anthrax tour review

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Live Review: Anthrax with Black Label Society and Exodus (Grey Eagle Events Centre, Calgary, AB: 1/22/23)

Those of you who were early thrash fans during that vaunted period known as “back in the day” will remember being pilloried by the majority of the metal world for daring to open your ears to the then-new style of sound. It was a sound that injected hardcore punk energy into metal’s thick and viscous origins and did it at velocities that had genteel segments of the metal community — fans and press included — running for the hills and screaming for vengeance. Comparing those times to today (and the genre’s heyday), it’s sometimes difficult to believe that thrash was once metal’s red-headed step-child, a bunch of fucking noise some said, that would never amount to anything. Since 1981, the year New York’s Anthrax gathered to go metal thrashing mad, even those naysayers and doubters and relics working on their ass-grooves at booths at the Rainbow have come around and 40-plus years later we’re at the stage of the game where thrash metal’s Big Four remain as successful as…blah, blah, blah.  

I’m going to hazard a guess that you don’t need to be handed a thrash history refresher, but the back of my brain still has a giddy time reconciling the genre’s scuzzy beginnings with the fact that I just witnessed 40-plus years of Anthrax in a ginormous casino concert hall/events centre festooned with carpeted floors and chintzy chandeliers where over-priced concert beers, foot-long hot dogs and gourmet burgers were as plentiful as band merch. It’s a far cry from seeing Anthrax, Exodus and the like in cramped and sweaty shit boxes back in the day. As I’m sure everyone involved is much happier at the upgrade, it’s still amazing to think that the music that was once derided as a bunch of bullshit is now hobnobbing with games of chance and still coming out as the lucky one. Then again, all it takes are a couple of fights, a couple dudes passed out in the hallway and more than a couple of spilled beers to show that the more things change the more they stay the same.

On that note, openers and ‘Big 6’ members (along with Testament) Exodus took to the stage with the same energetic vim and athletic vigor as…well, every other time I’ve seen them going back to the mid-‘80s. Possessors of arguably the most brutal and crushing guitar tone in thrash history, the Bay Area war-horses emerged from the wings like bats out of hell straddling gun powder-filled missiles. Over the course of a relatively scant 45-minutes, the legendary and notorious slay team faithfully represented their own 40+ years of existence, including showcasing the diversity available on newest album, Persona Non Grata . The band knows where their bread is buttered though, as the set leaned heavily on Bonded by Blood with stops along the way for sonic look-sees at Fabulous Disaster , Tempo of the Damned and Blood In, Blood Out . Accompanying classics like “Strike of the Beast” and “A Lesson in Violence” was their always entertaining stage presence, rife with loads of cross-stage skipping, Lee Altus miming out lyrics and singing along as much as playing guitar, a frontline of friendly violent hair whipping and neck abuse, and vocalist Zetro Sousa’s uncanny ability to engage eight different members of the front row in set-long, metal sign language conversations. Mad props should be reserved for drummer Tom Hunting for recently beating squamous cell carcinoma as hard and savagely as he knocked out the two-beats and skank patterns during “The Toxic Waltz” and “Piranha.” Fuck cancer, indeed.

The internet has informed me that Black Label Society has been a band since 1998. This means that yours truly has gone almost 25 years without (knowingly, at least) hearing this band. That particular cherry was finally popped tonight and it’s not a milestone I’m entirely happy about it. Definitely not as happy as the pure elation being expressed by the band’s devoted and faithful, but after my first experience with the band, I’m failing to understand what the big deal is. What with all the time I spent in the pre-show line surrounded by dudes in Black Label Society leather cuts, “motorcycle enthusiasts’ club” inspired merch, the band throwing around of terms like “chapter” and “family” and the reference of members as “Father so-and-so,” there’s a distinct fictitious biker gang air to all of this. Ironically enough, as a parallel, Black Label Society comes across as the Sons of Anarchy of hard rock/metal, except not nearly as entertaining and with a lot less random gun play. This can’t be the first and only time BLS and SOA have been compared/referenced/connected to/equated with one another, but witnessing the spectacle firsthand is uncanny, if not hilarious. The glaring plot holes, untenable situations, ridiculous chase scenes, comical dialogue and cartoonish violence are parallel to the unadventurous and elementary rhythmics, collection of dumbed down, pinch harmonic-peppered riffs that the likes of Pantera, The Atomic Bitchwax, Down and Monster Magnet were smart enough to discard, and Zakk Wylde’s tuneless, yet soulful vocal moan. In the end, it came across as a gathering of low common denominators that together have struck a chord with those looking for a safe expression of rebellion, intrigue and community wherein consumers look to turn their brains off for an hour or two in order to forget the day.

