Anthrax

Anthrax are a US thrash metal band from New York, formed in 1981 by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. They are associated with the 1980s thrash metal scene and are counted among the genre’s “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. They are also one of the early thrash bands to emerge from the East Coast of the United States.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms in Queens, New York City, with Scott Ian and Dan Lilker joined by Dave Weiss on drums. The name comes from the disease anthrax, which Ian sees in a biology textbook. Early line-ups change several times, and the initial personnel also includes singer John Connelly and bassist Paul Kahn. Neil Turbin joins as vocalist in 1982, and the band records its first demo.

Frank Bello joins on bass in 1984, replacing Lilker, and Joey Belladonna is recruited as vocalist later that year. Ian remains the only constant member across the band’s career, while Ian and drummer Charlie Benante appear on all of Anthrax’s studio albums.

Albums and style

Anthrax release their debut album, Fistful of Metal, in 1984 with Neil Turbin on vocals. Their second album, Spreading the Disease (1985), is regarded as a technical step forward. Their third album, Among the Living (1987), brings wider recognition and includes the singles “Indians” and “I Am the Law”; the B-side to “I Am the Law” includes the rap-metal track “I’m the Man”. The album is dedicated to Metallica bassist Cliff Burton.

State of Euphoria (1988) includes the single “Antisocial”, and Persistence of Time (1990) takes a darker, more technical approach and includes a cover of Joe Jackson’s “Got the Time”. Persistence of Time earns the band its first Grammy nomination. Four of the band’s albums — Among the Living, State of Euphoria, Persistence of Time and Sound of White Noise — receive gold certification from the RIAA.

Collaborations and side projects

During the period around Spreading the Disease, Ian, Benante and Lilker form Stormtroopers of Death and record Speak English or Die. Anthrax also collaborate with U.T.F.O. and later with Public Enemy on “Bring the Noise”, which becomes a live staple. Their work includes other rap and heavy metal crossover material, including “I’m the Man”.

Line-up changes and later career

In 1992, Joey Belladonna leaves and John Bush of Armored Saint becomes lead vocalist. The first album with Bush, Sound of White Noise (1993), shifts toward a darker sound influenced by alternative rock and reaches number seven on the Billboard 200. The band later parts company with Elektra after Stomp 442 (1995). Volume 8: The Threat Is Real (1998) is affected by label bankruptcy.

Return of the Killer A’s (1999) is a greatest-hits compilation and includes a version of “Ball of Confusion” featuring both Belladonna and Bush. Rob Caggiano joins as lead guitarist in 2001. During the anthrax attacks in the United States in 2001, the band issues press releases and plays benefit concerts to address confusion over its name. In 2003, it releases We’ve Come for You All, followed by The Greater of Two Evils in 2004, a re-recording of earlier material.

Reunions, recent releases and recognition

Belladonna, Ian, Benante, Spitz and Bello reunite in 2005. Dan Nelson becomes vocalist in 2007, with Caggiano returning on lead guitar, but Nelson departs in 2009. Belladonna returns in 2010, and the band takes part in the “Big Four” concerts. Worship Music is released in 2011 and reaches number twelve on the Billboard 200.

Rob Caggiano leaves in 2013 and Jonathan Donais replaces him. The band releases the Anthems EP in 2013 and the live DVD Chile on Hell in 2014. For All Kings follows in 2016 and reaches number nine on the Billboard 200. Anthrax receives Grammy nominations in 2012, 2013 and 2014. A live album, XL, is released in 2022 from a livestream performance.

Membership and labels

At different points, Anthrax includes John Connelly, Greg D’Angelo, Dan Lilker, Scott Ian, Neil Turbin, Dan Spitz, Charlie Benante, Matt Fallon, Joey Belladonna, Frank Bello, John Bush, Paul Crook, Rob Caggiano, Joey Vera, Dan Nelson and Jonathan Donais. Their labels include Anthrax Music, Island, Elektra Entertainment and Elektra. Their styles are associated with thrash metal, heavy metal, speed metal, rap metal, groove metal and alternative metal.