Anthrax

New York thrash band Anthrax made a name for themselves in the '80s with their unique attire and humorous lyrical content. Considered one of the “Big 4” of thrash metal, Anthrax has carved out a legacy not only full of memorable songs, but one with its share of ups and downs.

Anthrax was formed in 1981 and immediately made a name for themselves with their 1983 debut album Fistful Of Metal. From that point, the band would have a successful period that lasted through the early '90s, with several high-profile releases, including Spreading The Disease, Among The Living, and Persistence Of Time.

In 1992, longtime vocalist Joey Belladonna left Anthrax and John Bush replaced him, shifting the band’s sound to a thrash/grunge hybrid that landed 1993’s Sound Of White Noise at #7 on the Billboard charts. The rest of the '90s were not as positive for the band, with label troubles and lineup changes.

Anthrax’s 2003 album We’ve Come For You All got the band back on track, but Bush would leave, with the returning Belladonna taking his place. The reunion would be short-lived, as Belladonna left for the second time and newcomer Dan Nelson took over the lead vocalist position in 2007.

Metallica, Megadeth, Nuclear Assault

Dan Nelson - Vocals (Godsize, Me, My Enemy)
Scott Ian - Guitar (Stormtroopers of Death, Damnocracy, Pearl)
Rob Caggiano - Guitar
Frank Bello - Bass (Helmet)
Charlie Benante - Drums (Stormtroopers of Death)

John Connelly - Vocals (1981)
Dirk Kennedy - Vocals (1981)
Jason Rosenfeld - Vocals (1982)
Neil Turbin - Vocals (1982-1984)
Matt Fallon - Vocals (1984)
Joey Belladonna - Vocals (1984-92, 2005-07)
John Bush - Vocals (1992-2005)
Greg Walls - Guitar (1981-1983)
Bob Berry - Guitar (1983)
Dan Spitz - Guitar (1983-94, 2005-2007)
Joey Vera - Bass (2004-2005)
Danny Lilker - Bass (1981-1984)
Kenny Kushner - Bass (1981)
Paul Kahn - Bass (1981)
Dave Weiss - Drums (1981)
Greg D'Angelo - Drums (1981-1983)

1984 Fistful Of Metal (Megaforce)
1985 Armed And Dangerous EP (Megaforce)
1985 Spreading The Disease (Megaforce)
1987 Among The Living (Megaforce)
1987 I'm The Man EP (Island)
1988 State Of Euphoria (Megaforce)
1990 Persistence Of Time (Megaforce)
1993 Sound Of White Noise (Elektra)
1994 Live: The Island Years (Island)
1995 Stomp 442 (Elektra)
1998 Volume 8: The Threat Is Real (Epitaph)
2003 We've Come For You All (Nuclear Blast)
2004 Music Of Mass Destruction (Live) (Sanctuary)
2005 Alive 2 (Sanctuary)
2007 Caught In A Mosh: BBC Live In Concert (Universal)
2009 Worship Music (Megaforce)

Best Anthrax Albums
The top 5 Anthrax albums, as selected by About.com Heavy Metal.

Recommended Anthrax Album:

Among The Living
Considered Anthrax’s masterpiece by many metal fans, Among The Living was the band’s most mature album to date. With fan favorites like the title track, “Caught In A Mosh,” and “Indians,” Among The Living was Anthrax’s first hit record. The album showcased the band’s lighter side, with songs about comic books heroes (“I Am The Law”) and Stephen King novels (“A Skeleton In The Closet”).