Kerry King’s Blunt Opinions on Metallica and Megadeth
The Unfiltered Voice of Kerry King
One of the most entertaining aspects of any interview featuring Kerry King, the iconic guitarist of Slayer, is his unapologetic honesty. King is not the type of musician who dances around questions or provides vague answers; he speaks his mind with a refreshing bluntness that fans have come to appreciate.
Metallica vs. Megadeth: King’s Take
In a recent chat with Reigning TV, Kerry King and Mark Osegueda, the vocalist of Death Angel (who also plays in King’s band), were posed a classic question: who do they prefer, Metallica or Megadeth? Without hesitation, King replied, “I’m gonna be brutally honest. Metallica has a singer. Sorry Dave.” This candid statement set the tone for what was to follow.
James Hetfield vs. Dave Mustaine
King didn’t stop there. He went on to express a clear preference for James Hetfield over Dave Mustaine, stating, “James Hetfield. Sorry Dave, I know I played in your band, but I’m going with James.” It’s worth noting that King had a brief stint in Megadeth back in 1984 before fully committing to Slayer.
Respect for Mustaine
Despite his preference for Metallica’s frontman, King has shown respect for Mustaine in other contexts. In a 2023 interview with Metal Hammer, King praised Mustaine, declaring, “Still to this day, he’s a fucking great guitar player.” His admiration for Mustaine extends beyond personal preference, acknowledging the guitarist’s talent and contributions to the metal genre.
Reflecting on the Past
King reminisced about the early days of metal, recalling how Metallica was ahead of Slayer in terms of original material. “They were doing originals and we were still doing covers,” he explained. He vividly remembers being blown away by Mustaine’s guitar skills during their early performances together. “It was very awesome,” he said, “you could see from anywhere, and I was very enamoured with seeing Mustaine play these insane leads and James playing these insane rhythms.”
The Evolution of Metal
Reflecting on his experiences, King articulated how witnessing Metallica play was a revelation. “It was way more extreme than what I thought metal was or could be,” he stated. “It was like another arm of it, so to speak.” This perspective illustrates King’s understanding of the genre’s evolution and his place within it.
Conclusion
Kerry King’s candid remarks not only provide insight into his personal preferences but also highlight the competitive yet respectful nature of the metal community. His ability to articulate his thoughts without hesitation has earned him a reputation as one of the most straightforward figures in heavy metal.
FAQs
What is Kerry King’s stance on Metallica?
Kerry King prefers Metallica, citing James Hetfield’s vocals as a significant factor in his preference over Megadeth.
Did Kerry King previously play in Megadeth?
Yes, Kerry King had a brief stint in Megadeth in 1984 before fully committing to Slayer.
How does King view Dave Mustaine’s guitar skills?
Kerry King respects Dave Mustaine, acknowledging him as a “fucking great guitar player” in various interviews.
What was King’s impression of Metallica in their early days?
King was impressed by Metallica’s originality and performance, noting that they were ahead of Slayer in terms of creating original music.
