This last year has seen a few albums come out that I was very much anticipating, from Motorhead to Iron Maiden, Slayer (along with some other, jazzier works…) and just recently the mighty Anthrax!
I grew up listening to these guys (among with the others I’ve just named). Yeah guys, that might make you feel older… heck it makes me feel old!
When they released Evil Twin (the single) I was impressed… not because it really broke new ground, but because it reminded me of some classic Anthrax.
Since hearing the new album, it’s quickly become a favorite. I love Monster at the End, For All Kings, Evil Twin, Suzerain.
The groove of Blood Eagle Wings, Defend Avenge, so many of these tunes bring me back to classic Anthrax, but not just “classic Anthrax”, there’s more to it than that.
There’s a freshness to this album. There’s a ton of melody all over the place.
Breathing Lightning… this has quickly become one of my favorites. I can only describe it as beautiful. It opens and closes with a musical theme. It makes me want to sing it every time I hear it. I absolutely love this tune.
Also, Zero Tolerance is a very nice closer.
Joey Belladonna sounds great on this album, Charlie Benante is equally great. I can still remember being a young and aspiring drummer and hearing “Skeletons in the closet” from the Among The Living album…. I was completely blown away. Benante is one of the pioneers of the super fast double bass drumming.
In my opinion, this is a seriously strong release.
For this reason, I have to give this a 9/10.
[usr 9]