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Date 1984 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal
Note Anthrax's lineup had not yet solidified when they recorded their debut album, and neither had their style. Fans of the group's peak-period material are likely to find Fistful of Metal offputting,as the band sounds more like a Judas Priest knockoff with rather silly, stereotypical heavy metal lyrics than the thrash innovators they would become. Bassist Dan Lilker, who subsequently left to form Nuclear Assault, is present for this album, while vocalist Joey Belladonna is not.
Production Charlie Benante-Drums / Chris Bubacz-Engineer / Carl Canedy-Producer /
Scott Ian-Guitar, Guitar (Electric) Dan Lilker-Guitar (Bass) / Dan Spitz-Guitar (Electric) /
Neil Turbin-Vocals
1. Deathrider (Benante/Lilker/Rosenfeld/Spitz/Turbin)
2. Metal Thrashing Mad (Benante/Lilker/Rosenfeld/Spitz/Turbin)
3. I'm Eighteen (Bruce/Buxton/Cooper/Dunaway/Smith)
4. Panic (Lilker/Rosenfeld/Turbin)
5. Subjagator (Benante/Lilker/Rosenfeld/Spitz/Turbin)
6. Soldiers of Metal (Lilker/Rosenfeld/Turbin)
7. Death from Above (Rosenfeld/Spitz/Turbin)
8. Anthrax (Lilker/Rosenfeld/Turbin)
9. Across the River (Lilker/Rosenfeld)
10. Howling Furies (Lilker/Rosenfeld)



Date 1985 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal
Note An EP featuring the debut of vocalist Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello, Armed and Dangerous is mostly composed of songs originally recorded for the band's debut, Fistful of Metal. As such, the band sounds better, but were still in the process of coming up with quality material and truly hitting their stride.
Production George Marino-Mastering / Alex Perialas-Engineer Anthrax-Producer
Joe Belladonna
-Frank Bello-Charlie Benante-Carl Canedy-Producer
Scott Ian
-Guitar / Dan Spitz-Guitar / Jon Zazula-Executive Producer
Norman Dunn
-Engineer
1. Armed and Dangerous (Anthrax)
2. Raise Hell (Anthrax)
3. God Save the Queen (Anthrax/Turbin)
4. Metal Thrashing Mad (Anthrax)
5. Panic (Anthrax)
6. Soldiers of Metal (Anthrax)
7. Howling Furies (Anthrax)



Date 1985 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal
Time 43:40
Note Anthrax's first album with vocalist Joey Belladonna is a huge leap forward, featuring strongly rhythmic, pounding riffs and vocals that alternate between hardcore-type shouting and surprising amountsof melody. Two tracks left over from the Lilker days are here as well. The traditional metal lyrical fare is more original, while also introducing a penchant for paying tribute to favorite fictional characters and pop-culture artifacts ("Lone Justice" and "Medusa" are prime examples).One of Anthrax's best efforts.
Production Alex Perialas-Engineer / Anthrax-Producer / Joe Belladonna-Vocals
Frank Bello-Guitar (Bass) / -Charlie Benante-Drums, cover concept
Carl Canedy-Producer, Assistant Engineer
Neil Stopol
-Photography / Jon Zazula-Producer, Executive Producer
Scott Ian
-Guitar / Dan Spitz-Guitar / David Hefferman-Illustrations
Norman Dunn
-Assistant Engineer / Gary Gershoff-Photography
Frank White-Photography / Peter Corriston-Art Direction
1. A.I.R. (Anthrax) - 5:44
2. Lone Justice (Anthrax) - 4:37
3. Madhouse (Anthrax) - 4:17
4. S.S.C./Stand or Fall (Anthrax) - 4:09
5. Enemy (Anthrax) - 5:23
6. Aftershock (Anthrax) - 4:29
7. Armed and Dangerous (Anthrax/Turbin) - 5:43
8. Medusa (Anthrax/Zanula) - 4:43
9. Gung-Ho (Anthrax/Turbin) - 4:35



