What are the Big 4 of Death Metal? Discover the Legends

The Legacy of Death Metal: Who Are the Big 4?

When it comes to death metal, there's always a heated debate over who sits at the top. And if you're asking, "What are the Big 4 of death metal?", you're probably referring to the legends that have shaped the genre into what it is today. Now, I know what you're thinking—there's no official "Big 4" like there is in thrash metal, but let me tell you, there are some bands that have without a doubt defined and pioneered death metal.

I was talking to my friend Mike the other day, and we both agreed that there are four names that instantly come to mind when we think of the genre's foundational acts. These bands not only set the standard but also continue to push the boundaries of death metal.

The Big 4 of Death Metal: Who Are They?

1. Death: The Pioneers of Death Metal

When you think of death metal, Death should be the first band that pops into your head. Founded by Chuck Schuldiner in the mid-1980s, Death is often hailed as the godfather of the genre. Their 1991 album Human is often cited as one of the greatest death metal albums of all time, blending technicality with brutality. The influence they've had on the genre is unreal.

I remember hearing Symbolic for the first time and just thinking, "How can something so complex sound so raw and pure?" Chuck Schuldiner's unique ability to combine melody with heavy, guttural vocals made Death stand out from other metal bands. Tragically, Schuldiner passed away in 2001, but his impact remains undeniable.

2. Morbid Angel: The Architects of Brutality

If Death laid the groundwork, then Morbid Angel was there to turn up the intensity. Formed in 1983, this Florida-based band became pioneers of the brutal side of death metal. Their 1989 album Altars of Madness is still a defining record in the genre. With its dark atmosphere and unrelenting aggression, Morbid Angel's music carved a new path for death metal bands that followed.

In a recent chat with my buddy Liam, who’s a huge fan of the old school death metal scene, he told me that Morbid Angel's influence is everywhere. "They set the tone for every other band after them," he said. And I totally agree—no death metal list is complete without them. Their riffing, extreme tempos, and the iconic voice of David Vincent are hallmarks that continue to inspire.

3. Cannibal Corpse: The Uncompromising Force

No list of death metal would be complete without Cannibal Corpse. Their raw brutality and gore-obsessed lyrics make them a polarizing force, but also one of the most successful and influential death metal bands in history. With albums like Tomb of the Mutilated and Butchered at Birth, Cannibal Corpse pushed the boundaries of what death metal could be in terms of shock value, sound, and lyrical content.

I still remember my first experience with their music—Hammer Smashed Face was a track I stumbled upon in high school. It was aggressive, fast, and terrifying, yet I couldn't stop listening. There’s something mesmerizing about their sound, even if it's not for the faint of heart. But that’s what makes them so special—they’ve embraced the extreme and made it their own.

4. Obituary: The Death Metal Veterans

Last but certainly not least, Obituary deserves their place in the Big 4. Hailing from Florida, just like Morbid Angel, Obituary played a major role in defining the death metal sound in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their album Slowly We Rot (1989) is a cornerstone of the genre, with its crushing riffs and guttural vocals. What sets Obituary apart is their ability to combine heaviness with groove, creating a more accessible yet still incredibly brutal sound.

I was talking to my friend John, a massive fan of Obituary, and he told me that their music was like “the perfect mix of rage and melody.” It’s hard to argue with that. Their straightforward approach to death metal has earned them a dedicated following. Obituary’s influence is still visible today in many modern death metal bands.

Why These Bands are Considered the Big 4

Influence on the Genre

Each of these bands has not only defined but also shaped the evolution of death metal. Whether it's Death's technical precision, Morbid Angel's brutality, Cannibal Corpse's shock factor, or Obituary's groove-heavy sound, these bands laid the foundation for almost every death metal band that followed. Their impact can be heard in countless albums across the years, and they continue to inspire new generations of metalheads.

Consistency and Longevity

Another reason why these bands are regarded as the Big 4 is their consistency and longevity. Despite the ups and downs, lineup changes, and evolving trends in the metal scene, these bands have stood the test of time. They’ve not only survived, but thrived, continuing to release albums that resonate with fans both old and new.

The Big 4 Debate: Is There Really a "Big 4" in Death Metal?

I’ll be honest with you: The “Big 4” concept is often debated. Unlike thrash metal, where the term is almost universally agreed upon (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax), the death metal scene doesn’t have an official “Big 4.” There are other influential bands—like Suffocation, Entombed, and Dying Fetus—that could easily be in the conversation. But when you think of the most influential and pioneering forces in death metal, Death, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, and Obituary are the ones that consistently come up in conversation.

Conclusion: The Titans of Death Metal

So, there you have it—the Big 4 of death metal are Death, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, and Obituary. Each of these bands brought something unique to the table, from technicality to brutality to groove. And while the debate will never end, there's no denying the massive impact these legends had on shaping the sound of death metal.

If you're new to the genre, start with these bands. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. And if you're already a fan, well, you're likely already banging your head to their tunes. Keep the spirit of death metal alive!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.