Oaken strings and deathly drums usher in For All Kings, the latest album from thrash-metal trailblazers Anthrax. Reverential in tone and almost orchestral, the brief intro "Impaled" is suggestive of a ceremonial procession – something along the lines of a royal funeral or the lead-up to a very public and bloody execution.
Hardly a solemn occasion, For All Kings is not at all a pretender to the mighty throne that was Anthrax's storming blitzkrieg of a comeback album in 2011's Worship Music. Instead it raises the bar and then some, with immaculate and visceral production intensifying and articulating perfectly the combination of increasingly dynamic, well-crafted songwriting, raging energy and taut, tactical precision that has Anthrax flying high at the moment.
Leaked early, the stirring anthem "Breathing Lightning," probably the most radio-friendly song Anthrax has ever recorded, is a bracing and glorious pop-metal spectacle with an unforgettable, yearning chorus powerfully expressed by Joey Belladonna, whose singing on this record is remarkably melodic, charismatic and forceful. And while thrash-metal's old guard might wring their hands over its obvious commercial appeal, just as they did with Metallica's Black Album, this is not a betrayal of their uncompromising principles or their raucous past. It's still Anthrax at the wheel, driving as aggressively as ever, although now they're speeding away in a sleeker, shinier vehicle and the insurance is paid up – i.e., this is Anthrax showing its maturity, even if their anger still tends to spill over from time to time in socio-political commentary that hits especially hard.
In typical fashion, however, Scott Ian and company thrash to their hearts' content in compelling fashion on "You Gotta Believe," stopping only to survey its smoldering ruins of dark melody before violently beating the song into a coma, as drummer Charlie Benante unleashes a mind-boggling array of beats throughout. Even faster and more frenzied, "Zero Tolerance" is a furious blaze, ranting against racism with old-school venom – some of the rough edges sanded off with modern sonic sensibilities.
And if that's not enough, the vicious bluster of a heart-pounding "Evil Twin" and the seismic pounding of "Monster At The End" – a massive earthquake of a track, where the rumblings of bassist Frank Bello causes the ground underneath mighty guitar riffs to crack wide open – serve notice that Anthrax still packs a devastating punch. More ominous and heavy, "Blood Eagle Wings" broods like a hulking monster hiding from villagers wielding torches and pitchforks and plotting his vengeance, while tough, bruising grinds "Defend Avenge" and "All Of Them Thieves" pummel, even as the latter picks up sweeping momentum.
That Anthrax remains this vital and continues churning out material this bold and exciting is truly awe-inspiring, resulting in eye-opening chart performances that are well-deserved. One day, maybe time will soften them. This is not that day.
– Peter Lindblad
Examining newly released songs, videos from metal legends By Peter Lindblad
Anthrax will discuss their new LP 'For
All Kings' on the series "Backstory" on
Wednesday, Jan. 13. It'll be live streamed
as part of the AOL Build series. Gets tickets
at www.backstoryevents.com/event/anthrax/
to be there in person for the interview.
Appetizers have been served, and they were delicious. Soon, the tables of famished thrash-metal fans the world over will be overflowing with main courses from three of thrash metal's most enduring acts.
First to arrive is Megadeth's Dystopia on Jan. 22, followed by Anthrax's For All Kings via Megaforce Records on Feb. 26 and then comes Metal Church's XI, slated for a March 25th release on Rat Pak Records.
Megadeth - Dystopia 2016
On Thursday, Dave Mustaine and company teased their upcoming release by unveiling the title track for streaming on http://www.megadeth.com/home, this after rolling out a new video for the song "The Threat Is Real" in December.
Not to be outdone, Metal Church announced a release date Monday for XI, which marks the return of vocalist Mike Howe. "At first I struggled with the decision to come back, but after hearing the riffs that (guitarist) Kurdt (Vanderhoof) was writing, I just couldn't resist. The music called to me and I wanted to be part of it!" said Howe.
In July 2014, Howe began working with Vanderhoof on a side project with Saxon's Nigel Glockler, leading to a reunion of Metal Church and its former singer, all of whom are featured in a new video for the debut single off XI, "No Tomorrow," that premiered along with these glad tidings.