Date 1987 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal
Time 50:13
Note Generally considered the band's best album, Among the Living broadened the scope of Anthrax's subject matter with socially conscious lyrics addressing prejudice, violence, drug abuse ("Efilnikufesin [N.F.L.]," a rip on John Belushi), and the hollowness of the music business, as well as a politically correct ode to the "Indians." However, the band refuses to take itself too seriously, also recording tributes to Stephen King and Judge Dredd. Musically, the band delivers a powerful, aggressive roar driven by impossibly fast riffing and the changing tempos and collectively shouted vocals of hardcore, especially on the classic "Caught In a Mosh." The brutal rhythm guitar work of Scott Ian and the explosive drumming of Charlie Benante relentlessly pushes the songs along while still maintaining a solid groove, and more than makes up for some lyrical awkwardness. Among the Living remains arguably Anthrax's foremost achievement.
Production Anthrax-Producer / Joe Belladonna-Vocals
Frank Bello-Guitar (Bass) / Charlie Benante-Drums / Scott Ian-Guitar Eddie Kramer-Producer, Engineer
Chris Rutherford-Engineer / Dan Spitz-Guitar, Guitar (Electric)
1. Among the Living (Anthrax)
2. Caught in a Mosh (Anthrax)
3. I Am the Law (Anthrax/Lilker)
4. Efilinkufesin (N.F.L.)
5. Skeleton in the Closet (Anthrax)
6. Indians (Anthrax)
7. One World (Anthrax)
8. A.D.I./Horror of It All (Anthrax)
9. Imitation of Life (Anthrax/Lilker)



Date 1987 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal
Time 28:01
Note This EP features three versions of the title track, the group's
pioneering fusion of rap and heavy metal, plus a cover of Black Sabbath's "Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath" and live perfomances of Among the Living's "Caught In a Mosh" and "I Am the Law." While artists like the Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C. had experimented with rock/rap fusion, Anthrax was the first band on the rock side of the equation to do so, and their take was naturally harder and heavier than anything that came before. Of course, the experiment wouldn't have worked if Anthrax's music hadn't already relied on strongly rhythmic grooves, and their playful sense of humor didn't hurt either. A must-hear.
Production Anthrax-Producer / Paul Hamingson-Producer
Eddie Kramer-Producer / George Marino-Engineer
1. I'm the Man
2. I'm the Man
3. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
4. I'm the Man
5. Cought in a Mosh
6. I Am the Law



Date 1988 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal
Time 52:35
Note The proper follow-up to Among the Living was somewhat disappointing in its inconsistency. While there are some good moments -- "Be All, End All" is one of the band's most melodic moments, and several other tracks catch fire -- the best thing here is a cover of Trust's "Antisocial," and it doesn't bode well when covers outshine original material. The lyrics continue the self-consciously intellectual, P.C. approach begun on Among the Living, but about half of the album is surprisingly dull.
Production Anthrax-Producer / Joe Belladonna-Vocals
Dan Spitz-Guitar, Guitar (Electric)
Charlie Benante-Drums / Mark Dodson-Producer
Carol Freedman-Cello / Scott Ian-Guitar (Rhythm)
Alex Perialas-Engineer / Frank Bello-Bass
1. Be All, End All (Anthrax) - 6:22
2. Out of Sight, out of Mind (Anthrax) - 5:13
3. Make Me Laugh (Anthrax) - 5:41
4. Antisocial (Bonvoisin/Krief) - 4:27
5. Who Cares Wins (Anthrax) - 7:35
6. Now It's Dark (Anthrax) - 5:34
7. Schism (Anthrax) - 5:27
8. Misery Loves Company (Anthrax) - 5:40
9. 13 (Anthrax) - :49
10. Finale (Anthrax) - 5:37

 



Date Aug ??, 1990 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Rap-Metal
Time 60:24
Note Persistence of Time rivals Among the Living as Anthrax's best album and might even be a clear-cut favorite if some of the songs had been trimmed a bit. The more cartoonish side of the band is missing here, trimmed in favor of a dark, uncompromising examination of society's dirty underbelly -- nearly every song rails against hatred and prejudice, but without an excess of optimism. The standout track is, once again, a cover -- Joe Jackson's "Got the Time" -- but the rest of the album is strong enough to hold its own. This is the album for those who want Anthrax's serious side without any of the pop-culture references and tributes; others might miss those elements, particularly since there has always been a sort of clumsiness to some of the more intellectual lyrics. However, Persistence of Time is their most lyrically consistent album, and the music simply rages.
Production Anthrax-Producer, Liner Notes/ Joe Belladonna-Vocals
Dan Spitz-Guitar / Michael Barbiero-Mixing
Frank Bello-Guitar, Guitar (Bass) / Scott Ian-Guitar
Bill Pulaski-Charlie Benante-Guitar, Cymbals, Drums, cover concept Mark Dodson-Producer, Engineer / Paul Crook-Guitar
Greg Goldman-Assistant Engineer / Jim Dunlop-Guitar
Bob Ludwig-Mastering / Jon Zazula-Executive Producer
Marsha Zazula-Executive Producer
Brian Schueble-Assistant Engineer
Don Brautigam-Artwork, Cover Design / Waring Abbott-Photography / Mike Tempesta-Guitar (Rhythm)
1. Time (Anthrax) - 6:54
2. Blood (Anthrax) - 7:06
3. Keep It in the Family (Anthrax) - 7:07
4. In My World (Anthrax) - 6:23
5. Gridlock (Anthrax) - 5:08
6. Intro to Reality (Anthrax) - 3:24
7. Belly of the Beast (Anthrax) - 4:46
8. Got the Time (Jackson) - 2:44
9. H8 Red (Anthrax) - 6:02
10. One Man Stands (Anthrax) - 5:39
11. Discharge (Anthrax) - 5:11

