Anthrax The Band: Thrash Metal’s Wildest Ride

What do Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax have in common? They’re the Big Four of thrash metal—but unlike their West Coast mates, Anthrax rose from the gritty streets of New York, blending hardcore punk with wild humour and genre-bending riffs. Since 1981, they’ve survived lineup shakeups, rap-metal experiments, Grammy nods, and even a bioterrorism scare, thrashing stages worldwide with the same unrelenting energy that made them legends.

View: Anthrax NOT Skull T-Shirt

Meet the Band: Who’s Who in Anthrax?

Through the years, Anthrax has experienced plenty of lineup changes, feuds, and reunions, but a few key members have remained the band’s backbone.

Current Lineup:

• Scott Ian – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1981–present)
  • The band’s only constant member is known for his aggressive playing, iconic goatee, and outspoken personality.
• Charlie Benante – Drums (1983–present)
  • A double-bass master and the band’s main songwriter, shaping much of Anthrax’s signature sound.
• Frank Bello – Bass, backing vocals (1984–present)
  • Nephew of Benante and a thrash metal groove machine, keeping the low end locked in.
• Joey Belladonna – Lead vocals (1984–1992, 2005–2007, 2010–present)
  • The soaring voice behind some of their biggest anthems fired twice but always came back stronger.
• Jonathan Donais – Lead guitar (2013–present)
  • Formerly of Shadows Fall, he stepped in to take over lead duties and has kept the solos shredding.

Notable Former Members:

• Dan Lilker was a founding bassist (1981–1984) who later formed Nuclear Assault.
• Neil Turbin – First lead vocalist (1982–1984), featured on their debut album Fistful of Metal.
• Dan Spitz – Lead guitar (1983–1995, 2005–2007), played on their classic albums before leaving to become a Swiss watchmaker (seriously).
• John Bush – Lead vocalist (1992–2005, 2009–2010), brought a grittier sound during the ‘90s.
• Rob Caggiano – Lead guitar (2001–2005, 2007–2013), later joined Volbeat.
• Dan Nelson – Short-lived lead vocalist (2007–2009), left under mysterious circumstances and later sued the band.

View: Anthrax Screaming Skull T-Shirt

The Discography: Essential Albums and Chart-Topping Hits

Anthrax has released 11 studio albums, each representing a different phase of their evolution—from their raw early thrash to their experimental ‘90s sound and modern resurgence. Here’s a look at some of their most essential records:

Key Albums & Their Impact:

• Fistful of Metal (1984): Their debut, featuring raw speed metal energy and their only album with Neil Turbin on vocals.
• Among the Living (1987): The quintessential Anthrax album, with classics like Caught in a Mosh and I Am the Law, inspired by Judge Dredd.
• Persistence of Time (1990): A darker, more progressive album showing off their maturity and technical skills.
• Sound of White Noise (1993): Their highest-charting album (#7 on Billboard 200), marking their shift towards a grittier, alternative-metal sound with John Bush on vocals.
• For All Kings (2016): A return to their classic sound, proving they can still compete with modern metal heavyweights.

Beyond the Studio Albums:

• I’m the Man (1987) – A rap-metal EP that went Platinum, thanks to the title track’s fusion of hip-hop and thrash.
• Attack of the Killer B’s (1991) – A Gold-certified collection of B-sides featuring their legendary collaboration with Public Enemy on Bring the Noise.

Anthrax’s discography reflects a band unafraid to evolve. They’ve remained relevant for over four decades, pioneering thrash metal and experimenting with rap metal and alternative rock.

Controversies and Crazy Stories

Anthrax isn’t just known for their music—they’ve had their fair share of scandals, feuds, and bizarre headlines. Here are some of the biggest:

The 2001 Anthrax Attacks

• After five people died from anthrax-laced letters in the 2001 bioterrorism scare, the band’s name suddenly became a problem.
• Some venues cancelled their shows and briefly considered changing their names to something less… deadly.
• The FBI later blamed scientist Bruce Ivins for the attacks, though conspiracy theories and doubts about the case persist.

