Recently, David Ellefson, the former bassist of Megadeth, shared his insights on the “Big 4” of nu-metal and reflected on his early experiences with the emerging subgenre during an episode of The David Ellefson Show. You can listen to the entire episode below for a deeper dive into his opinions and experiences.

Ellefson remarked, “Nu-metal isn’t strictly a genre; rather, it represents a significant era in music history, wouldn’t you agree?” He posed this question to his co-host, Joshua Toomey, a former bassist for Primer 55. Toomey highlighted the fact that bands like Static-X and Limp Bizkit are often categorized under the same nu-metal label, despite their distinct sounds. This led Ellefson to reminisce about his experiences touring with several rising bands during his tenure with Megadeth.

Reflecting back, he shared, “I remember taking Static-X on tour, and I genuinely liked their music. They had a unique sound that intrigued me, especially their industrial vibe. Naturally, I’ve always been a fan of Ministry as well.”

READ MORE: The ‘Big 4’ Bands of 27 Rock + Metal Subgenres

Discover David Ellefson’s Top Picks for the ‘Big 4’ Nu-Metal Bands

As a prominent figure in one of the legendary Big 4 thrash metal bands—alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax—Ellefson possesses a unique perspective on categorizing influential bands from various genres. So, who does he consider the key players in the nu-metal scene?

“When we speak of our genre as the Big 4, I believe nu-metal deserves to be recognized for its pioneering artists,” he explained. “In my opinion, the top four would be Korn, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Slipknot.”

David Ellefson’s Insights on the Iconic Big 4 Nu-Metal Bands

While Ellefson has grown to appreciate all these influential bands, he admits that his initial impressions were mixed.

Reflecting on Korn, who opened for Megadeth back in 1995, Ellefson recounted, “I remember receiving their CD and thinking, ‘Wow, this sounds quite unusual.’ It was a significant transition, and I can’t even recall what other albums I was listening to at the time. However, it was clear that none of them represented a genre we typically identified with; they brought something entirely new to the table.”

READ MORE: What Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine REALLY Thinks of Nu-Metal

When Linkin Park emerged a few years later, Ellefson’s skepticism continued. “I understood their appeal and why they resonated with fans, but their style didn’t initially connect with me,” he admitted. “However, I appreciate their evolution, especially with their new vocalist. I think they’re doing some really exciting things now, and I’m eager to see what’s next for them.”

However, one band that immediately captivated Ellefson was Slipknot. “Without a doubt, Slipknot made a powerful entrance into the scene,” he stated. “They really pioneered the masked band movement. While there were other masked groups like Mushroomhead, Slipknot truly took the lead in this unique aspect of performance art.”

To explore how Ellefson’s choices for the Big 4 of nu-metal compare with Loudwire‘s selections, check out our comprehensive list of Every ‘Big 4’ Nu-Metal Album, Ranked from Worst to Best.

Listen to David Ellefson Discuss His Picks for the ‘Big 4’ Nu-Metal and His Insights on the Genre