we have to talk about Mustaine. He is the star and soul of the band. Most people consider him a role model and hero (after rehab of course), and his personality embodies the carefree and do-it-myself attitude of his band, and nowadays, his wholesome appearance and outlook of his success is something to be admired.
And again, consistency matters! Metallica made three good metal albums when Cliff was still alive and even then they were banking off of Mr. Mustaine’s riffs. After that, they should have removed the “Metal” from their name, as they totally became complete sellouts a little while after “Master of Puppets”. Sure Metallica has a larger, ‘normie’ fanbase with more sales, so what!? Megadeth still has the most loyal fanbase because they stayed consistent with putting out beautiful metal albums that only evolved the formula without changing it completely.
So that’s all there is to be said, and what of it? If the other side has so much to say about Metallica – well all I have to comment on that is: “Nice story, tell it to Reader’s Digest!”
CONCLUSION:
It’s definitely not an easy choice when it comes to settling on one of these two Metal Legends. Both have a serious legacy, and both have seriously tasty licks. As to which one is best? I guess we’ll just have to see which band breaks up first.
In the meantime, it’s worth checking out both bands catalogues as there are decades worth of albums and EPs to be explored.
Which do you think is the better band? Leave a comment or DM our Instagram. Be sure to check out other music related articles.
Aden Schulze-Miller is a senior and it's his third year working for The Ridge Review; he's our Editor in Chief. He enjoys watching movies, writing short stories, and is ready to help foster a...
Ethan Pendegrass is a senior and it's his first year working for The Ridge Review; he's our Graphic Designer. Ethan is a long-haired metalhead that likes all things creative and expressive,...
Tammy J Morimoto • Sep 22, 2024 at 7:13 PM
Would Metallica have even got their first record deal if they didn’t have Dave Mustaine? They fired him right before they started recording, so his name would never appear on the credits of the music he helped write. I’m guessing they did that because people were already calling him a “metal god”, and they didn’t want him taking the spotlight.
I liked the first albums of both bands, but when you consider that part of Metallica’s first album was written by Megadeth, then part of Metallica’s glory should go to him. Their first album was definitely their best.
Chris Curtis • May 28, 2024 at 3:17 PM
Love them both no clear cut winner here folks just be grateful for them both THRASHED lives
Mandahugnkiss • Mar 24, 2024 at 7:30 AM
Mechanix BLOWS DOORS on 4 Horseman!!!
Mustaine apologist for life. Without him they would’ve been the first Warrant.
The fact they told Les Claypool he needed to “do his own thing” is even more proof that they’re only in it for the money. They have some bangers and I can’t deny Metallica’s excellence. They will both RUST IN ✌️ (but who’s buying)
Jake • Feb 7, 2024 at 2:53 PM
I first heard Metallica’s Master of puppets and I loved it, then I heard Megadeth’s Peace Sells but Who’s Buying album, I loved that more, yeah Metallica has the most albums sold vs. Megadeth, but I’ve only been to one Metallica concert in my whole life which was the And justice for all tour, I’ve been to four Megadeth concerts, and the last one I took my grandson along with all my sons and I will remember that particular concert for the Rest of my life, I even got to to meet Mustaine in person and the rest of the band. Megadeth has maintained its thrash roots and that’s what I prefer is Thrash, so carry on Mustaine, “Give me Megadeth or Give me Death”!
Dan • Apr 19, 2023 at 6:23 AM
Megadeth has the Sick and the Dead like some western nifty feature and the mascot vic as a pirate on the cover. While Metallica is keeping it real with 72 Seasons after Vivadi the four seasons with things in it like Easter and Halloween. So both are fairly important in own way.
Jake • Apr 18, 2023 at 9:50 PM
I like Metallica, I LOVE Megadeth. While unfortunately Metallica is the bigger band of the two, I will always love Megadeth I could listen to Megadeth for hours on end never be bored. Where with Metallica I have to figure out what year I’m in the mood for, they’ve changed so much since master of puppets and not necessarily in a good way. I mean seriously what the actual fuck is fuel, load, reload, and the entirety of lux Æturea? Is that an album? I don’t know what to make of it.