The Never-Ending Vocalist Drama

Anthrax has had multiple lead singers, and things have rarely ended smoothly:

• Joey Belladonna Fired (1992): Despite being a fan favourite, he was let go because the band wanted a “more modern” sound.
• John Bush’s Era (1992–2005): Brought a grittier vocal style but divided fans who missed Belladonna’s signature soaring vocals.
• Dan Nelson Lawsuit (2009): Hired as the new singer, fired mysteriously, then sued the band for wrongful termination and unpaid royalties. The lawsuit was settled privately.
• Belladonna Returns (2010): Joey returned for good after years of uncertainty, bringing back their classic thrash energy.

The Public Enemy Crossover: A Game-Changer or a Gimmick?

• Anthrax was one of the first metal bands to embrace rap, teaming up with Public Enemy in 1991 for Bring the Noise.
• Some metal purists hated it, while others saw it as a groundbreaking moment that influenced bands like Rage Against the Machine and Limp Bizkit.
• Either way, a bold move cemented their reputation as thrash metal rebels.

The Money and the Metal: Sales, Net Worth, and Awards

Thrash metal might not be as commercially massive as pop or classic rock, but Anthrax has still seriously impacted sales, earnings, and industry recognition.

Total Album Sales

• Over 10 million albums sold worldwide.
• 3.5 million records sold in the U.S. alone.
• I’m the Man (1987) went Platinum with 1 million+ U.S. sales.
• Among the Living (1987) and Sound of White Noise (1993) both hit Gold status in the U.S.

Who’s the Richest Member?

• The band’s collective net worth is estimated at $40 million.
• Joey Belladonna is the wealthiest member, with a staggering $85 million net worth (likely boosted by investments and outside ventures).

Major Awards & Nominations

Despite their legendary status, Anthrax has never won a Grammy (not that metal fans put too much stock in those, anyway). Here are some of their biggest accolades:

Anthrax might not have a Grammy on the shelf, but their influence on metal is undeniable. Their fusion of thrash, hardcore, and even rap-metal has shaped generations of musicians.

Top Songs You Need on Your Playlist

Want to dive into Anthrax but don’t know where to start? Here are some of their most iconic songs, ranked by fan popularity and streaming numbers:

Hidden Gems & Deep Cuts

Beyond the fan favourites, here are some underrated tracks that showcase Anthrax’s versatility:

• “Breathing Lightning” is one of their best modern-era tracks, featuring Belladonna’s soaring vocals.
• “Blood Eagle Wings” – A dark and brooding masterpiece from For All Kings (2016).
• “A Skeleton in the Closet” – A deep cut inspired by Stephen King’s Apt Pupil, blending storytelling and thrash aggression.

Anthrax Live: Touring, Mosh Pits, and Chaos

If there’s one thing Anthrax does better than most metal bands, it’s delivering an absolutely insane live show. From packed clubs to massive festival stages, they’ve spent over four decades perfecting the art of headbanging, moshing, and stage-diving madness.

Current & Upcoming Tours

Anthrax is still as active as ever, with major tours lined up for 2024 and 2025:

2024 European Co-Headline Tour (with Kreator & Testament)

• Dates: November 21 – December 15, 2024
• Notable Stops:
  • Manchester, UK (O2 Apollo)
  • Paris, France (Zenith)
  • Berlin, Germany (Verti Music Hall)
  • Milan, Italy (Alcatraz)
  • Budapest, Hungary (Barba Negra)

💥 What to Expect from the Setlist:

• Thrash classics: Caught in a Mosh, Madhouse, Indians
• Newer bangers: Fight ’Em ’Til You Can’t (Worship Music, 2011)
• Fan-favorite covers: Antisocial (Trust)

2025 Plans

• New Album & Global Tour—Anthrax has confirmed a 12th studio album for late 2025, and massive world tour plans are in the works.
• Black Sabbath Reunion Show—Anthrax will open for Black Sabbath on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park, Birmingham, UK, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera (talk about a legendary lineup).
• South American Dates – Confirmed appearance at Vivo X El Rock 2025 in Lima, Peru (March 29, 2025).

Recent Tour Highlights

• 2022–2023: Anthrax celebrated their 40th anniversary with a delayed post-pandemic tour across North America and Europe, bringing along Black Label Society and Hatebreed.
• The Big Four Concerts (2010–2011): Played historic shows with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, including a legendary performance in Sofia, Bulgaria, filmed for a live DVD.
• Lineup Shakeups: In early 2024, original bassist Dan Lilker temporarily filled in for Frank Bello during select dates.

