WHO ARE THE NEW BIG FOUR?

In the context of a 2011 live event the “Big Four” grouping of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax may seem lame, but I don’t think there’s any denying how important those bands were to thrash metal history and still are to today’s young headbangers. Twenty years from now when we look back at the ’00s, which four bands will we look at in awe of all they accomplished for heavy music?

We’re only one and a half years into the ’10s, but that’s not stopping No Clean Singing’s Brutalitopia Jack from compiling a “Big Four of the ’10s” list; his picks are the Faceless, Kylesa, Revocation and Ulcerate. Good picks indeed, but I think it’s way too early to even start thinking about the 2010s.

Instead I’d like to hear your opinions on the Big Four of the ’00s (2000-2009), since that decade is done and gone. I think I’d go with Mastodon, Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage and Opeth, though I reserve the right to change my mind once I see your picks and accompanying arguments. Go!

-VN