Anthrax is widely recognized as one of the of 1980s American thrash metal, alongside Metallica , Megadeth , and Slayer . Their 1990 hit "Got the Time" —a high-energy cover of a Joe Jackson song—remains one of their most iconic tracks and a staple of their live performances during historic events like the Big Four concert series. The "Big Four" Legacy
The term "Big Four" was largely popularized as a marketing and business classification, identifying the four US thrash bands that achieved the most significant commercial success and record sales during the genre's peak from 1985 to 1991.