The Anthrax Live Experience

• High-Energy Performances – Expect circle pits, gang vocals, and Scott Ian’s signature stomping.
• Setlist Strategy – They blend old-school thrash anthems (Madhouse, Among the Living) with modern material (Breathing Lightning, Blood Eagle Wings).
• Massive Fan Engagement – Joey Belladonna still sounds incredible live, and Charlie Benante’s drumming remains one of thrash’s best.

If you haven’t seen Anthrax live, now’s the time. Their 2024–2025 tour plans are shaping up to be some of their biggest in years!

Legacy and Influence

Anthrax’s impact on metal goes way beyond their music—they’ve helped shape entire subgenres, inspired countless bands, and even made their mark on pop culture.

Musical Influences & Genre Impact

Anthrax has always mixed thrash intensity with punk attitude, pulling inspiration from:

• Classic Rock/Hard Rock: Rush, AC/DC, Kiss, Queen, Thin Lizzy
• Heavy Metal Icons: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motörhead
• Hardcore Punk: Bad Brains, D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies

But Anthrax didn’t just borrow from their influences—they helped shape future generations:

• Rap Metal Pioneers – Their 1991 collaboration with Public Enemy (Bring the Noise) paved the way for bands like Rage Against the Machine, Korn, and Limp Bizkit.
• Nu Metal Precursors – Bands like Slipknot and Papa Roach have cited Anthrax’s genre-blending as an inspiration.
• Thrash & Groove Metal Legacy – Anthrax’s influence can be heard in bands like Testament, Pantera, and Sepultura.

Lyrical Themes & Pop Culture Ties

Anthrax has never shied away from nerdy and pop culture influences:

• Comic Books: I Am the Law is a tribute to Judge Dredd.
• Stephen King References: Among the Living was inspired by The Stand, while A Skeleton in the Closet is based on Apt Pupil.
• TV & Movies:
  • Lost inspired the Constant.
  • Madhouse was banned from MTV for “mental health insensitivity” (yikes).

Visual Identity & Band Mascot

• The Not Man: Anthrax’s bald, grinning mascot (originally a rubber toy) has become a staple in their album art and merch.
• Album Covers: From the tribal mask on Among the Living to the dystopian clock imagery of Persistence of Time, their visuals have always been striking.

Anthrax Beyond Music

The band members have also left their mark outside of music:

• Scott Ian – Acted in Super Mario Bros. (1993), wrote the memoir I’m the Man, and hosts the YouTube series Bloodworks.
• Charlie Benante is a talented visual artist designing the cover for For All Kings.
• Frank Bello – Wrote the memoir Fathers, Brothers, and Sons and played session bass for Helmet.

View: Anthrax Smiley Face T-Shirt

Anthrax Beyond Music

Anthrax isn’t just about face-melting riffs and mosh-pit mayhem—its members have made waves outside of metal, dabbling in everything from Hollywood to literature.

Scott Ian: The Thrash Ambassador

• The band’s most outspoken member, Scott Ian, has built a reputation as a metal icon, TV personality, and author.
• TV & Film Appearances:
  • Played himself in Super Mario Bros. (1993).
  • Appeared in The Walking Dead, Metalocalypse, and even Game of Thrones.
• Author: Wrote the 2014 memoir I’m the Man, a mix of thrash metal history and hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos.
• YouTube Series: Hosts Bloodworks, a deep dive into horror effects and gore makeup.

Charlie Benante: The Multi-Talented Drummer

• Charlie is not just a thrash legend but an accomplished artist.
• Created the album art for For All Kings (2016).
• He is passionate about coffee, even launching his brand of coffee beans—because what’s metal without caffeine?

Frank Bello: The Storyteller

• Released the 2021 memoir Fathers, Brothers, and Sons, a deeply personal look at his family struggles and music career.
• He played session bass for Helmet, showing his versatility beyond thrash.

Anthrax in Pop Culture

• Their music has appeared in video games, movies, and TV shows, from Guitar Hero to ECW Wrestling.
• Covered classics from Thin Lizzy, Kiss, and Black Sabbath, proving their respect for rock’s history.

Sources
https://releases.morrissey-solo.com/wiki/Anthrax
https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/797