Full disclosure: Anthrax was always, personally, my fourth favourite of the ‘Big 4.’ That’s not to say I didn’t and don’t still get my panties in a twist whenever Fistful of Metal , Among the Living , Persistence of Time , Sound of White Noise and their various covers make their way off the shelf. But not everyone can own the podium and that a few thousand folks and I are still feeling the excitement of songs that are as much as four decades old — and that a few thousand of others are feeling that same excitement for songs that were written before they were born — is indicative of veracity, staying power and host of well-crafted numbers.

The celebration of 40 years of Anthrax began with a slickly compiled and edited video testimonial from fans across the spectrum; from Keanu Reeves, Lady Gaga and Gene Simmons to members of Death Angel, Refused, Slayer and a bevy of the usual collaborators and suspects. Once the curtain came down on the two-tiered stage and thematic, seizure-inducing light show (the red and blue cop lights during “I Am the Law” were a stellar touch) it was straight into the hits. As with Exodus, Anthrax have been doing this long enough to know the drill, how to rile up and communicate with a crowd, plus this occasion is a celebration of their career. So, as tempting as it might be to pull an Iron Maiden and bust out a set of deep cuts, Anthrax know the biggest reaction is going to come from “Among the Living,” “Caught in a Mosh,” “Metal Thrashing Mad,” “Madhouse,” “Keep in the Family,” “Indians” and their cover of Trust’s “Anti-Social,” which might as well be their own song at this stage in the game. The energy was lightning, the production value was a spectacle in and of itself and Joey Belladonna’s voice along with Scott Ian and Frank Bello’s onstage flurry of movement (and down picking) belied their chronological ages. Despite even the band themselves not seeming to be entirely convinced of much of their post-1993 output, this, as far as a exhibition lauding them for doing their thing through ups and downs over an unexpectedly vast stretch of time, they certainly brought the…ahh, you know.

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LIVE REVIEW: Anthrax with special guests Black Label Society and Hatebreed. Live at the Fillmore, Minneapolis, Minnesota 8/5/2022

14 August 2022 Tommy Sommers

Anthrax   came to town on their 40th anniversary tour and brought two incredible bands to support them. First one up was   Hatebreed .  The fans showed up early and the place was packed before they even went on. they are easily the heaviest band in the lineup. They worked their way through a 15-song set that included “Proven”, “This is Now”, “Empty Promises”, “Tear it Down”, “live for This”, and “I Will Be Heard”. It was an extremely solid set that really got the crowd going. They are a fantastic band with great musicianship.

Second on the bill was   Black Label Society   featuring   Zakk Wylde   on guitar. Every time I see this band, I like them more and more. The songwriting is exceptional along with the musicianship. They opened their set with “Funeral Ball” And ended with “Still Born”. They dedicated the song “In This River” to the memory of   Dimebag Darrell   and   Vinnie Paul . Rumor has it that Pantera will be going on tour next year. It’s the lineup includes   Zakk Wylde   on guitar and   Charlie Benante   from   Anthrax   on drums.

Black Label Society   played a very long set that also included “Overlord”, “Fire it Up”, “Heart of Darkness”, and “Trampled Down Below” Just to name a few. They are a solid of a band as I have ever seen. I highly recommend checking all these bands out when you get a chance.

Headliners   Anthrax   gave the fans what they were there for! A solid set of songs from their entire carrier. They opened with “Among the Living”. They played a lot of the songs you would expect them to like “Caught in a Mosh”, “I Am the Law”, “Bring the Noise”, and “Indians”. But the song that really pushed the crowd over the edge into insanity was “Madhouse”. Who doesn’t like a good mosh pit or crowd surfing? I guess the only ones that don’t are the poor security guards. But they did a great job of keeping everybody safe.