And then there's Anthrax, looking to follow up the sensational 2011 LP Worship Music, one of the best records of that year and some have even claimed it to be as good anything in their catalog.
So, what's the early verdict on the new stuff? Here's a rundown:
Megadeth: By the time "Dystopia" the song made its introduction, the public had already been treated to a cool animated video for "The Threat Is Real" and another new track, "Fatal Illusion," the latter a mean, seething slab of heavy, gnarly thrash that harkens back to Megadeth's early days.
With "The Threat Is Real," exotic Middle Eastern wailing fades as Megadeth unloads a barrage of crazed guitar riffs strikes. Later, hitting its stride, the track morphs into a vigorous, hard-hitting Iron Maiden-like gallop, charging ahead with nostrils flared. Vic Rattlehead, the band's mascot, makes an appearance in the song's video, with its comic-book illustrations and video-game graphics acting out an attempt to stop an act of terrorism. At its core, it's a song that makes the case that our fears of sudden violent episodes of terrorism – like the ones that have dominated the news cycle in recent weeks – becoming the norm are very real, indeed, and that there's a reluctance to address the problem head on.
"Dystopia" is a bit different, its stylized, clean guitars practically gleaming and sharply etched. Here, high-definition production enhances the urgency, the pure energy of a track that takes off like a rocket. Mustaine has been singing the praises of new guitarist Kiko Loureiro to anyone who will listen since his hiring, and apparently there's a good reason for that. The six-string action on "Dystopia" is dazzling, with a solo that requires a dose of Dramamine before going on this ride and classic twin-guitar sculpture leading into a chaotic, fiery ending that takes your breath away.
Wipe that saliva from your mouth. Dystopia will soon be here. You can check out the song below:
Metal Church: A lapsed member of Metal Church has returned to the flock in the form of Howe, who is pounding the pulpit once again, just as he did on such landmark records as The Human Factor, Blessing In Disguise and Hanging In The Balance in the late '80s and early '90s.
His pipes sound as commanding and venomous as they ever did in a thrilling new sonic blitzkrieg called "No Tomorrow." The accompanying black-and-white video is now available for viewing, and it takes place in what appears to be a secret Roswell-like location, within a huge, abandoned, cylindrical concrete structure where space aliens are running around causing mischief or trying to escape. What exactly is going here is somewhat unclear, but it's a fun, sci-fi distraction.
Essentially, what Metal Church has offered up is a performance video with vague and shadowy conspiratorial undertones. As for the song itself, the exhilarating "No Tomorrow" is good, slash-and-burn metal, with a ripping Vanderhoof solo to boot. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but there's an electricity running through its veins that is undeniable and the band seems to be enjoying itself in the video, which may speak to their enthusiasm for the XI material. Going back to church never sounded more appealing.
Anthrax: Already a Hot Track on iTunes, "Breathing Lightning" is sure to have tongues wagging. Anthrax bassist Frank Bello said of it, "That should be the biggest song Anthrax ever had."And he's right. It's got big, roundhouse hooks, a vitality and an immediacy that grabs you and an exciting, radio-friendly quality that's all fairly unusual for the band. The guitars are strong, melodic and powerful, the vocals are expansive and the rhythm section moves with dexterity and purpose. It's easy to get swept up in its currents. This could be a game-changer for Anthrax.
There's a clip of Bello, Charlie Benante and Scott Ian discussing the track on YouTube, and I urge you to check it out, because it offers real insight into the making of "Breathing Lightning." You can check it out here: http://anthrax.com/anthrax-breathing-lightning-preview-video/
The inseparable triangle of Anthrax - Ian, Benante and Bello - have once more raked through their closets to put some historic Anthrax gear and collectibles in the hands of their fans.
There is no denying that Anthrax is and probably always will be one of the top collectible metal bands around. From guitars, drum heads, stage worn attire to promo items, passes, picks and sticks, fans and collectors snatch up Anthrax memorabilia – regardless of price or age, it simply doesn't matter.
