Dave Mustaine, frontman of Megadeth, has shared his picks for a modern 'Big Four' of thrash metal. Speaking in an interview with Czech Republic outlet Óčko, Mustaine identified Testament, Overkill, and Exodus as strong contenders.
Mustaine also mentioned Trivium but expressed reservations, stating, "Trivium’s not really a thrash metal band, so I’d have to think about that. But I think those other three guys would be really great." He highlighted the importance of Overkill on the East Coast metal scene and his long-standing friendship with Exodus guitarist Gary Holt.
The original 'Big Four' – Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax – helped bring thrash metal into the mainstream in the 1980s. They played together for the first time in 2010 at the Sonisphere festival series and again in 2011 at Yankee Stadium.
In 2022, Mustaine spoke about the idea of one more show for the original 'Big Four' at the LA Coliseum to "pass the torch" to a new generation, but noted that the other bands were "just not into it."