One of the many things I’ve always appreciated about   Anthrax   is how much energy they give you at every show. All five of the band members are fully present and doing everything they can to entertain that audience. I really like the setup too as far as the look of the stage for anthrax. It was colorful with some stairs and the lighting was excellent. It just added a lot to the performance. Let’s face it they are one of the BIG 4 and there’s a reason. It was just great to go to the Fillmore which is one of my favorite concert venues in Minnesota and see a sellout crowd attending something that’s not a rap concert. I stood out front after the show was over and saw fans wearing shirts from all three of these bands. Everyone was represented and it was just a great night of loud rock’n’roll music.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY & HATEBREED

Concert Review: ANTHRAX and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY with HATEBREED in Kansas City

The midland theatre | kansas city, mo | 02 august 2022.

From the official tour statement: The multi-Gold and Platinum, six-time GRAMMY-nominated Anthrax spent a good portion of 2021 celebrating the band’s landmark 40th birthday. The card-carrying Big Four members’ anniversary was the subject of an 11-week series of video testimonials from artists like Chuck D., Dave Grohl, Dave Mustaine, Kerry King, Norman Reedus, Rob Zombie, Robert Trujillo, Slash, and others. Anthrax teamed up with Z-2 Comics for the “Among The Living” graphic novel that was inspired by their landmark 1987 album and released their high-end bourbon whiskey, “Anthrax XL.”  But, due to COVID, the one thing Anthrax couldn’t do, was tour, tour, tour, so the band fully intends to extend the celebration with this North American trek. Fans can expect Anthrax – Joey Belladonna/vocals, Scott Ian/rhythm guitar, Frank Bello/bass, Charlie Benante/drums, and Jon Donais/guitar – to draw from all four decades – fan favorites and deep cuts – for their nightly setlist. 

Photos by Thomas Woroniak Photography

•   1  Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO
•   2  Midland Theater, Kansas City, MO
•   4  Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana, Gary, IN
•   5  Oshkosh Arena, Oshkosh, WI
•   6  The Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN
•   8  Southside Ballroom, Dallas, TX**
•   9  Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin, TX
• 11  The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
• 12  House of Blues, Orlando, FL
• 13  The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC
• 15  The Andrew J Brady Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
• 16  Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
• 18  The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD
• 19  Main Street Armory, Rochester, NY
• 20  The Fillmore, Detroit, MI**
• 22  Stage AE Outside, Pittsburgh, PA
• 23  History, Toronto, ON  CANADA
• 24  Amphitheatre Cogeco, Trois Riviere/Montreal, QC
• 26  Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
• 27  Tattoo The Earth Festival 2022, Worcester, MA
• 28  The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA**

Thomas Woroniak

Preview: heilung live at red rocks amphitheatre: an immersive journey into ancient sounds, concert review: the ocean (collective) and the world is a beautiful place & i am no longer afraid to die, concert review: the blackout – o2 academy birmingham, concert review: metal allegiance at the house of blues anaheim, concert review: igorrr and melt-banana in san francisco, ca, concert review: escape the fate – los angeles, ca, concert review: guns n roses at bst – british summertime festival, concert review: goo goo dolls and those damn crows at manchester academy, concert review: lamb of god with kreator and municipal waste, concert review: black stone cherry / the darkness – leeds, uk, related articles.

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CONCERT REVIEW: Thrash Metal Titans ANTHRAX Celebrate 40 Years in the Garden State, Joined By EXODUS and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY for A True Metal Fest (January 31st, 2023)

Nearing the midway point of their 25-date tour of North America, card-carrying members of heavy metal’s “The Big Four” continued their 40 th Anniversary celebration at The Wellmont Theater , a historic music venue nestled in downtown Montclair, New Jersey this past Tuesday night, January 31. For their tour, Anthrax have teamed up with co-headliner Zakk Wylde ’s Black Label Society and special guest Exodus , metal thrashers from the Bay Area whose initial lineup in the late-1970s included Metallica ’s Kirk Hammett and the only original member still with the band, drummer Tom Hunting .

Arriving more than an hour before the 5:30 PM doors on a brisk, 35-degree late afternoon, at least a hundred fans, many clad in black Anthrax gear from yesteryear, could already be seen wrapped around the corner of the venue. With tonight’s show completely sold-out, I was asked by at least five fans desperate to get inside if I had an extra ticket. Unfortunately, for them, I did not. As the sun commenced its descent over the Wellmont Arts Plaza, security personnel already at their respective posts, the legion of metal fans who had been patiently waiting were let into the warm confines of the 2,500 capacity theater’s lobby. Operated by Live Nation , The Wellmont Theater was originally constructed in 1922 and after undergoing a $3 million renovation in 2008, still features it’s proscenium arch surrounding the stage.