Partnering with Backstage Auctions, Scott Ian has selected no less than seven historic tour and album recording used guitars that will make you go all 'Air Ian'. From one-of-a-kind 'Zombie' and 'Dharma' guitars to unique prototypes such as the infamous Murder Weapon and Urban Camo.
Ian's Concert Used Custom Designed 'Zombie' Guitar
And if winning one of his guitars wasn't enough...the winning buyer (+1) will be invited to meet Scott Ian "anywhere, anytime" on tour. You will get the opportunity to meet Scott, take pictures with him, have him sign your memorabilia and be treated like a true VIP!
Benante's Stomp 442 Drum Kit
Charlie Benante is parting with something that he has never done before - his supply of coffee! Of course we're kidding - but his complete 'Stomp 442' Kit is no joke. Used for the entire album recording, as well as the subsequent two-year world tour, this kit is of 'Rock Hall' worthy proportions.
And if the kit is too much for you (or your neighbors), no fear, as there is a great selection of used drum heads, sticks, stage worn shirts, tour itineraries and an impressive collection of vintage laminated passes. Charlie's original artwork for the Dimebag Darrell tribute deserves special mention - and a special place in a special collection of a special fan.
Frank Bello completes the offering a cool memorabilia with tour used shirts and shoes, a signature bass guitar and a highly collectible, classic Anthrax line-up signed lithograph.
Bello Signed Signature Bass Guitar
The Rock Gods & Metal Monsters Auction will be live from June 20th – 28th with a special VIP Preview that starts June 13th. If you are not registered for your All Access Auction Pass, rock on over and sign up today – it takes just a minute and there is no fee to sign up.
This
year’s Rock Gods & Metal Monsters Auction is going to be one of “the”
auction events of the year and if you haven’t signed up for your All Access
Auction Pass you will definitely want to do so after reading about the artists
and type of items featured in the auction.
We have an impressive group of notable hard rock and heavy metal artists
who have cleaned out their storage lockers and personally selected each item
that will be featured in the auction.
The headliners include; Alex Skolnick (Testament),
Paul Bostaph (Slayer), Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson (Megadeth), Mike
Portnoy (Dream Theater), Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), Scott Ian, Charlie Benante and
Frank Bello (Antrax), Rex Brown (Pantera) and Lita Ford (Runaways).
Additionally,
the auction will showcase memorabilia featuring AC/DC, Aerosmith, Black
Sabbath, The Cult, Cheap Trick, Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest, Kiss,
Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Motley Crue, Motorhead / Hawkwind,
Ozzy, Poison, Slipknot, Van Halen Rob Zombie and loads more!
Whether
you collect guitars, amps, pedals, gear, drums, record awards, stage worn
attire, picks & sticks, signed memorabilia or vintage crew and tour t-shirts
& jackets, tickets & passes, itineraries, photos, posters, promotional items
– there is something for everyone’s taste and budget.
Of
course we have a few special highlights including; an amazing collection of
artist owned and used guitars, drum kits and gear, impressive array of rare and
unique artist signed items, an absolute stunning collection of original RIAA
Record Awards and a vast selection of tour memorabilia including itineraries,
passes and apparel.
The
auction will be live from June 20th – 28th with a special
VIP Preview that starts June 13th. If you are not registered for
your All Access Auction Pass, rock on over and sign up today – it takes just a
minute and there is no fee to sign up. Link: All Access Registration
Follow
Backstage Auctions on Twitter andFacebookfor auction highlights before,
during and after the event.
#RGMM2015
BACKSTAGE
AUCTIONS - A boutique online auction house specializing in authentic rock
memorabilia and exclusively represents legendary musicians, entertainment
professionals and entities. Every auction event is unique, reflecting the
artist's legacy and chronicles their legendary career.
CD Review: Altitudes & Attitude – Altitudes & Attitude MRI All Access Rating: A-
Altitudes & Attitude - S/T 2014
They've got their "Booze and Cigarettes," they're "Here Again" and they're going to "Tell the World" that bassists, contrary to the recent opinion of Carcass's Jeff Walker, are not just failed guitar players.