The Lord Eric • Mar 6, 2023 at 6:15 AM
Megadeth still the kings of thrash Metallica ripped off mechanix and changed it to the four horsemen slower the og is way faster and thrashy hail mustang for President
MetalMilitia904 • Feb 21, 2023 at 5:59 AM
I’m a big fan of both but if I have to choose one over the other it would definitely be Metallica. As a 34 year guitar player I can say that Metallica’s writing style is much tighter and shows a lot more talent. Megadeth does try to stick to it’s roots and keep the metal alive but it tends to get sloppy. Also, Dave’s sound never changes. I think if Megadeth were a little more symphonic and dynamic with their music, it would definitely be hard to call either one of them #2… All in all, I love playing both Metallica and Megadeth and will till the day I die…. Metal for Life….
GARRETT STOECKER II • Feb 10, 2023 at 4:56 AM
Metallica set & kept the bar higher than any metal band has. Thanks to Dave Mustaine, we have another iconic band in Megadeth. I’m a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason”& NO QUESTION Metallica is a better band, but METAL WILL LIVE FOREVER thanks to both bands. Megadeth is where they deserve in the big 4. Really, don’t need to ask whose better, they both have created & dominated for decades at their craft. I’m so grateful to have been in middle school when they started and KILLED EM ALL, & BUSINESS IS STILL GOOD!!
Angela • Jan 9, 2023 at 10:06 PM
I’m a Megadeth fan. I enjoyed Metallica until And justice for all. Then I feel like they became too commercial. Now I saw Megadeth open for Ronnie James Dio back in the 80’s with their So Far, So Good, So What, and I have to say I fell in love with everything about them. FYI..
I also seen Metallica back then but wasn’t as drawn to them as I was Megadeth. Hell I was only in 10th grade but ask me if I know all the words to Megadeth and I say hell yeah. Ask me if I know the words to Metallica songs the albums I like.,. Some I know. Metallica has more songs than Megadeth, but if they had the same amount of songs, my money is on Dave all the way!! I’d love to shake that man’s hand one day. He’s a God in metal..
Angelika Little • Nov 18, 2022 at 6:22 AM
Rust in peace is a metal masterpiece. I can listen to almost every album all the way through up to Trust. I can’t say the same about Metallica
I’ve seen Megadeth live 7 times. I met Dave Mustaine in Az during the youthanasia tour and also went to a CA meeting where he told his life story. He’s very active with the Salvation Army and their rehab as I have a family member who was sponsored by Dave. He is a real jerk but being through what he’s been through I can’t blame him. And they have a pretty awesome mascot!
VIC RATTLEHEAD FOR PRESIDENT !
Richie • Aug 16, 2022 at 12:21 AM
10 albums compared to 16 is enough to say the least megadeth is still consistent up to now metallica was good only on the first 4 albums i added and justice for all coz i think that was their last best thrash metal album even thou it sucks when it comes to production and keeping the bass down
Gangsta • Jul 7, 2022 at 7:44 PM
Metallica did LuLu, nuff said
Soundwave1138 • Mar 15, 2022 at 3:55 AM
Weird. I’ve followed Metallica and Megadeth since 1985 and I have never, ever, EVER heard a version of the story that had Dave kicking Hetfield’s dog. It was very much the other way around. I first read it in Hit Parader and it has been told by Dave many times.
John • Jan 11, 2022 at 8:03 PM
Metallica’s better. In the 80s and early 90s, Metallica was king. Their classic records are better than Megadeth’s. Better songwriting, heavier guitar tone, better vocals, better production. Megadeth have more virtuosity in their playing and more individual skill, but songwriting is more important. If you listen to Rust In Peace, there are really no exceptionally good songs. There are really good riffs and proficient playing, but there’s really no interesting song structure. It’s a lot of seemingly unrelated parts taped to get her to resemble a song. Five Magics is a great example. Metallica on the other hand wrote epic anthems like One and Master Of Puppets that more people appreciated. I think Mustaine tried too hard to Trump his former band. Mustaine based everything he did on what Metallica was doing. Metallica kicks him out, he has to try to outdo them by forming a faster more technically apt band. Metallica comes out with a more melodic, slower, heavier record (Ride The Lightning), so Megadeth has to slow things down a bit and get more melodic. Metallica comes out with a technically progressive album with dry drums (…And Justice For All), so Megadeth has to do the same with Rust In Peace. Metallica makes the Black Album, Megadeth makes Countdown To Extinction. Metallica experiments with hard rock/alternative, Megadeth does the same with Risk.
