Anthrax

Anthrax, one of the legendary “Big Four” of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, has consistently unleashed a furious blend of speed, aggression, and a distinctive sense of humour and urban grit. Hailing from Queens, New York City, since 1981, they stand as the East Coast’s undisputed titans of the genre, influencing countless bands and remaining a powerhouse in trending metal discussions globally.

The inception of Anthrax dates back to July 1981, when guitarists Scott Ian and Dan Lilker formed the band. The name, chosen by Ian from a biology textbook, was selected for its “sufficiently evil” sound. After initial lineup fluctuations, the “classic” era of Anthrax began to solidify around 1984 with the pivotal additions of drummer Charlie Benante and bassist Frank Bello (who is Benante’s nephew). While several vocalists passed through their ranks in the very early days, including Neil Turbin on their 1984 debut Fistful of Metal, it was the arrival of Joey Belladonna that truly cemented their signature sound.

With Belladonna’s powerful, melodic vocals complementing Ian’s driving rhythm guitar, Benante’s incredibly precise and influential drumming, Bello’s dynamic bass lines, and Dan Spitz’s ripping lead guitar, Anthrax delivered a string of seminal albums that defined the thrash metal landscape. Spreading the Disease (1985) introduced Belladonna and featured anthems like “Madhouse.” However, it was Among the Living (1987) that became a defining moment for the band and the genre, an album packed with thrash classics such as “Caught in a Mosh,” “Indians,” and “I Am the Law” (an ode to Judge Dredd). This era saw them at the forefront of the thrash scene, pushing boundaries with their speed and lyrical themes often inspired by pop culture, comics, and social commentary.

The late 1980s also saw them experiment with their influential EP, I’m the Man (1987), which famously fused hip-hop and metal, laying early groundwork for what would become rap metal. This experimentation culminated in their groundbreaking 1991 collaboration with Public Enemy on a re-recording of “Bring the Noise.” This fearless crossover not only became an MTV staple but also broke down genre barriers, proving that metal and hip-hop could coexist and even thrive together, inspiring a generation of musicians.