Ok here we go with ANTHRAX Spreading the Disease from 1985. The second real album. By now Joey Belladonna has got his feet firmly entrenched in in Anthrax and they should be functioning a lot better. The band had also kicked out one of my metal hero’s Dan Lilker (despite featuring what looks like his image on the cover). The circumstances of this were a bit murky (and definitely something to explore a little later on) to be replaced by the still cool Frank Bello. This is now basically the classic Anthrax line-up, or at least the lineup that garnered them the most success in the years to follow.
Once the first track comes on it feels like the band have taken a bit of a departure in sound from the traditional metal attack seen on their first albums. I have to say I don’t know how I feel about it. On the positive the band have found their own sound and are doing something original now, but I have to say the traditionalist in me liked their first album a lot better. I don’t know who wrote the lyrics for this era Anthrax but they kinda feel a bit preachy as well. Anyway way the album opens up with A.I.R. and you see probably the first example of the “Stomp Groove”. Despite my misgivings of this album it’s well recorded and very professionally produced. But then “Lone Justice”, the second track goes back to a more traditional metal groove which allows Belladonna’s voice to simply shine.
The riffage continues with “Madhouse” and I’m starting to like this album a lot better. I don’t know what my initial issue with it was anymore. I’ve always thought of Anthrax to be the most “light-hearted” of the big four. “SSC / Stand or Fall” and “The Enemy” go back into more traditional territory the latter reminding me of Dio Era Sabbath / Iron Maiden. It’s actually quite anthemic, where Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth were pure thrash metal Anthrax may have appealed to those a bit wary of the skulls and death imagery the others projected at the time.
“Aftershock” continues the glorious riffing in fine fashion. There’s even some really nice mellower melodic interludes. I have to say I really like this album now! “Armed and Dangerous” from their previous release is also on here and features some top shelf thrash metal guitar playing and again Joey’s voice is magnificent. “Medusa” is another classic very classy stuff! Lastky the album finishes off with “gung Ho” which features some of the fastest rhythm guitar playing ever put down on tape. Nicely done lads and a great follow up to the first album!
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