Anthrax | History of the Band
Thrash, Humor, and Hardcore Roots: The NYC Band That Blended Aggression with Eclectic Influences
Anthrax, one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, played a crucial role in shaping the sound of heavy metal in the 1980s. Known for their aggressive riffs, fast tempos, and willingness to incorporate humor and diverse influences, Anthrax carved out a unique niche in a genre known for its intensity and darkness. Their story from the early days of formation to their ascendancy in the metal world during the 80s and early 90s is one of innovation, lineup changes, and genre-defining albums.
Formation and Early Years
Anthrax was formed in 1981 in New York City by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. Unlike many of their West Coast counterparts, Anthrax emerged from the East Coast, and their early sound reflected the urban intensity and grit of New York. Initially inspired by the classic heavy metal of bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, as well as punk rock, Anthrax quickly set themselves apart by incorporating faster tempos and a more aggressive approach to guitar riffing.
The original lineup saw several changes early on, including the departure of Lilker, who went on to form Nuclear Assault. The classic lineup of Scott Ian, drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, lead guitarist Dan Spitz, and vocalist Joey Belladonna solidified by the mid-1980s, just in time to help define the sound of thrash metal as it exploded across the metal world.
Anthrax’s music evolved rapidly throughout the 1980s, starting with a more straightforward heavy metal sound before developing into a full-throttle thrash metal juggernaut. Their early work showcased a mix of punk’s raw aggression and the technicality of NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal), but by the mid-1980s, they had fully embraced the fast, complex riffing and precise drumming that would define thrash metal.
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What set Anthrax apart from many of their peers was their willingness to incorporate humor and more eclectic influences into their music. They were one of the first metal bands to experiment with rap, as demonstrated by their collaboration with Public Enemy on “Bring the Noise” (1991). Their songs often featured lyrics inspired by pop culture, comic books, and Stephen King novels, adding a unique flavor to their otherwise fierce, high-energy music. This eclectic approach made Anthrax stand out in a scene where bands often gravitated toward darker, more serious themes.
Discography and Notable 80s Albums
Fistful of Metal (1984)
Anthrax’s debut album, Fistful of Metal, released in 1984 on Megaforce Records, was a raw and aggressive introduction to the band. With Neil Turbin on vocals, this album leaned heavily on traditional heavy metal influences but hinted at the thrash sound that Anthrax would fully embrace later. Songs like “Deathrider” and “Metal Thrashing Mad” were fast, intense, and showcased the band’s potential. The album is often noted for its ferocity, though the production and songwriting were not yet fully matured.
Spreading the Disease (1985)
With Joey Belladonna now on vocals, Spreading the Disease marked a turning point for the band. Released on Island Records, the album was produced by Carl Canedy and featured a more polished and focused sound. Tracks like “Madhouse” and “A.I.R.” became thrash anthems, combining intricate guitar work with Belladonna’s soaring, melodic vocals. This album also marked the beginning of Anthrax’s signature blend of thrash metal with a sense of humor and playfulness, as exemplified by their energetic live shows.
Among the Living (1987)
Widely considered Anthrax’s breakthrough album, Among the Living was produced by Eddie Kramer and marked the band’s full realization of their thrash metal sound. Released on Island Records, it featured some of their most iconic tracks, including “Caught in a Mosh,” “I Am the Law,” and “Indians.” This album pushed Anthrax into the upper echelons of thrash metal and remains a classic in the genre. The lyrics of Among the Living were often inspired by comic books and literature, including Stephen King’s The Stand, making it a fan favorite for its mix of aggression and narrative depth.
State of Euphoria (1988)
State of Euphoria followed Among the Living and, while not as universally praised, continued Anthrax’s streak of high-energy, riff-heavy albums. Songs like “Be All, End All” and “Antisocial” (a cover of a song by the French band Trust) became staples of their live sets. The album showcased a more experimental side of the band, with intricate arrangements and a wider range of lyrical themes, but some critics felt it lacked the immediacy of its predecessor.
Persistence of Time (1990)
By 1990, Anthrax had evolved their sound to incorporate darker, more serious themes. Persistence of Time was their most mature album to date, featuring longer, more complex songs and a heavier, more brooding atmosphere. Tracks like “Time” and “In My World” explored themes of isolation, mortality, and existential struggle, reflecting the band’s growth both musically and lyrically. The album earned them a Grammy nomination and cemented their place among thrash metal’s elite. This period also saw their groundbreaking collaboration with Public Enemy on the track “Bring the Noise,” which expanded their fanbase beyond metal.
Throughout the 1980s, Anthrax was widely praised for their energetic live shows, their unique blend of thrash metal and humor, and their ability to write songs that were both aggressive and catchy. Publications like Kerrang! and Metal Hammer hailed Among the Living as one of the defining albums of the thrash genre, and the band was lauded for pushing the boundaries of what metal could sound like.
While State of Euphoria received mixed reviews due to its more experimental nature, Persistence of Time was seen as a return to form, with critics praising its maturity and depth. The band’s ability to evolve without losing their core sound earned them respect within the metal community, and they continued to be one of the most innovative and beloved bands in the genre.
Influence and Legacy
After Persistence of Time (1990), Anthrax continued to evolve, with notable lineup changes that would shape their music throughout the 1990s. In 1992, Joey Belladonna was replaced by John Bush, formerly of the band Armored Saint. This change marked a significant shift in the band’s sound, as Bush brought a deeper, more aggressive vocal style that suited the band’s heavier direction. The first album with Bush, Sound of White Noise (1993), was a critical success and showed Anthrax adapting to the changing musical landscape of the 90s with a more groove-oriented, alternative metal approach.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the band continued to experiment with different sounds, but they always maintained their thrash roots. Albums like Stomp 442 (1995) and Volume 8: The Threat is Real (1998) saw them exploring more groove-based and even grunge influences. Although these albums did not achieve the commercial success of their 80s output, they demonstrated the band’s willingness to push boundaries.
The early 2000s saw another lineup shift when Dan Spitz left the band, and Anthrax briefly worked with guitarist Rob Caggiano before Spitz rejoined for a reunion tour with Belladonna in 2005. This led to the release of Worship Music in 2011, marking a return to form with Belladonna back on vocals and a renewed focus on their thrash roots. The album was well-received by both fans and critics and solidified Anthrax’s place as a legacy band in the metal scene.
Several members of Anthrax went on to pursue notable side projects. Scott Ian became a prominent figure in metal, often collaborating with other musicians and even forming the metal supergroup The Damned Things. John Bush continued with Armored Saint, while Dan Lilker, who left Anthrax early on, found success with Nuclear Assault. Drummer Charlie Benante is currently a member of Pantera’s reformed lineup. He joined the group in 2022 alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde, filling the roles of the late Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell.
Despite lineup changes and shifts in musical style, Anthrax’s influence on metal is undeniable. Their blend of thrash, humor, and eclectic influences has inspired countless bands, from groove metal icons Pantera to rap-metal pioneers Rage Against the Machine. They also paved the way for nu-metal and crossover acts like Korn and Limp Bizkit, who adopted the fusion of metal and rap that Anthrax helped popularize with their collaboration on “Bring the Noise.”
With their diverse body of work, constant innovation, and a legacy that stretches across multiple genres, Anthrax remains one of the most important and enduring metal bands of their era.