Heavy Metal's Big Four: How Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, and Megadeth Transformed Metal

Discover how four bands-Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer-forged a new breed of heavy metal that fused punk aggression with prog-rock precision … and changed music forever. Heavy Metal’s Big Four delivers a year-by-year chronicle of how these four titans defined, then dominated thrash metal, beginning with the formations of Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer in 1981.Drawing on more than four decades of history, author Dan Bukszpan explores the bands’ beginnings, key lineup changes, landmark albums, legendary tours, and the evolving rivalries and alliances among them that in part fueled their creativity. Metallica: From Kill ’Em All to stadium domination, how James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Lars Ulrich became torchbearers of thrash metal with original bassist Cliff Burton, then megastars with Jason Newsted. Megadeth: Dave Mustaine’s high-velocity pursuit of perfection despite numerous lineup changes and offstage troubles. Anthrax: The East Coast innovators who brought humor and hip