As the minutes ticked down before Exodus would take the stage, fans continued to hover around their favorite bands’ merch table or grabbed a drink from the array of bars strategically placed on each level. With a 6:30 pm start time, I was taken by surprise when the house lights suddenly went down and Queen ’s “We Will Rock You” played over the PA system a few minutes early. Quickly rushing down the aisle to the pit area, I arrived just in time to see the quintet of Steve “Zetro” Souza (vocals), Gary Holt (guitar), Jack Gibson (bass), Lee Altus (guitar) and the aforementioned Hunting , walk onstage.

Their first a lbum in more than eight years, and eleventh overall, Exodus are touring in support of “Persona Non Grata” ( Nuclear Blast Records ), released in November 2021. Like Anthrax , Exodus are also pioneers of the thrash metal scene that emerged in the 1980s and early-1990s and are also known to be part of the “second big four,” alongside Overkill , Testament and Death Angel .

Exodus ’ repertoire of songs, which did not waiver from past shows on the current tour (as well as the set-lists of Black Label Society and Anthrax ), comprised nine stellar offerings across five studio albums. With the band and the audience getting acquainted with one another during the first trio of songs, it was the introduction to “Blacklist” ( “Tempo of the Damned,” 2004) when Souza reminded the rapidly growing general admission floor crowd of the mosh pit rules of etiquette. “I want to see it violent, but I wanna see everybody making it out. Make sure if someone wants to come over, [that]they get over safely. Because Montclair, better yet, because Jersey, we’re all in this f**king together!”

The second half of Exodus ’ blistering set included one classic thrash anthem after another, three of which were taken from their debut studio album “Bonded by Blood” – “Piranha,” (showcasing the eminent metal riff masterfully performed by Holt at breakneck speed), the title track from their 1985 release and “Strike of the Beast.” As the set neared its conclusion, Exodus gave us one of their best-known songs and a personal favorite ( “The Toxic Waltz” from 1989’s “Fabulous Disaster” ), featuring Gibson ’s pounding bass and Souza ’s gravelly voice that would have made Bon Scott proud. Before exiting the stage to another Queen song ( “We Are the Champions” ), two lucky young boys were lifted out of the audience and onto the stage to bid the crowd a good night and also to pose with Ukranian-born Altus and his white ESP guitar, while of course flashing the sign of the horns . . . with a little coaxing.

EXODUS Picture Gallery

As The Wellmont Theater reached near capacity with Anthrax fans and BLS chapter members continuing to file in from the cold and dark night, the “first to bleed, last to leave” road crew were completing the finishing touches to the stage behind the infamous Black Label Society banner. Reprising their role from last year as co-headliner with the thrash savants from New York, the almighty Black Label Society , like Exodus , is trekking across the U.S. in support of their acclaimed eleventh studio album “Doom Crew Inc . ,” ( eOne ) released in November 2021.

Promptly at 7:45 PM, the house lights went down for a second time while the sounds of “Whole Lotta Sabbath,” a mashup of Led Zeppelin ’s “Whole Lotta Love” and Black Sabbath ’s “War Pigs” , filled the theater. Next, the banner which shrouded the stage in secrecy finally dropped and the crowd erupted as front-man Wylde and his band-mates (guitarist Dario Lorina , bassist John “J.D.” DeServio and drummer Jeff Fabb ) launched into “Funeral Bell” from their fourth studio album ( “The Blessed Hellride” , 2003). Perched atop a riser at center stage, the virtuoso 6-stringer who formed Black Label Society in Los Angeles during the late-1990s resembled a Norse god with his long blonde mane and flowing beard, while adorned in his signature biker-style battle vest “kutte,” Scottish kilt and black biker boots.

The next quintet of songs included “The Beginning… At Last,” the lone offering from Black Label Society ’s debut studio album “Sonic Brew” (1998), which was succeeded by 2021’s “Destroy & Conquer” , ”Destruction Overdrive” , “Heart of Darkness” ( “Catacombs of the Black Vatican” , 2014) and “A Love Unreal” ( “Grimmest Hits” , 2018).