Marko • Jun 29, 2022 at 3:16 PM
Well Megadeth is more active in making albums
Willibordus • Jul 18, 2022 at 5:53 PM
Until …And Justice For All, yes we can argue who was the best between them. But after that until now, no doubt. Megadeth is more metal and the best now
Hardin • Sep 13, 2022 at 3:25 PM
You have to remember dave wrote some of the lyrics on killem all and ride thr lightning and the music along side Burton my opinion with out cliff and dave the first 2 albums wouldn’t exist
Yom Manning • Sep 24, 2021 at 12:49 PM
mettalica has a five good albums but Megadeth has like twelve good albums give or take a few based on opinion. but due to Hetfields vocals camaraderie to Dave’s metallica has sold three time as many albums
megadeth wins tho
Thrash • Mar 1, 2023 at 9:25 AM
Metallica’s albums are terrible after the black album. They’re coming back around now, but nobody will actually attest to listening to load or reload so who cares. Garbage music loses a lot of points for me. Megadeth is more consistently metal and heavy, as well as quality. Metallica won the sales and fame contest, but Megadeth has better music overall.
Buttermilk Biscuit • Sep 22, 2021 at 12:22 PM
Metallica first 4 albums overall beat out Megadeths first 4 but not by much but Megadeths next 30 years of out put destroys Metallica’s output both in quality and quantity. Dave was too Metal for Metallica and got kicked out to start something harder & faster, that life story is by far the most metal of any band member from either band. Metallica outsold Megadeth 3 to 1 inspite having far less in their catalogue so if this is a popularity contest then Metallica wins hands down; but this isn’t that this is a whos the best thrash metal band between the 2. Notice I didn’t say all time because in my mind that is Slayer hands down :D. Better album covers and mascots = Megadeth, Metallica had prettier ladies from the black album and on at the concerts i guess thats a thing. Dave died and came back if anyone considers odd facts to be important; I don’t really. In the end my first exposure to thrash was ride the lightning and then so far so good and they both are still my favorite albums buy both bands.
I choose Megadeth overall but still love Metallica, accept Lars 😉
EJ Pelinski • Jan 11, 2022 at 9:36 PM
Dave died and came back…Lol. Just as a matter of fact.
And is still better. Nice factoid.
Martin Bejleri • Sep 16, 2021 at 5:38 PM
Its like Pepsi and Coca Cola.
dan • Sep 14, 2021 at 7:09 PM
I like both but I probably prefer Megadeth. They may well both battle for the title of best metal band in History, which spawns many sub-genres, but neither will ever topple the like of Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and the like.
Tena Province • Sep 11, 2021 at 9:48 AM
Metallica all the way, Megadeth can DEF thrash, but they are no James, Lars, or Kirk. These three will ALWAYS be the great Metallica as we know it. Megadeth trying to outdo or outsell them has never happened & apparently never will. Just look at the albums sold, that tells it all. Peace, Love, & Respect Always.
Dave J • Jul 14, 2022 at 8:40 AM
James, Lars and Kirk are also no James, Lars and Kirk. And that’s fine, time takes us all. If you like metal I’d check out Megadeth’s – We’ll Be Back: Chapter 1. It’s most certainly thrash and the production value is that of a motion picture. Point I’m getting it is that Dave is still kicking ass whereas Metallica has cooled down.
James • Sep 7, 2021 at 6:54 PM
The line up from the RIP tour is the best of Megadeth. Each individual was stronger than the equivalent from Metallica. Nick was a monster on drums, especially live. While Cliff is considered an awesome bassist, Ellefson was amazing too. He has the most famous bass line ever on MTV. Marty is an amazing guitarist along with Dave. Dave’s lyrics were questionable early on, but became a lot better after a few albums. While Dave might not have as much vocal talent as James, his voice perfectly matches their songs.
Neil Hawkins • Aug 31, 2021 at 2:41 PM
I find this article offensive. Don’t get me wrong I like the so called Big 4 of “thrash” metal.
But, the greatest heavy metal bands of all time are Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden…end of discussion
Patrick Welker • Aug 9, 2021 at 12:14 PM
⚡️MEGADETH⚡️
sparkles • Jul 25, 2021 at 2:35 PM
Great article. Obviously it’s tough to compare these bands. I’m much more of a Megadeth fan myself and Mustaine’s songwriting, guitar playing and consistency is unmatched imo in this comparison. Megadeth did indeed end up being heavier, faster, more technical by far (sorry KH but you’re a bit overrated) Just compare Rust in Peace to Black album released near the same time, Megadeth sent thrash metal into the stratosphere with RIP. I also love Metallica and Death Magnetic and Hardwired to Self Destruct are great “thrash” albums although they came a bit later. I’m not confident that Megadeth was given nearly enough firepower in this review considering their technical prowess and guitarists like MF and Kiko. I mean how tf does Mustaine play those riff and sing at the same time! Both bands are Legends!
