Back in the day, back when a Big 4 show was nothing but a fanboy’s dream, three of the most important thrash metal bands of all time teamed up for a monumental tour called Clash of the Titans. The US version of the trek featured MEGADETH, Slayer and Anthrax as rotating co-headliners, playing huge venues across America in 1991, still part of the Rust in Peace era to MEGADETH fans.

In interviews at the time, MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine was often asked which band he thought benefitted the most from the tour. His response included three simple words: “Alice in Chains.” Yes, when Death Angel reportedly had to turn down the opening slot, the Clash of the Titans organizers turned to a then-little-known Seattle band who had a tough time warming up the thrash-friendly crowds.

Alice in Chains weren’t the only band to go on to massive heights of fame and fortune after supporting the world’s “state of the art speed metal band,” as MEGADETH was often billed. Stone Temple Pilots found themselves in the same position in 1993. A few years before their gold-selling Obsolete, in 1995, FEAR FACTORY joined a MEGADETH bill that also included a new band called Ko퐌¿n. From Coal Chamber to MACHINE HEAD, the list of Roadrunner luminaries alone who’ve supported MEGADETH is astounding.

With the 2012 edition of the Mustaine-curated Gigantour rolling out January 26 with a badass undercard consisting of Mot