This New York, USA-based thrash metal outfit was formed in 1981 by Scott “Not” Ian (b. Scott Rosenfeld, 31 December 1963; rhythm guitar) and Dan Lilker (bass). After a series of personnel changes, Ian and Lilker were joined by Neil Turbin (vocals), Dan Spitz (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums). Managed by Johnny Zazula, head of the independent Megaforce Records, the quintet released Fistful Of Metal in 1984. Lilker subsequently left Anthrax to pursue a hardcore direction with Nuclear Assault. Turbin also departed, with his initial replacement, Matt Fallon, being quickly succeeded by Joey Belladonna (b. 30 October 1960, Oswego, New York, USA). This line-up released the Armed And Dangerous EP in 1985, and their increasing popularity led to a contract with Island Records. Spreading The Disease was deservedly well received, and the band’s European profile was raised considerably by their support slot on Metallica’s Damage Inc tour.
Among The Living, co-produced by the band with Eddie Kramer, established Anthrax as a major force in the speed metal scene, producing UK hits in “I Am The Law” and “Indians”, and their riotously entertaining live shows made them many friends among press and public alike. A humorous rap song, “I’m The Man”, became both a hit and a favorite encore.
Persistence Of Time showed a return to form, and was a dark and relentless work that produced another hit in the shape of a cover version of Joe Jackson’s “Got The Time”. Classed by the band as an EP, Attack Of The Killer B’s was essentially a collection of b-sides for the curious fan, but became one of Anthrax’s most popular albums, with the hit collaboration with Public Enemy, “Bring The Noise”, leading to the two bands touring together in a co-headlining package. Shortly after the band signed a new contract with Elektra Records, Belladonna was fired, with ex- Armored Saint frontman John Bush stepping in. Sound Of White Noise was hailed as the band’s finest hour, a post-thrash tour de force of power metal with bursts of hardcore speed. Bush’s creative input helped Ian and Benante to write some of their best work, while Dave Jerden’s production updated and re-energized the Anthrax sound.
In 1995 Anthrax began work on Stomp 442, an unremittingly brutal collection of hardcore and metal produced by the Butcher Brothers (best known for their work with Urge Overkill ). However, Spitz was ejected from the band just prior to recording and his guitar parts were played instead by his former guitar technician, Paul Cook, Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell, and the band’s drummer, Charlie Benante. In 1998 Ian guested on Tricky’s Angels With Dirty Faces, shortly before Anthrax broke a three-year silence with Volume 8 - The Threat Is Real.
They are currently working on a new album “WE’VE COME FOR YOU ALL” which will be out in the fall of this year.
