The REAL Big four, unlike someones definition, are the kings of thrash metal.
The big four are:
Metallica
Megadeth
Anthrax
Slayer
In that order
by EIEKTRICEYE September 17, 2011
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Usually relates to the "Big Four" Grunge bands of the early '90s.
The Big Four are:

Soundgarden
Pearl Jam
Alice in Chains
Nirvana

Even more interesting, they all come from Seattle
"The Big Four were pioneers for the Grunge genre, not to mention, they just plain kick ass!"
by GrrTigerMonster April 07, 2009
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There are four essential items in any mans life: pound the pussy, eat some food, good shit, and a nice nap. Pound. Eat. Shit. Nap.

The big four is when you can hit all those items in a single day. But it only counts when you hit all four. You can't count two eats, one shit, and one nap, as a big four. However, once the four are completed in a single day, you can add on additional items for a Big Five, Big Six, and so on.
Hey Hal, did you get the big four this weekend? No, the old bag wouldn't let me pound!
by BigJohnson77 October 30, 2015
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The Four Largely Popular thrash metal bands that formed in the 1980's. These bands dominated the thrash scene.
They were,Metallica,Megadeth,Slayer and Anthrax.

runners up include-
Exodus,Death Angel,Overkill, destruction and Kreator
the big four of thrash were influenced by hardcore music and NWOBHM and went on to inspire nearly all of todays metal. Slayer Alone is said to be one of the forefathers of death metal.
by kane the main mclain July 10, 2008
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Big Four Of Melodeath :

In Flames = Metallica
At the Gates = Slayer
Dark Tranquillity = Megadeth
Soilwork = Anthrax

People only like In Flames' early albums
Lots of people like DT the most out of the 4
AtG have one really popular album that influenced a ****load of bands
And none really cares about Soilwork

Bob: In flames is awesome
Tim: Yeah so is the other Big Four Of Melodeath At the Gates, Dark Tranquility, and Soilwork
Bob and Tim: \m/
by knixx October 07, 2007
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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.
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

by Knixx December 31, 2007
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