However, it was the second half of the 1 hour, 15 minute set that shined brightest, commencing with “You Made Me Want to Live” , which displayed Wylde ’s penchant for the blues scale that often features heavily in his guitar style. With Wylde taking a seat behind the keys at stage left, and after making a toast to the fans in attendance, the beautifully delivered power ballad “In This River” ( “Mafia” , 2005) ensued – a song that although was written by Wylde before his close friend “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott was shot and killed by a deranged fan while performing live with Damageplan in 2004, has since been dedicated to him and his brother, Vinnie Paul .

Backed by a gigantic wall of speaker cabinets, one highlight of Black Label Society ’s 13-song set was an extended solo during “Fire It Up” , featuring a guitar duel between Wylde and Lorino (with each playing behind their own head, of course). But the song that sent the now capacity crowd into a fervor was another track from “Mafia,” “Suicide Messiah,” with the audience singing along to the chorus in unison, “Bow down, you chose your maker. He never gives, he’s always a taker. The electric burns that fuel the fire. It’s just your suicide messiah.”

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Picture Gallery

At 9:40 PM, the moment we had all been waiting for was finally here! Across the massive white curtain draping the stage a video began to play which presented the testimonials of celebrities and fellow musicians who spoke to the four decade, far-reaching influence that Anthrax has made on the thrash metal genre. During this seven-plus minute long tribute, as I stood just outside of the photographer pit barricade, I was able to catch a glimpse of guitarist Scott Ian and drummer Charlie Benante through a partial opening at the side of the stage. Despite these metal veterans having performed more than 1,500 shows over the course of their illustrious music careers, it was an extremely cool moment to witness. The sheer joy and excitement on Ian’s face was palpable as he fist-bumped Benante , welcoming his drummer back behind the kit after he missed some recent shows having underwent an undisclosed minor procedure. As the video neared its conclusion, prompting the sold-out house to “scream for us,” only the silhouetted members of the band remained. Then, the curtain fell to the ground, and it was now officially game on!

With plenty of righteous material from which to choose, Anthrax ’s set-list was chock-full of killer tracks. The first three songs of their 12-song set were comprised of the title track from 1987’s “Among the Living” , followed by “Caught in a Mosh” from the same third studio album, and then “Madhouse,” taken from their second studio album ( “Spreading the Disease” ) released in 1985. The next gem performed on what otherwise would have been a quiet weekday evening was introduced by Ian as follows:

Holy shit New Jersey! How the hell are you? It’s been way too long my friends since we’ve seen you. I think it’s been like five years since we played Jersey. Maybe I’m wrong, but goddamn, that’s way too long! Thank you for coming out tonight! I’m going to ask you my friends, New Jersey, do you f**king love thrash metal? I know you do because I walk onstage and I can see all your faces, every single one of you, and I can tell that all of you are “Metal . . . Thrashing . . . Mad!”

Next up was “Keep It in the Family” from Anthax’s fifth studio ( Persistence of Time , 1990), followed by a hell-raising cover version of “Antisocial,” a song written in 1980 by the French hard rock band Trust. At the song’s conclusion, Ian addressed his fans a second time:

In case you didn’t know, we’re celebrating our 40 th anniversary [lackluster cheer from the audience]. That’s it, for forty years, we get like a ‘woo.’ Goddamn New Jersey, that f**king sucked. And hear I am about to praise you motherf**kers and I got 800 people in the balcony sitting there like they’re watching The Real Housewives. This is a rock show mutherf**kers, you don’t sit down. Unless you can’t stand up, then you got an excuse. But that ain’t all of you! It’s f**king Tuesday and you’re already tired. Anyway, its our 40 th f**king anniversary [audience explodes with cheers and applause]! Get me all mad, I gotta yell at you and shit. When we say New Jersey is home for us, even though we are from Queens and the Bronx, but without New Jersey, Anthrax is never happening.

