Megadeth

Formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine after an acrimonious departure from Metallica, Megadeth became one of the most acclaimed and successful thrash metal bands of their era and beyond. Mustaine expanded on the typical metal blueprint by speeding up the tempos and putting an emphasis on his lightning-fast technical guitar skills. His nihilistic lyrics and unrelenting musical attack resulted in a series of thrash metal classics from Megadeth throughout the 1980s and into the early '90s.

Along with being considered high water marks of the metal genre, 1986's Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? and 1992's Countdown to Extinction sold in the millions and influenced the next generation of speed metal bands.

Ringleader Zakk Wylde is certainly no stranger to the metal scene, and he carries a resume many a six-stringer would kill/die for. After paying his dues in local bands Stone Henge and Zyris, the New Jersey native landed to role of guitarist with Ozzy Osbourne. From there, there has been no going back, and in the 2003 Guitar World Readers' Poll is proof of this, where Zakk emerged victorious as Most Valuable Player.

Heavy duty metal from one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the San Francisco Bay Area in the 80s. Whether evoking images of a barren post-apocalyptic landscape or extolling the virtues of the nature's ultimate might, thunderous prophecy shrouded in monolithic, overwhelming musical power has always been Testament's domain.