ANTHRAX Teases New Music on Canadian Tour

During their ongoing Canadian tour alongside MEGADETH and EXODUS, ANTHRAX has been thrilling fans by playing snippets of a brand new song. Recent concerts in Edmonton on February 21 and Saskatoon on February 24 have seen fan-filmed videos capturing these exciting teasers.

Upcoming Studio Album Details

ANTHRAX is set to release their highly anticipated new studio album in May 2024. This album will be distributed in North America by Megaforce and in Europe through Nuclear Blast. Mixing and some recording sessions for the LP took place at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Northridge, California, with the band teaming up again with producer Jay Ruston, known for his work on their previous albums “For All Kings” (2016) and “Worship Music” (2011).

Insights from Frank Bello

Bassist Frank Bello shared insights about the new album during a recent interview with Dan Coniglio from Long & McQuade. He expressed pride in the upcoming record, stating, “It’s so heavy. Some parts are really hard to play — really hard to play, which I’m happy to say, ’cause I like the challenge of it all.” He praised lead vocalist Joey Belladonna’s impressive vocal performance, noting, “I don’t understand how the guy could sing like that, but he still is killing it. And I’m very psyched.”

Creative Process of the New Album

Bello elaborated on the band’s creative process in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained how the band transitioned from remote file sharing to in-person jamming when it was safe to do so. “It’s really like making a cake,” he said, highlighting the collaborative nature of their songwriting approach. He emphasized, “It’s about the song. And still to this day. Period.”

Balancing Ideas and Ego in Collaboration

Addressing the difficulties of collaboration, Bello shared, “You can’t be ‘married too hard to your ideas’. I’m still brokenhearted.” He acknowledged the importance of being open to feedback from bandmates to create the best possible music.

Anticipation for the First Single

In December, ANTHRAX filmed a music video for the first single from the new LP. Drummer Charlie Benante expressed excitement about the album’s quality, stating, “I think people will really be surprised and they will really grasp this and just be, like, ‘Oh my God. This is worth the wait.'” He also noted that their working relationship with producer Jay Ruston has been pivotal in shaping the album.

Album Artwork and Design

Benante revealed that he recently finished the album cover design in collaboration with an artist he discovered while watching a documentary featuring magician David Blaine. This serendipitous connection led to a unique visual representation for their upcoming release.

A Legacy of Thrash Metal

ANTHRAX, formed in 1981 in Queens, New York, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021. As one of the pioneering bands of the thrash metal genre, they have released 11 studio albums, achieved multiple gold and platinum certifications, and garnered six Grammy nominations. Their previous album, “For All Kings,” was hailed by critics as one of their strongest works, marking a significant period of resurgence for the band.

Conclusion

With the new album on the horizon and the thrill of live performances, ANTHRAX is poised to make a significant impact in the metal scene once again. Fans eagerly await the release, which promises to deliver the heavy riffs and powerful vocals that the band is known for. The anticipation surrounding their new material is palpable, suggesting that the wait will indeed be worthwhile.

FAQs

When is ANTHRAX’s new album expected to be released?

The new studio album is tentatively set for release in May 2024.

Who produced the upcoming ANTHRAX album?

The album was produced by Jay Ruston, who has also worked on their previous albums “For All Kings” and “Worship Music.”

What can fans expect from the new album?

Fans can expect a heavy sound with complex musical arrangements, as well as strong vocal performances from Joey Belladonna.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected ANTHRAX’s creative process?

The band adapted by sending files to each other and later regrouping when it was safe to collaborate in person.

What was the significance of ANTHRAX’s 40th anniversary?

The anniversary celebrated the band’s legacy as a pioneering force in thrash metal and their ongoing influence in the music industry.