Maybe at some point they did give up on playing guitar as their main means of creativity and source of income, but Anthrax's Frank Bello and Megadeth's Dave Ellefson aren't sitting around crying about what might have been. In early 2014, they released a joint EP under the name Altitudes & Attitude, and it wasn't what anybody expected.
Because they hold down the low end for two of the Big Four, Altitudes & Attitude was bound to bear no small resemblance to Anthrax and Megadeth. Either that or it would take the form of some inscrutable bass-heavy experiment that only bassists would enjoy or even understand. Instead, they leaped out of their comfort zones and made an EP of straightforward, melodic – some might even call it "radio friendly" – hard-rock with clean, modern production, life-affirming energy and surprisingly strong, charismatic vocals from, of all people, Frank Bello, who's never really been thought of as lead singer material.
And while both Bello and Ellefson both play guitar on Altitudes & Attitude, although that's Gus G.'s serious fretwork searing the brass-knuckled, hard-charging closer "Here Again" till it's scorched, there's plenty of room for them to take lead on bass and give the instrument its due, exploring all of its potential to form dynamic melodies and well-developed hooks. More impressive is the songwriting, with "Tell the World" an affecting, and ultimately hopeful, yearning for inner transformation and an appeal to mankind's better nature.
There is, however, a reason why "Booze and Cigarettes" was the group's first single, this rousing, uplifting anthem with slashing guitars, driving drums – courtesy of Jeff Friedl, from A Perfect Circle, who control tempos beautifully here – and Bello, all heart and soul, belting out the words as if his life depended it. Their attitude will help you get to a new altitude.
– Peter Lindblad
There is no denying that Anthrax is and probably always will be one of the top collectible metal bands around. From guitars, drum heads, stage worn attire to promo items, passes, picks and sticks, fans and collectors snatch up Anthrax memorabilia – regardless of price or age, it simply doesn't matter.
The members of the band have a significant impact on the collect-ability of Anthrax memorabilia because collectively and individually they are so connected to their fan base and are highly approachable and open. That connection with the fans creates collectors (knowingly or not) and collecting is where it becomes fun.
This year’sRock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will feature personal items direct from the private collections of Scott Ian, Charlie Benante and Frank Bello. “We are super excited about having the three of them be a part of this year’s lineup and the items they have offered up are both personal and historically relevant,” says Backstage Auctions founder, Jacques van Gool.
Scott Ian's Gloves
Scott Ian – considered to be the heart and soul of Anthrax, is one of the most recognizable figures in hard rock. Influenced by KISS, British heavy metal and New York City hardcore, the powerhouse guitarist co-founded Anthrax with Danny Lilker in 1981. He also helped form the metal crossover act Stormtroopers of Death and has appeared in a variety of TV shows. He recently embarked on a no-holds-barred spoken word tour. This is Scott’s second auction that he has participated in with Backstage and the items up for grabs range from gear and stage worn attire to t-shirts, itineraries and posters.
Scott Ian Signed Randall Amp
Charlie Benante's
Personal Jacket
Charlie Benante is a whirlwind of activity behind his drum kit. A longtime member Anthrax, arriving just in time to assist in recording the band’s ferocious debut LP “Fistful of Metal”, Benante, a double-kick drum master, helped bring blast beats into fashion. Responsible for writing much of Anthrax’s music, Benante’s creativity and intense chops have made him one of the genre’s greatest drummers, fueling the energy of such landmark albums as “Spreading the Disease” and “Among the Living”. Also a fine artist, Benante’s estimable talents extend to the guitar, as he contributed lead to S.O.D.’s seminal “Speak English or Die”. Charlie has offered up some historical pieces used during the recording of “Anthems” and “Worship Music”, The Big 4 tour, many vintage t-shirts and even his personal 1986 Spreading The Disease leather jacket.
