The question of who is a better band Metallica or Megadeth ranks up there as one of the great debates of our time. Ginger or Mary Ann, parkay or butter, Pepsi or Coke? Now before I begin, let me put you out of your misery. The answer all lies in what criteria or measuring rubric you use to score what is good. Here are a few guidelines that I use in determining what is musically “good”. My answer is Metallica.
1. Can a beginning level musician duplicate the performance?
On that basis I would have to give the edge to Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. His guitar solos are far more sophisticated and difficult than those of Kirk Hammet. There are far more imitators doing Metallica covers and getting away with it than Megadeth songs. The speed, rhythm and intensity of the Megadeth guitar licks put Mustaine ahead of Metallica. Peace Sells and Symphony of Destruction are good examples.
2. Do the vocals show a range of quality and talent?
The power, emotion, intensity and passion of the vocals in songs like One, Enter Sandman, and The Unforgiven put Hetfield of Metallica ahead The consistant thrash style of the band Megadeth does not highlight high quality vocals in the way some of the power ballads that Metallica does.
3. Does the drummer play with skill and intensity?
Although Lars Ulrich has been called by some, “the worst drummer in metal history”, I think that is an overstatement. He gets the job done well. He might not be the greatest ever or get to sit next to John Bohnam in the after-life after party but he is steady. You need a scorecard for all the drummers Megadeth has rolled out to know who we are comparing him to.
4. Do the lyrics of the songs clearly communicate a message in an artistic way?
Metallica over the years has communicated a clearer message to their audience. Compare the lyrical sophistication of two war songs, “Peace Sells”, by Megadeth and “One” by Metallica.
What do you mean, “I don’t believe in God”?
I talk to him every day.
What do you mean, “I don’t support your system”?
I go to court when I have to.
What do you mean, “I can’t get to work on time”?
I got nothing better to do
And, what do you mean, “I don’t pay my bills”?
Why do you think I’m broke? Huh?
How does that match up with these words from “One”?
Now that the war is through with me
I’m waking up I can not see
That there is not much left of me
Nothing is real but pain now
Hold my breath as I wish for death
Oh please god, wake me
Megadeth’s sounds more in tone like a whiny junior high kid wrote it on the back of his brown lunch bag. Metallica’s lyrics sound more authentic, soul searching and born out of suffering.
5. Does the group work like a group? How do they come across live?
Here the cohesiveness and showmanship of Metallica is obvious. Their live performance is much more entertaining and concerts are more attended and enjoyable for the fans. They are a group that has not had the turbulent turnovers in personnel that Megadeth has they know how to perform together. Metallica the better band but Megadeth has very talented musicians. They just haven’t gotten it together all in one place for very long to make their message stick.
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PanterA is the true master here, the real kings of metal.
It is certainly hard to argue that. Pantera is a legendary band.
I would have arque that megadeath is the band ever to play a gig