Dave Mustaine reveals thrash metal's new 'Big Four'

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine believes Testament, Trivium, Overkill and Exodus are thrash metal's new "Big Four" bands.

The 65-year-old rocker's group was one quarter of the so-called "Big Four" of thrash metal in the 1980s, alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax - but he has put together a "new young generation" to spearhead the genre.

Speaking on Czech music television channel Ocko, he said: "Well, it wouldn't be a young generation, but I do believe that there are ways to do a new 'Big Four'.

"I think that Testament, I think Overkill, I think Exodus, and maybe Trivium; I don't know.

"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."

Mustaine is a big fan of playing alongside Testament, and he also believes Overkill are "really important on the East Coast metal scene".

He added: "Overkill is really important on the East Coast metal scene. Exodus, of course, I love Exodus. And I've been friends with Gary [Holt, Exodus guitarist] longest of all people that I've been friends with in the music industry.

"And Testament. Eric [Peterson, Testament guitarist], Alex [Skolnick, Testament guitarist], those guys are really great guitar players. And I love when we get a chance to play with the band."

However, Megadeth don't have long left in the thrash metal game, with a farewell tour scheduled for next year.

Dave recently admitted the group's last-ever run of gigs will be a "true celebration of metal" rather than a sad goodbye.

He said in a statement: "This isn't about saying goodbye. It's about celebrating everything we've built together over the last four decades. Every city has its own story, every crowd has given us unforgettable memories, and we want to come back to celebrate that with the fans who made it all possible.

"When we started talking about this tour, we wanted it to be a true celebration of metal. Black Label Society and Testament are bands we have tremendous respect for, and having them join us makes these shows even more special.

"This line-up represents decades of heavy music, and it's going to be an incredible night for the fans."