 



Date Jun ??, 1991 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Rap-Metal
Time 39:56
Note Not just for devoted fans, this collection of B-sides, covers,
rarities, and obscurities actually presents a surprisingly solid
overview of the range and diversity of Anthrax's material in an engaging, entertaining manner. Listeners wanting to hear more of the band's sense of humor will be pleased with the bizarre "Milk (Ode to Billy)" (one of two S.O.D. songs redone here), the hilarious power-ballad satire "N.F.B.," and the anti-censorship tune "Startin' Up a Posse," which uses rather predictable tactics to make its point but has such a gleeful, idiotic bounce that it's difficult not to be amused anyway. Two live songs from Persistence of Time are included, capturing the band's serious side, and their various influences are documented through covers of Trust, Discharge, Kiss, and even surf-rockers the Chantays. But the most important item here is the slamming (and highly influential) duet with Public Enemy on that group's classic "Bring the Noise," which paved the way for a host of other bands to mix the aggression and intensity of heavy metal with hip-hop.
Production Anthrax-Producer / Joe Belladonna-Vocals / Dan Spitz-Guitar
Michael Barbiero-Mixing / Charlie Benante-Drums, Producer, Mixing
Mark Dodson-Producer / Scott Ian-Guitar, Liner Notes
Greg Calby-Mastering
Paul Maguire-Illustrations / Jon Zazula-Executive Producer
Marsha Zazula-Executive Producer / Charlie-Concept
Gene Ambo-Photography / Deborah Melian-Art Direction, Design
Nick Koudis-Design, Illustrations / Neil Stopol-Photography
1. Milk (Ode to Billy) (Benante/Lilker/Milano/Rosenfeld) - 3:44
2. Bring the Noise (Anthrax/Ridenhour/Sadler/Shocklee) - 3:28
3. Keep It in the Family (Anthrax) - 7:19
4. Protest and Survive (Maloney/Morris/Roberts/Wainwright) - 2:20
5. Chromatic Death (Benante/Lilker/Milano/Rosenfeld) - 1:28
6. I'm the Man '91 (Anthrax/Rooney) - 5:00
7. Parasite (Frehley) - 3:14
8. Pipeline (Carman/Spickard) - 2:00
9. Sects (Bonvoisin/Krief) - 3:06
10. Belly of the Beast (Anthrax) - 6:01
11. N.F.B. (Dallabnikuffesin) (Anthrax) - 2:16

 



Date May ??, 1993 (release) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal
Time 56:56
Note With the addition of deep-voiced vocalist John Bush and a retooled sound attempting to keep up with the times following the alternative rock explosion, Anthrax sounds less distinctive on Sound of White Noise, tightening up their guitar riffs and song structures while making definite moves toward a grungier, Seattle-influenced sound.Anthrax's rhythm section, as always, takes no prisoners, making what might seem like a desperate attempt to follow new trends into another aggressive, pummeling effort that sounds anything but defeated; the intensity is still there.
Production Anthrax-Arranger, Producer / The Black Dog-Artwork
Frank Bello-Bass, Vocals, 6-string bass / Charlie Benante-Drums
Bryan Carlstrom-Engineer / Annette Cisneros-Assistant Engineer
Mark Fox-Artwork / Scott Ian-Guitar (Rhythm), 6-string bass
Dave Jerden-Producer, Mixing / Scott Ralston-Assistant Engineer
Dan Spitz-Guitar / Ed Korengo-Assistant Engineer
Robin Lynch-Art Direction / John Bush-Vocals
Jennifer Monnar-Assistant Engineer
Paul Elledge-Artwork, Photo Concept
1. Potters Field (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 5:00
2. Only (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:55
3. Room for One More (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:54
4. Packaged Rebellion (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 6:18
5. Hypro Glo (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:30
6. Invisible (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 6:09
7. 100 Points of Hate (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 5:00
8. Black Lodge (Badalamenti/Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 5:22
9. C11 H17 N2 O2 S Na (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:24
10. Burst (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 3:35
11. This Is Not an Exit (Bello/Benante/Bush/Ian) - 6:49