Thomas • Jul 25, 2021 at 2:31 AM
I couldn’t agree more! But to me, both have a very own special in their music.
Kevin Shea • Jul 6, 2021 at 7:25 AM
Megadeth all the way, though I started off being a Metallica fan as I was a stupid kid at the time and at school you were either in the Metallica or the Megadeth camp never both and I happened to like Ride the Lightning better than Killing.. or So Far So Good (it’s still my favourite album tbh).
So, Metallica wins Best Album, Megadeth Best Band.
Logan Johnson • Jul 4, 2021 at 4:51 PM
I agree that Md is consistent, and some guitar solos might be slightly faster than Metallica’s, but its not better and here’s why.
Of course, Metallica’s first four albums are some of the best in history. AJFA is my fave cuz of how deep and hard the guitars are. The drumming in that album is also there best. Master of puppets obviously can complete for the best and it definitely has better base, and all the songs are worth listening to. Orion is my 2nd fav song cuz it’s so well made and just beautiful to listen to.
And then there’s the black Album it’s definitely their number one sell out album. It’s not thrash but it’s still go’s hard on a few songs. But yes, the purpose was to sell out.
Then there’s load and reload. Believe it or not, these are not sell out albums. For some strange reason, Metallica wanted to change their sound to some kinda southern metal hybrid. It’s obviously not thrash, but they still have some very good songs. The outlaw torn has an amazing riff at the end that they just jam to for two minutes, or 4 if u look up the extended version on YouTube. Prince Charming is also really good, and leans a lot towards heavy metal. These albums are not sellouts tho cuz they were just making a whole new sound that they liked. If they wanted to make a sellout album it would be another black album, not these.
And then, the most hated, St. Anger. This album is hated by many for its VERY different sound. It’s definitely at least heavy metal, some thrash. The snare is basically a snare flipped upside down, which most people hate but I like. And then there’s Hetfeilds voice. Well not voice, vocal delivery. It’s not found in any other album. There’s some very quiet whispering in a few quick parts, then they lead up to shouting the lyrics. Of course there’s normal singing in most parts tho. Also, there’s no guitar solos, which does suck, but the album makes up for it with good riffs. Not many like this album but I enjoy it.
Death Magnetic was there return to thrash. This album was super good, featuring a very fast banger “My apocalypse”, and an epic thrash banger named “All Nightmare Long”. The entire album is full of very hard, heavy, and most of all thrashy, songs. This album is my second favorite.
The next and newest, Hardwired… To Self destruct, is not too thrashy in most songs, but have some very good ones like Moth Into Flame, and especially, Spit Out The Bone. This album is mostly heavy metal though.
Okay, onto Megadeth. I’m not completely familiar with them and I have not heard all their songs, but I know enough to make a judgement.
Md has very good solos, that’s for sure. Mustaines better than Hammet from what I’ve heard. But then there’s the rest of the song. Most megadeth songs aren’t very hard on the vocal delivery. There are some exceptions, like peace sells. Also the drums don’t go hard with the guitar. Sure they match up and everything, but they’re not too hard. They definitely do make music that is faster generally, but faster does not mean better. I love to listen to songs that have a slight slower tempo, like Metallica’s Harvester Of Sorrow, or Sad But True. Megadeth needs songs like that. Super hard bangers that don’t just rely on the speed and solos. Megadeth is definitely very consistent in there music tho. Except Risk and TWNAHero, those are sellouts too. So both bands are guilty of that.
In conclusion, Megadeth does have VERY good instrumental skills, but Metallica beats them with vocal delivery, amazing catchy-ness, all of their hits, and better thrash albums. Megadeth does win for solos tho. If you haven’t heard the solo for Damage Inc. , you need to hear that tho. That solo is so freakin fast and lasts for an entire minute. It’s my favorite solo of all time. So overall Metallica is the better band, but Megadeth comes very close.
