Band reviews: Anthrax
Anthrax, some of you may remember prior to the postal attacks of 2001, were a raging young metal band from my hometown of New York City. Touring the world more than 50 times, the band had a special place in the local, national and world-wide music circuits. Anthrax, who were playing their unique brand of thrash/speed/crossover heavy metal music to fans, would find themselves crossing over many musical boundaries throughout the twenty some odd years they have been playing. During the height of their career, many will remember a most unlikely fusion with rappers Public Enemy, who’s social commentary, incendiary lyrics and political poise would make them virtual pioneers to a new genre of rap-rock like no other. Ultimately, both bands were able to make a successful music video and tour to promote the remake of “Bring the Noise”, eventually helping both bands find scores of new fans through their musical endeavors. Guitarist, Scott Ian has maintained his friendship with Public Enemy, and has performed with them as recently as July of 2007 at Randalls Island in New York City.
Although the band has seen it’s fair share of member changes, the current line-up is pretty familiar to anyone who has followed the band over the years. Drummer Charlie Benante, his nephew Frank Bello on Bass, Scott Ian on Guitar, and Dan Spitz on Lead Guitar. As of right now, it seems unclear who might front the band, after nearly a quarter century it seems there is no-one to take the reigns. The band had taken some pretty unique ideas to heart, there was purported to be a dual frontman tour with original singer Joey Belladonna and his replacement John Bush, but they just weren’t able to make it work, as Joey Belladonna pulled the plug before anything could become official.
Many aspiring younger musicians are looking to draw from the foundations laid by bands such as Anthrax, Metallica, Slayer, D.R.I., and respected established musicians such as Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters & Nirvana, have given Anthrax the recognition and respect it has earned by doing what they have always done best…… By kicking everyones ass at their shows, pissing off parents, scaring the neighbors, and thrilling kids such as myself, with blazing guitars and gigantic drums, catchy songs and giving many many kids an outlet for the frustrations of youth.
After a recording career spanning over twenty three years, nine official records and a plethora of singles, ep’s and live recordings, the band is still going strong. However things might work out for them in the future, you can expect more music from them, as they seem destined to keep doing what they do best, through the decades and adversity, they seem perpetually caught in a mosh. You can catch up with the band and see what they are up to at their official website, www.anthrax.com.