 



Date Apr 5 , 1994 (approx.) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Rap-Metal
Time 69:26
Note This 70-minute concert recording from October 1991, issued after Anthrax had switched record labels, provides a good overview of the band's first seven years, including songs from the albums Spreading the Disease, Among the Living, State of Euphoria, Persistence of Time, and Attack of the Killer B's. Public Enemy joins them for "Bring the Noise," and there are two tracks, the otherwise unavailable "Metal Thrashing Mad" and "In My World," recorded live in the studio in January 1992.
Production Michael Barbiero-Producer, Engineer / Steve Thompson-Producer
1. (Efilnikufesin) N.F.L. (Anthrax) - 6:59
2. A.I.R. (Anthrax) - 4:35
3. Parasite (Frehley) - 2:52
4. Keep It in the Family (Anthrax) - 7:05
5. Caught in a Mosh (Anthrax) - 5:26
6. Indians (Anthrax) - 6:59
7. Antisocial (Bonvoisin/Krief) - 6:38
8. Bring the Noise (Ridenhour/Sadler/Shocklee) - 7:38
9. I Am the Law (Anthrax/Liker) - 6:04
10. Metal Thrashing Mad (Anthrax) - 2:46
11. In My World (Anthrax) - 6:36
12. Now It's Dark (Anthrax) - 5:48

 



Date Oct 24, 1995 (approx.) inprint
Genre Rock
Styles Thrash, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Rap-Metal
Time 50:43
Note Anthrax continued their downward spiral with Stomp 442, a generic collection of speed metal bombast. Previously, the band had been able to save their weakest material by the sheer force of their personality, but by the time they recorded Stomp 442, they had lost a number of their key members. Instead of recharging the band, the new members make Anthrax seem somewhat unsure of where to go next -- they pull out their old bag of tricks, but none of their blistering riffs, thundering drums, or hip-hop experiments carry any excitement any more. A handful of tracks suggest that the band could save themselves, but Stomp 442 is a disheartening experience for the band's dedicated followers.
Production Frank Bello -Bass, Vocals / Charlie Benante-Guitar, Drums / John Bush-Vocals
Butcher Bros.
-Producer, Engineer / Ian Cross-Engineer
Scott Ian
-Guitar (Rhythm), Vocals/ Dirk Grobelny-Engineer
1. Random Acts of Senseless Violence (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:02
2. Fueled (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:02
3. King Size (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 3:58
4. Riding Shotgun (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:25
5. Perpetual Motion (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:18
6. In a Zone (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 5:06
7. Nothing (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:33
8. American Pompeii (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 5:30
9. Drop the Ball (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:59
10. Tester (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 4:21
11. Bare (Benante/Bush/Ian) - 5:29


See Also:

* Speak Your Peace by Cryptic Slaughter *  Speak English or Die by Stormtroopers of Death *  Ride the Lightning by Metallica
* Reign in Blood by Slayer * Ignorance by Sacred Reich *  No Hold's Barred (Live in Europe) by Biohazard
* Intense Brutality by Dead Youth * Blind by Corrosion of Conformity * Warmaster by Bolt Thrower
* Death Shall Rise by
Cancer
*  Master Of Puppets by Metallica * Live Undead by Slayer *  U.S.A. for M.O.D. by M.O.D.  Louder Than Hell by Manowar
*  Mata Leao by Biohazard *  Symbol of Salvation by Armored Saint * Wolverine Blues by Entombed
* Hollowman by
Entombed * Game Over by Nuclear Assault * Mind Funk by Mindfunk
*  Great Southern Trendkill by Pantera * Divine Intervention by Slayer * Severed Survival/Retribution for the Dead by Autopsy