Charlie Benante Anthems Drum Heads
Frank Bello Fender Bass
Frank Bello started out as a roadie and guitar technician for Anthrax, before getting a big promotion in the aftermath of the thrash-metal pioneers’ debut LP “Fistful of Metal”. It was Bello, the nephew of Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, who replaced co-founder Dan Lilker, joining the band in 1984. A wildly energetic presence on stage, Bello, playing bass with a fiery mixture of passion and precision, has held down the low-end in Anthrax ever since, taking time out only briefly for a short stint in Helmet. Also a philanthropist and an actor, Bello played punk legend Richard Hell in a film about Tim and Jeff Buckley called “Greetings from Tim Buckley.” He and David Ellefson (who is also participating in the auction) recently released “Booze and Cigarettes” which is firmly rooted in hard rock. One of the highlight pieces among Bello’s auction items is his “New York” Fender bass guitar that he has used both on tour and on several recordings. He took it out on the road, rehearsed with it and used it for the recording of “Sound of White Noise”, “Stomp 442” and the “Time” video. Like Charlie and Scott, Frank too has offered a great many exclusive and collectible t-shirts and personal items.
Collectively, Scott, Charlie and Frank have contributed over 100 items that will be showcased in the
Anthrax Spreading The Disease
T-Shirt
upcoming auction and with each lot sold; a signed Certificate of Authenticity (signed by the contributor) will be included.
The 2014 Rock God and Metal Monsters Auction will include over 700 rare pieces of rare hard rock and heavy metal memorabilia featuring Anthrax, Megadeth, KISS, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Pantera, Motley Crue, The Cult, Helmet, Nickelback, Overkill, Pantera, Ozzy, White Zombie and more. It is a not to miss opportunity for fans and collectors around the world to own an authentic piece of one of the most significant genres of music history. For more information and to get your VIP All Access Pass for the event visit www.backstageauctions.com.
The online auction starts March 30, 2014 and will run through April 6, 2014. A special VIP All Access preview of the entire auction catalog will be available beginning March 23rd.
Backstage Auctions is a boutique online auction house specializing in authentic rock memorabilia. By exclusively representing legendary musicians and entertainment professionals directly, every auction event is unique, reflecting the artist's legacy and chronicles their legendary career. Backstage Auctions has represented dozens of notable and very talented musicians, producers and managers in the music industry. The very first online auction event featured the private collection of legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin, Kiss) and since then, Backstage has represented Ted Nugent, Howard Kaylan (The Turtles), Ross Valory (Journey) and Michael Shrieve (Santana) Johny Barbata (Jefferson Starship), Kip Winger (Winger), John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie), Al Jourgensen (Ministry), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Dio, BOC), Scott Rockenfield (Queensryche), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatraz), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Sean Yseult (White Zombie) as well as managers of legendary bands such as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, KISS, Journey, Joe Walsh, Pantera, White Zombie, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band and Motley Crue. Backstage Auctions works closely with each client and incorporates their personal stories and memories throughout the online auction event. The end result is a unique, historical and unforgettable journey spanning decades of music history and turning fans into collectors one auction at a time.
The Rock God and Metal Monsters Auction will include over 700 pieces of rare hard rock and heavy metal memorabilia featuring Anthrax, Megadeth, KISS, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Pantera, Motley Crue, The Cult, Helmet, Nickelback, Overkill, Ozzy, White Zombie and more.
Backstage Auctions is proud to present their annual "Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction". The online event, which is scheduled to go live in March, features amazing pieces of rock history direct from the
David Ellefson Bass Guitars
Big 4 Tour
personal collections of artists, producers, managers and record industry professionals.
"Our annual hard rock and heavy metal auction has really become our most popular auction event we host and this year we are super excited about so many rare but highly personal items from both musicians and industry executives," explains Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool.
There is definitely a wide range of collectibles featured in the auction including guitars, drum heads, amps, pedals, gear and accessories, artist stage
Charlie Benante Drum Head
Anthrax Anthems Album
worn apparel, RIAA Gold and Platinum records awards, recordings, incredible vinyl collections, original artwork, rare concert posters, vintage t-shirts, historical ephemera, photos and negatives with "money shots", picks and sticks and the list goes on.
Spanning several decades of rock history, the items up for auction are definitely iconic pieces that collectors and fans will go nuts over. "It's not every day that you get a bass guitar from the legendary David Ellefson, but to get two that were used on the Big 4 tour, well that's every fan or collector's dream," says van Gool.
