Anthrax

Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. Recognized as one of the key bands in the thrash metal genre, Anthrax is part of the “Big Four,” alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. They were also one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the East Coast. The band’s current lineup includes Scott Ian, drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, vocalist Joey Belladonna, and lead guitarist Jonathan Donais. Anthrax’s musical influence spans multiple genres and decades, cementing their place in metal history.

History

Formation and Early Years (1981–1984)

Anthrax was founded in Queens, New York City, on July 18, 1981, by Scott Ian and Dan Lilker. The band took its name from a disease Ian encountered in a biology textbook, a name that sounded sufficiently “evil” for their heavy sound. The early lineup included various members, but after some member changes, the core of Scott Ian, Dan Lilker, and drummer Charlie Benante (who joined in 1983) began shaping their thrash sound. The band’s debut album, Fistful of Metal, was released in 1984 with singer Neil Turbin, but Turbin was later replaced by Joey Belladonna, solidifying what many consider the classic lineup of Anthrax.

Mainstream Success (1984–1992)

With Belladonna as their vocalist, Anthrax gained mainstream success. Their third album, Among the Living (1987), is considered one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time, pushing the band into the spotlight. This era also produced the albums State of Euphoria (1988) and Persistence of Time (1990), further establishing Anthrax as one of the most successful thrash metal bands. Persistence of Time gave the band their first Grammy nomination, marking a high point in their career.

John Bush Era and Changing Times (1992–2005)

In 1992, Anthrax parted ways with Belladonna and brought in John Bush of Armored Saint as their new vocalist. This marked a shift in the band’s sound towards a more alternative metal style. The band’s first album with Bush, Sound of White Noise (1993), became their most successful release, peaking at number seven on the Billboard 200. However, the band’s subsequent albums didn’t achieve the same commercial success, and by 2005, the band parted ways with Bush and reunited with Belladonna for a series of reunion tours.

Reunion and Return to Form (2005–Present)

After reuniting with Belladonna, Anthrax returned to their thrash metal roots with the release of Worship Music in 2011, which received critical acclaim. The band followed up with For All Kings in 2016, which debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200. Anthrax continues to tour and work on new music, maintaining their status as one of thrash metal’s leading acts.

Discography

• Fistful of Metal (1984)
• Spreading the Disease (1985)
• Among the Living (1987)
• State of Euphoria (1988)
• Persistence of Time (1990)
• Sound of White Noise (1993)
• Stomp 442 (1995)
• Volume 8: The Threat Is Real (1998)
• We’ve Come for You All (2003)
• Worship Music (2011)
• For All Kings (2016)