Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine Reflects On His Influence Across Metallica, Slayer & Anthrax

Few figures in thrash metal history are as closely tied to the genre’s “Big Four” as Dave Mustaine. The Megadeth frontman recently revisited his early years and shared his belief that his guitar work helped shape not only his own band, but also the sound of Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.

Mustaine’s connection to Metallica is well-documented. As an early member of the band, he contributed to their formative sound before his highly publicized exit in 1983—a split that fueled years of tension. In the aftermath, Mustaine formed Megadeth, carving out a legacy that would stand alongside his former band as one of thrash metal’s defining acts.

His ties to Slayer came shortly after. Guitarist Kerry King briefly joined Megadeth as a live member in 1984, though his growing responsibilities with Slayer quickly brought that collaboration to an end. While King has consistently praised Mustaine’s musicianship—famously calling him “a badass guitar player”—their relationship has seen its share of friction over the years.

Anthrax, meanwhile, had less direct involvement with Mustaine early on. Still, he believes his presence and ideas left a mark on their evolution as well.

Speaking with 89 FM A Rádio Rock, Mustaine explained how he views his role in shaping the Big Four’s guitar sound:

“Well, I’ve been very invested in the metal community. Kerry [King, Slayer guitarist] and I played together [during the two bands’ early days], and I showed him how to play Megadeth songs, which was before [Slayer] started having all their pivotal records. Kerry and I had a really great time together.

And I wrote music in Metallica and I wrote music in Megadeth. So, I’ve been very influential with the guitar with these three bands. And when I met Scott [Ian, Anthrax guitarist] and the guys in Anthrax out in New York, same thing happened. Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica. So I think that’s great. I love all those bands.”

Mustaine’s perspective reinforces just how interconnected the early thrash scene was. Whether through direct collaboration or shared influence, his fingerprints remain part of the foundation that helped define one of metal’s most important eras.

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