Much like the big four of thrash, the big four of melodic death closely mirror them.
In Flames is like Metallica, started out with lots of hits but changed their style and got rejected by their fans.
Dark Tranquility is like Megadeth, Remains consistent in their style except for one album the had a very different style.
At the Gates is like Slayer, usually on one album is ever talked about. (Reign in Blood/Slaughter of the Soul)
Soilwork is like Anthrax, nobody really ever cared about them even though they were pretty great.
In Flames is like Metallica, started out with lots of hits but changed their style and got rejected by their fans.
Dark Tranquility is like Megadeth, Remains consistent in their style except for one album the had a very different style.
At the Gates is like Slayer, usually on one album is ever talked about. (Reign in Blood/Slaughter of the Soul)
Soilwork is like Anthrax, nobody really ever cared about them even though they were pretty great.
Random People on the Big Four of Melodic Death:
Billy: I really like Colony and The Jester Race but Soundtrack to Your Escape was pretty nu-metal and bad to me.
Jimmy: Projector was a bit "different" but was still alright but the rest of the others albums are great.
Bob (to Jimmy): Projector sucked man their other stuff was way better.
Tommy: Yeah At the Gates is pretty great.
Joel (to Tommy): Didn't they make Slaughter of the Soul?
Tommy:Yeah!
Joel: Any other albums?
Tommy: I don't know.
Robert (playing his Chainheart Machine CD at a party): Cause I'll rise (crickets) Robert (monotone voice): ...You'll fall
Roll the dice! My call
Billy: I really like Colony and The Jester Race but Soundtrack to Your Escape was pretty nu-metal and bad to me.
Jimmy: Projector was a bit "different" but was still alright but the rest of the others albums are great.
Bob (to Jimmy): Projector sucked man their other stuff was way better.
Tommy: Yeah At the Gates is pretty great.
Joel (to Tommy): Didn't they make Slaughter of the Soul?
Tommy:Yeah!
Joel: Any other albums?
Tommy: I don't know.
Robert (playing his Chainheart Machine CD at a party): Cause I'll rise (crickets) Robert (monotone voice): ...You'll fall
Roll the dice! My call
by Knixx January 1, 2008
Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Exodus (not Slayer). As much as we might want it, Slayer was never considered one of the original big four (probably should have been a "big five"). I have seen Slayer replacing Exodus on several pages now including this one and Wikipedia. Not so. Slayer was often categorized differently than the mainstream 80's Thrash bands (Death metal, etc, although I don't think this exactly fits either).
by smc123 October 31, 2007
Metallica, Exodus, Megadeth and Anthrax. Slayer is not one of the original top four, despite what you may hear. Top citation is Dave Mustaine who pushes a "top 5" that includes Slayer, but does not replace Exodus.
by smc123 November 6, 2007
by Ratio bozo January 4, 2022
by bill/bob/gamer May 18, 2023
The Big Four are the largest railroad companies in the United States. The Big Four consists of CSX, BNSF, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Kansas City Southern almost makes it in, but the foamers would never allow it.
John: Man, I saw locomotives from all Big Four railroads today!
Tom: Literally no one gives a shit about your train addiction, John.
Tom: Literally no one gives a shit about your train addiction, John.
by PikeCountyGA_Resident April 21, 2020