Ricky Montoya • Jun 8, 2021 at 12:33 PM
So yeah let me first say that when I met my wife in 1987 her favorite band was Metallica I was already a musician playing in band and I had heard of Metallica and could play a couple other songs they were the standard then when Megadeth came out I thought they were technically better but yet didn’t have the mainstream feel the Metallica songs just felt like old classic songs which a lot of those early songs were covers from bands like diamond Head and the like having said that and having read all the other stuff you guys are saying we have to lean towards Dave at this point Megadeth right now is just the better band Metallica’s cool and a great band but Megadeth is just a bit better and a bit more technical and from a musician’s point of view is a better band that’s basically it Dave’s a shredder Kirk’s good James Hatfield and I actually have a similar playing style very right hand heavy and tight rhythm that almost is kind of like playing bass on guitar but anyway yep Megadeth wins if you would have asked me around the time of The Black album I would have said Metallica but since then definitely Megadeth! \M/
Dale Fill • May 31, 2021 at 11:20 AM
The best thing that ever happened to Dave Mustaine was getting kicked out of Metallica. Metallica is nothing but a commercial rock band, Megadeth IS metal!!!!
Goldberg • May 19, 2021 at 2:38 PM
Great article! Givin the history i think the conversation is relevant. Back in the 80s as a teen I wasn’t yet a metal head. I was dug deep in Led Zep and Rush, Black Sabbath. I remember a buddy of mine playing AJFA and I just couldn’t connect. Well once I joined the Army all that changed. For whatever reason the song Orion bridged a gap between rock and metal for me. After that I went back and just submerged myself in early Metallica. I was stationed in Germany when the Black album came out and I have to admit I got caught up in the hype. It was short lived tho, years later I can’t even listen to it, but everything from AJFA back I still love. Compared to Megadeath which in the 90s I absolutely loved Dave’s sound. To the conversation who’s better you have to acknowledge Dave was a part of Metallica’s early sound that made it so good. Almost by default I have to lean to Dave’s sound as better. I mean even to say you like early Metallica over Megadeath when Dave wrote alot of the music just doesn’t make sense…lol I still love early Metallica and I listen to Megadeath all the time. Dave never got down on knee to kiss the exec ring, and I give him love for that!
David Scullion • May 18, 2021 at 4:00 AM
I like both bands and they both have made great albums but I think metallica have made the worst albums of the 2 bands. My favourite band of all time is IRON MAIDEN. STAY SAFE EVERYONE FROM SCULLY LFC.
Tall Guy • May 12, 2021 at 6:06 PM
Megadeth’s music has always been more memorable to me. After AJFA, Metallica really dropped off in quality.
Mark stansbie • May 11, 2021 at 10:22 AM
Can still afford the price for a ticket to watch Megadeth!nuff said
Josh.ua Ramir • May 1, 2021 at 10:01 AM
Always liked Megadeth better
James Carr • Mar 6, 2021 at 11:16 AM
I was there when they started,I heard Metallica on college radio seek and destroy then hit the lights.I was sold bought kill em all the next day. I’m 54 now .I was 16 in 10th grade at the time and when I became a metalhead period. I’ve seen both band several times. Metallica in 88 and 90 before the dreaded black album after I heard enter sandman on mainstream radio, I looked at my wife and said what the fuck is this it’s not Metallica. I never bought or saw them after the black album. Megadeth I’ve seen in 88,90,95,97 .Defanantly a big difference between the two as Megadeth specially on peace sells jazz influences Dave’s riffs were better than Metallica it also shod be noted that Mustaine wrote most of Metallica first album as well as songs on ride the lightning and master of puppets. Megadeth has always been a thrash band and never went for the big money from big record execs ect. I remember when not only Megadeth and Metallica but a lot of bands back the got Converse or Nike high top basketball shoes when signed to record labels.
John • Jan 11, 2022 at 7:43 PM
You couldn’t be more wrong. Mustaine wrote only 4 out of 10 songs on Kill ‘Em All, 2 RIFFS on Ride The Lightning and nothing on Leper Messiah. And if you think Metallica sold out with the Black Album (which I don’t believe is true), then Megadeth absolutely did with Countdown To Extinction.
Gpa • Feb 27, 2021 at 7:36 AM
I’m going have to agree with Ethan on this story, which was very well written, btw. Metallica is over rated. It was MTV’s darling group and was pushed ahead by their corporate executives. It’s the same reason why the Beatles won over the Rolling Stones.