Anthrax
Anthrax — The Complete Metal Nerdery Coverage
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"Anthrax had a markedly different sound than the other 75% of the Big 4 — full of hooky, memorable melodies and a gracious super-sized order of Crunchy Ball Riffs."
"Among the Living — so mind blowing and perfect that had it been released in 1986, all other forms of lesser music would have been eliminated."
"The Joey era is more thrashy. The John Bush era is more groovy. J.B. — bolth."
"Anthrax might've been one of the first of The Big 4 to really incorporate copious amounts of groove into their sound."
About This Page
The fourth member of the Big Four — and arguably the one with the most fun, the most groove, the most pop culture awareness, and the widest stylistic range. Formed in Queens, New York in 1981 by Scott Ian and Danny Lilker, Anthrax brought something to thrash metal that the other three Big Four bands didn't have in the same quantity: a genuine sense of humor, a love of Stephen King and Judge Dredd, and a rhythm section that could groove as hard as it could thrash.
Metal Nerdery has covered Anthrax's full arc from Spreading the Disease through Worship Music — plus the S.O.D. side project that came out of the same sessions. All the episodes are here. 🤘
The two vocal eras: Joey Belladonna (1984–1992, 2010–present) — the thrashy era, the classic sound, the voice of Spreading the Disease, Among the Living, State of Euphoria, and Persistence of Time. John Bush (1992–2005) — the groovier, heavier Sound of White Noise era. "The Joey era is more thrashy. The John Bush era is more groovy." Both are essential. The Zazulas are a blessing.
The Anthrax Episodes
⚡ The Joey Belladonna Era — Classic Thrax1985–1990 · Spreading the Disease through Persistence of Time · crunchy ball riffs and copious groove
January 2021 · Released October 1985 · "S.T.D." — essential listening for understanding OWOOSTM
The sophomore slam that introduced Joey Belladonna, Frank Bello, and a markedly different Anthrax to the world. Full of hooky, memorable melodies and a gracious super-sized order of Crunchy Ball Riffs that far exceeds the Recommended Daily Allowance. "A.I.R. — Read those lyrics!" Madhouse: Altered relaxer regimen for 2021. Butts & Loins or Poppin Chubbies? Russell's meat prowess is tangentionally tangential to metal. "Essential listening for anyone wanting to understand how important this album and Anthrax were to the developing sound of the Original Wave of Old School Thrash Metal (OWOOSTM)." Neil Turbin's metal armwear. Dan Lilker. The Zazulas are a blessing. #poppinchubbies #shotofbacon
2022 · Released March 22, 1987 · "So mind blowing and perfect…"
Combining the literary influence of Stephen King with the ultra-groovy, ultra-speedy, ultra-heavy thrash metal wizardry of Anthrax — the 1987 masterpiece. So mind blowing and perfect that had it been released in 1986, all other forms of lesser music would have been eliminated. Dedicated to Cliff Burton. "I Am the Law." "Indians." "Caught in a Mosh." "N.F.L. — Efilnikufesin." The first Anthrax many people ever saw — on Headbangers Ball, before MTV ditched the music ("which would be as ludicrous as KFC no longer serving fried chicken"). "It could be argued that Anthrax might've been one of the first of The Big 4 to really incorporate copious amounts of groove." WAR DANCE.
2011 · The comeback album · "a nice blend of classic 80s Thrash Thrax and 90s groove heaviness"
December 25, 2025 · Released September 12–13, 2011 · Christmas Day Special
The first Anthrax album with Joey Belladonna since 1990's Persistence of Time — and a genuine return to form. "It sounded modern, it still sounded thrashy, and it still sounded like Anthrax." A nice blend of classic 80s Thrash Thrax and the more groove-laden heaviness of the John Bush era. The solos feel like the classic 80s era. "In the end, you'll be my light in the dark…" — saluting Dio and Dimebag while celebrating those who remain. Use those headphones. Groovy and heavy. Looking back it sounds like something that could have been on W.C.F.Y.A. "I'm not Peter North shooting ropes across the room." What are the odds their 2nd and their (most recent) last are companion albums? The most Christmasy sounding porn name. The handy dude cleaning the gutters. Boxing Day Eve. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Stormtroopers of Death · Scott Ian · Charlie Benante · Dan Lilker · Billy Milano
May 2020 · Released September 1985 · Recorded and mixed in 3 days
Anthrax had just finished recording Spreading the Disease when Scott Ian (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums), along with ex-bassist Dan Lilker and Psychos bassist Billy Milano on vocals, decided to form a hardcore band. Based on the drawings of Sargent D — a character Scott had come up with. Originally recorded a 63-song demo called Crab Society North. Working with the Zazulas' Megaforce Records, they recorded Speak English or Die — recorded and mixed in just 3 days. One of the first albums to mix hardcore and thrash. Scott describes the lyrics as "ridiculous" and "just a big inside joke" — never intended to be serious. A landmark crossover thrash record. See also: M.O.D. for the Billy Milano follow-up.
Anthrax on Other Metal Nerdery Episodes
The 1st 4 of the Big 4: Fistful of Metal — the debut. Neil Turbin's metal armwear. Dan Lilker and the Soldiers of Metal. Anthrax and The Howling Furies. Metal Thrashing Mad. The Big 10 from The Big 4: Spreading the Disease and Among the Living as the two defining Anthrax entries.
Big Four Deep Cuts Vol. 1: Spreading the Disease deep cuts — The Enemy and Aftershock. "Is this like power metal you think?" "Thrash? Or Power Metal?" "No bass at all — no low end." "Looks like he's got a great big vagina in his jeans — is that Charlie!?"
Megaforce Records: Megaforce released Anthrax's first five albums. The Zazulas' role in the entire thrash ecosystem — connecting Anthrax, Metallica, Testament, Nuclear Assault, S.O.D., M.O.D., and more through one label. Neil Turbin's metal armwear. The Zazulas are a blessing.
Class of 1989 — Practice What You Preach: Anthrax's tangentional presence in the Class of 1989 through the thrash ecosystem. Be All End All from State of Euphoria gets a shoutout alongside a surprise attack from Acid Reign.
Heavy Metal Supergroups: Charlie Benante (Anthrax, S.O.D.) and Scott Ian's contributions to the supergroup universe. Metal Allegiance on Nuclear Blast — featuring Charlie Benante alongside Dave Lombardo, Phil Demmel, Alex Skolnick, Andreas Kisser, and Mark Osegueda.
- Formed: Queens, New York — 1981, by Scott Ian and Danny Lilker
- The Anthrax sound: "Markedly different than the other 75% of the Big 4 — hooky melodies and Crunchy Ball Riffs"
- Joey Belladonna joined: 1984 — first album: Spreading the Disease (1985)
- Among the Living dedicated to: Cliff Burton — who died while Metallica was on tour with Anthrax
- S.O.D. formed: 1985 — Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Dan Lilker, Billy Milano — recorded Speak English or Die in 3 days
- John Bush era: 1992–2005 — Sound of White Noise through We've Come for You All
- Joey Belladonna returned: 2010 — Worship Music released 2011
- The groove factor: "Anthrax might've been the first Big 4 band to really incorporate copious amounts of groove"
- The Zazulas: A blessing. Always.
- Metal Nerdery Anthrax episodes: 4 dedicated dives + multiple cross-references
- Metal Nerdery verdict: The most fun of the Big Four. "Crunchy Ball Riffs that far exceed the Recommended Daily Allowance." 🤘