When you think of Metallica, you might first picture James Hetfield’s iconic downpicking, Lars Ulrich’s furious drumming, or Kirk Hammett’s soaring solos. But before Hammett took his place as lead shredder, another guitar hero with a wild streak and serious chops was in the mix: Dave Mustaine. Yes, that Dave Mustaine—the founder of Megadeth and one of metal’s most fiery and outspoken figures.
His time with Metallica may have been brief, but the riffs Mustaine left behind were nothing short of legendary. In fact, they’re the kind of riffs that shaped not only Metallica but the entire thrash metal genre.
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The Story of “The Four Horsemen” (or “Mechanix,” If You Ask Dave)
Ah, “The Four Horsemen.” This thrash classic from Kill ‘Em All is a staple in Metallica’s catalogue, but did you know its origins are… a bit awkward? The song actually started as “Mechanix,” a track Dave Mustaine wrote while he was still a member of Metallica. Back then, it was raw, fast, and straight-up aggressive—much like the young, brash Mustaine himself.
After Mustaine’s departure (or rather, his infamous firing), Metallica slowed the tempo, tweaked the lyrics, and transformed the song into the epic “The Four Horsemen” we know today. Mustaine, never one to let bygones be bygones, went on to record the original version with Megadeth on their debut album Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! It’s a head-to-head metal battle of sorts, with fans divided on which version reigns supreme. If you want a trip through metal history, try listening to both tracks back-to-back—it’s like hearing two sides of the same riff-filled coin.
“Jump in the Fire” – Riff Fury Unleashed
Ever find yourself headbanging uncontrollably to “Jump in the Fire”? You can thank Dave Mustaine for that. This track has one of Metallica’s fiercest, most relentless riffs, and it came straight from the mind of Mustaine. His riff-writing approach was simple yet savage—he wrote music that made people want to lose their minds in the mosh pit. The fact that “Jump in the Fire” became a staple of Metallica’s early live shows speaks volumes about Mustaine’s ability to write killer riffs that get the blood pumping. And even though the song evolved over time, you can still hear that unmistakable Mustaine edge in every palm-muted chug.
“Phantom Lord” – A Thrash Masterclass
If you’ve ever wondered what early thrash metal sounds like distilled into one track, “Phantom Lord” is it. With its machine-gun riffing and breakneck speed, the song encapsulates everything that made Metallica stand out in the early ’80s. And yes, once again, this is another track with Dave Mustaine’s fingerprints all over it. The man could riff like no other, blending technicality with sheer power. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to pick up a guitar and start thrashing around, regardless of your skill level.
Though the track evolved with input from the rest of the band, that initial spark of fury and aggression? That was all Mustaine. His ability to craft these powerful, head-crushing riffs laid the foundation for Metallica’s sound and helped solidify their place as pioneers of thrash metal.
“Metal Militia” – Thrashing Till the End
As we near the end of Kill ‘Em All, there’s one more Mustaine-fueled banger that deserves attention: “Metal Militia.” It’s a thrash anthem that perfectly encapsulates the rebellious, no-holds-barred spirit of early Metallica. The chugging riff that kicks off the song? Pure Mustaine. The relentless pace and aggression? Also Mustaine. While Metallica took the song and made it their own, the core of what makes “Metal Militia” so powerful stems from Mustaine’s relentless creativity and passion for metal. It’s the kind of track that could start a riot in a room full of metalheads—and that’s exactly what early Metallica was all about.
Beyond Metallica: Mustaine’s Revenge and Redemption
It’s no secret that Dave Mustaine’s departure from Metallica stung. It wasn’t just a firing—it was a legendary rock and roll breakup. But instead of fading into obscurity, Mustaine channelled his anger, frustration, and talent into Megadeth, one of the “Big Four” thrash bands alongside Metallica. In a way, his riffs in Metallica became the bridge to a brand-new legacy—a legacy that saw him competing head-to-head with his former bandmates on the charts, on tour, and in the hearts of metal fans worldwide.
Dave Mustaine’s Metallica riffs are more than just notes and rhythms—they’re a piece of history. And even though he’s long gone from the band, those riffs continue to echo through time, reminding us that Mustaine’s brief stint in Metallica wasn’t just a footnote—it was a cornerstone.
