Anthrax - Worship Music

Thu 6th Oct, 2011 in Music Reviews

The revolving door of band members at Anthrax at time seems a bit like Charlie Sheen’s bedroom. That being said this time around I think the band has settled on what maybe it’s best formula. With Joey Belladonna back at the helm and Scott Ian thrashing out the bass all seems natural back at HQ for the band.

Having initially recorded some of this new release with their previous singer Anthrax had to start recording fresh once the line up changes where made. With some momentum on their side they now had a perfect platform to make their renaissance complete with the release of Worship Music, which hits all the right thrashy spots. Fast, Furious, Dark and Angry.

The opening intro and track give us a perfect insight as to what the album will offer. Its slow yet progressive beginning takes us right into a signature Anthrax sound with Earth On Hell. The blistering speed and undeniable sound of Scott Ian’s bass guitar creates a thrashtastic start to the album. This is not as balls out thrash as they may have released in 1985 but it is good. The maturity and measure of the band is present and they tweak back the sounds as required to create a more holistic journey for the listener.

The songs Devil You Know and Fight Em Till You Can’t are reminders that this band is not just made up of thrashers. The inclusion of two odd yet effective instrumentals serve as perfect intros for In The End and Judas Priest. Of particular note In The End is a progressive number and The Giant shows off the groove aspects that the band can offer. Joey Belladonna’s voice hits the pocket with the 2011 incarnation of Anthrax and as usual Charlie Benante on drums is impressive and tight.

It’s not the 1980s anymore but Anthrax continue to deliver catchy hooks at a decent rate and most of the songs are quite memorable. Whether this album gives them the shot in the arm needed to maintain the momentum they have from the Big 4 gigs is yet to be seen but this is a solid album that Anthrax fans all over will enjoy.