Kerry King Settles Metallica vs Megadeth Debate: "Metallica Has a Singer. Sorry, Dave!"

Metallica vs Megadeth debate heats up as Slayer's Kerry King playfully crowns Metallica with the vocal crown, sparking thrash metal fans' excitement.

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the eternal thrash metal dilemma—Metallica or Megadeth?—you’re not alone. The rivalry has been the stuff of metal legend for decades. Recently, Slayer’s legendary guitarist Kerry King weighed in on this fierce debate with a cheeky but pointed jab that left no doubt where his loyalty lies: Metallica takes the vocal crown.

Kerry King, the fiery guitarist of Slayer, sharing his bold take on the Metallica vs Megadeth rivalry.

Kerry King's Take: “Metallica Has a Singer!”

During a candid interview on the YouTube show Reigning TV, Kerry King was grilled on the classic “Metallica vs Megadeth” showdown—both bands being part of the iconic ‘big four’ thrash metal scene. King didn’t mince words when asked which frontman he preferred between James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine. His answer? A clear nod to Metallica’s James Hetfield:

“James Hetfield. Sorry Dave, I know I played in your band, but I’m going with James.”

And if that wasn’t enough, when pushed further with the straightforward question, “Metallica or Megadeth?” King dropped the mic with a brutally honest verdict:

“Metallica. I’m gonna be brutally honest, Metallica has a singer. Sorry, Dave!”

There’s a certain charm and history behind King’s frankness here—after all, he briefly played with Mustaine back in the early days. But his allegiance to Slayer and respect for Hetfield’s vocal prowess clearly shines through.

Watch Kerry King’s Full Interview on Reigning TV

Watch the full interview here on YouTube

From the Early Days: King’s Brief Stint with Megadeth

King’s history with Mustaine adds a rich layer to this debate. Back in 1984, after Mustaine was ousted from Metallica, he formed Megadeth and invited King to join. King did play a handful of shows with Megadeth but ultimately chose to stick with Slayer, who had just released their debut album Show No Mercy a year prior. That decision shaped the trajectory of thrash metal history.

Fast forward to today, and King reflects on his rapport with Mustaine with a mix of affection and exasperation, noting that Dave “can’t help but stick his foot in his mouth.” Still, King assures fans that he always makes time for his old bandmate and friend.

Megadeth’s Nod to Metallica: Covering 'Ride The Lightning'

The Metallica-Megadeth rivalry isn’t just about who’s better on stage or in the studio; it also plays out in the music itself. In an interesting twist, Megadeth recently announced they’ll be covering Metallica’s classic album track Ride The Lightning on their forthcoming self-titled final studio album, due next year.

What’s particularly fascinating is that Mustaine is credited as a co-writer on the original song, having been part of Metallica during its creation. He promises Megadeth’s cover will stay truer to the original composition than Metallica’s own recorded version—a bold claim that’s piqued fans’ curiosity.

The Riff Controversy: Mustaine Calls Out Metallica

The competitive banter continues, with Mustaine stirring the pot by accusing Metallica of borrowing—or outright stealing—the iconic riff from Enter Sandman. He points to crossover thrash band Excel’s 1989 track Tapping Into The Emotional Void as the supposed source of the riff.

These kinds of claims fuel the fiery debate and keep the thrash metal community buzzing with passionate discussions.

Kerry King’s Recent Rock Ventures

Meanwhile, Kerry King hasn’t been quiet. This year, he brought his signature guitar power to the world of pro wrestling, playing entrance music for WWE star Damian Priest at WrestleMania. King shredded the strings to Priest’s theme song Rise For The Night, proving that his thrash metal spirit is alive and well beyond the usual concert stage.

Thrash metal fans, where do you stand? Are you Team Metallica with their iconic vocals and legendary status, or do you champion Megadeth’s raw riffs and intricate compositions? Kerry King’s take adds another memorable chapter to this timeless debate.

FAQ

• What was Kerry King’s opinion in the Metallica vs Megadeth debate?
  Kerry King favored Metallica, emphasizing that “Metallica has a singer,” giving James Hetfield the nod over Dave Mustaine.
• Did Kerry King ever play with Megadeth?
  Yes, King played a few shows with Megadeth in 1984 but ultimately stayed with Slayer.
• Is Dave Mustaine credited on Metallica’s 'Ride The Lightning'?
  Yes, Mustaine co-wrote the song during his time with Metallica in the early '80s.
• What is Megadeth’s plan for Metallica’s 'Ride The Lightning'?
  Megadeth will cover the song on their upcoming final studio album, aiming to stay faithful to the original composition.
• Has Dave Mustaine accused Metallica of riff theft?
  Yes, Mustaine claimed the ‘Enter Sandman’ riff was taken from Excel’s 1989 track, stirring controversy.

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