I know you were using the "Big 4" loosely, but to thrash metal fans, the Big 4 are Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. Some purists say the Big 6 should include Exodus and NJ's own Overkill--but they will never sniff the HOF, while Janet Jackson is in. That's sad.No argument here, but one step at a time. Maiden and Priest are the next wave after Sabbath and industry standards. They helped shape the genre and move to the next level and the big 4 revolutionized the Metal industry completely.
https://www.billboard.com/articles/...r-megadeth-anthrax-thrash-metal-big-four-2016