One band that is sure to steal a huge chunk of the spotlight is Kiss, with consignments of rare (and some never before seen) pieces of Kiss history – all coming directly from former Aucoin Management employees. "Each year we think that we have hit the peak of rare Kiss memorabilia, but once again we have managed to find a new summit," says van Gool.
Kiss 1978 Platinum RIAA Record Awards Solo LPs
Of course giving fans and collectors direct access to authentic and rare pieces of rock history is always what the goal when we build our auction events, and this years Rock Gods and Metal Auction is no exception. The “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction” is a not-to-miss opportunity for fans and collectors around
the world to own an authentic piece of one of the most significant genres of music history.
For more information and to get your VIP All Access Pass for the event visit Backstage Auctions.
The online auction starts March 30, 2014 and will run through April 6, 2014.
A special VIP All Access preview of the entire auction catalog will be available beginning March 23rd. Register today for your All Access Pass.
CD Review: Anthrax "Worship Music" Megaforce Records All Access Review: A
A dark, evil hymnal for the damned, Anthrax’s Worship Music is a gloriously aggressive monstrosity, frightening in its intensity and yet somehow also melodically captivating. Already anointed by metal’s cognoscenti as one of the New York City bashers’ greatest works, the record is Anthrax’s first with singer Joey Belladonna since 1990’s Persistence of Time, and the long-awaited reunion, brokered for the recent earth-conquering Big 4 tour with Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth, has birthed a thrash-metal masterpiece, a teeth-gnashing symphony of sonic mayhem and beautiful violence that never takes a smoke break.
More than that, however, Worship Music is classic Anthrax. It doesn’t suffer from an identity crisis. Thirty years into a career built on uncompromising, brutal music, Anthrax has stayed true to itself, despite numerous vocalists and other personnel changes. Even when they stretch out a bit, like in the soul-searching, cavernous chorus “The Giant,” where Belladona passionately wails, “Caught between the lines of right and wrong yeah/Caught between the things that I don’t know,” Anthrax stamps its mark on the track with a heavy, furious cyclone of serrated guitars, pounding rhythms and a heaving bridge as clear proof that they’re as grounded and comfortable in their own skin as any metal band that’s ever lived.
To put it another way, Anthrax is, indeed, the devil you know, and the sprawling Worship Music won’t leave anybody wondering if Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Rob Caggiano and, of course, Belladonna, have traded in their aggressive, high-velocity riffage, searing guitar solos, hammering drums and quaking, blinding bass lines – not to mention Belladonna’s primal, raging vocal waging piercing through the magnificent din – for a bag of magic beans and glitzy, pop-music stardom. After the haunting instrumental intro “Worship,” Anthrax ignites all-out war in “Earth on Hell,” a hornets’ nest of activity and energy that attacks the senses from every angle. “The Devil You Know” follows, and its momentum is unstoppable. A runaway semi of sound with an instantly memorable chorus (“Gotta go with the devil you know!”) and an impossibly heavy groove, “The Devil You Know” has secured its place among Anthrax’s most revered aural assaults. And speaking of aural assaults, the unrelenting “Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can” – a song about fending off a zombie apocalypse – is a street fight of Benante’s vicious, martial-arts-style drumming, sharp guitar stabs and Belladonna’s bare-knuckled vocals.
Heavier still is the militaristic stomp of “I’m Alive,” with its thick, crushing riffs and Belladonna delivering the poisonous lyric “heaven lives in every gun” with gut-level urgency and theatrics, while the churning epic “In the End” rises slowly and majestically like a rogue wave that’s about to crash down on a defenseless fishing trawler. Everything on Worship Music boggles the senses. It’s war-like, with a little bit of dark, oaken cello and the occasional church bell for atmosphere. Tempos shift on a dime, and Anthrax’s frantic energy strains at the leash, while Belladonna barks like a Doberman at times and soars to the sun when coaxed to fly, like he does on the retina-scorching supernova “Crawl.” Always ready to do battle in the streets if they have to – as the haymaker-throwing, nose-bloodying riots of “The Constant” and “Revolution Screams” bear out – with Worship Music, Anthrax has come to blow open the doors of cathedrals everywhere and unleash hell.