The roof of the theater was torn off during “I Am the Law,” a noted fan favorite, with Joey Belladonna displaying his masterful range of vocal chops on this third of four songs total that would be taken from their 1987’s landmark record. Stellar representations from two more studio albums (2011’s “Worship Music” and 1993’s “Sound of White Noise” ) ensued as the New York City natives bestowed upon us “In the End” and “Only” respectively, with thumping bass courtesy of Frank Bello and Jonathan Donais ’ superb lead guitar riffing. After belting out their two well-known renditions of, Joe Jackson ’s “Got the Time” and Public Enemy ’s iconic “Bring the Noise,” the night’s finale was a scorching performance of “Indians,” with Belladona donning a native war bonnets while running around like a madman while his cohorts finished tearing down the place, leaving the audience exhausted after so much adrenaline and headbanging.

By 10:50 PM, the band took their final bow, graciously saluted their fans and exited the stage to Rainbow ’s “ Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll, ” still under the sound thunderous cheering. The final show of this absolutely killer tour package through North America, will happen in Anaheim, California on February 19. If metal runs through your veins, do your utmost best and then some to get to one of the remaining tour dates, and you’ll witness one of the best nights of unadulterated metal you’d have in a very long time.

ANTHRAX Picture Gallery

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ANTHRAX 40th Anniversary Tour Wisconsin (Concert Review)

The Big 4, Metallica , Slayer , Megadeth and Anthrax , on August 5 th 2022 I was finally able to say I’ve seen them all live!  Took me long enough!

The lineup was great.  Three amazing bands, Hatebreed , Black Label Society and Anthrax all playing in Oshkosh WI.  We got to the arena about an hour early to make sure we got a great spot.  Oshkosh Arena was all GA, including the seated area.  We secured front-row bleacher seats with a nice view of the stage.

Hatebreed started out the night.  As soon as they hit the stage my son and I shot to our feet, much to the chagrin of the couple behind us.  They started grumbling and I turned around to see what was up, they were glaring daggers at us for standing.  I had a moment of wondering if we should sit back down.  But no, we were at a metal show.  Who sits at a metal show??

Hatebreed were incredible.  They are full of energy and totally feed off the audience.  The pit opened up, cups were thrown, and we banged our heads to their killer tunes.  Lead singer Jamey Jasta commanded the crowd to get up outta their seats and most of the fans complied.  Except the couple behind us.  Ok, they were making a point, I’m not sure what it was, but they were determined to stay seated, even during the tribute to The Black Dahlia Murder singer Trevor Strnad who we lost in May.  The dedication song was “ Last Breath ” and it was perfect, I had goosebumps .

Jasta also announced that he had bought the rights to Milwaukee Metal Fest , which will finally make its return in 2023.  I’m excited to see what the lineup will be.  It is reported that this too, is a way for Jasta to honour Trevor Strand since apparently the two of them had often discussed buying the rights.  Wisconsin will certainly appreciate it!

HATEBREED OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK

Black Label Society

Up next was Black Label Society .  This was our second time seeing them, but we were much closer this time and able to really see just how incredible this band is.  Not only the mind-blowing shredding of Zakk Wylde and Dario Lorina but the whole band is TIGHT.  They tore through the 12-song setlist, playing fan favourites like “ Funeral Bell ”, “ Suicide Messiah ” and ending with “ Stillborn ”.  Show highlights for me were “ In This River ” and “ Fire it Up ”.  “ In this River ” was dedicated to Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul .  It opened with curtains depicting the brothers dropping over the walls of amps, then Zakk Wylde slowed down for a few minutes, trading his guitar for the piano.  It was simply beautiful and gave me the chills for the second time that night.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK

Anthrax started their set with a short video of various celebrities talking about Anthrax and the impact they had on them.  Then the curtain dropped and everyone and yes, I mean EVERYONE, was on their feet for these iconic masters of thrash!!  “ Among the Living ” was the opening song.  The fans were riled up and the crowd surfing was nonstop.  Anthrax are full-on energy.  They are all over the stage and constantly interacting with the crowd.

*Cellphone photos by: Kryfar

ANTHRAX OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK

Check out more of my CGCM reviews at: KRYFAR

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Anthrax Celebrate 40 Years of Thrash with Career-Spanning Livestream Concert: Review

Public Enemy's Chuck D joined the band for "Bring the Noise" during the 22-song set

Setting the Stage: It’s hard to believe, but this year marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of thrash metal pioneers Anthrax . Considered to be one of the “Big 4” of thrash (along with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth), the band — which since 2013 has featured a lineup comprised of singer Joey Belladonna, guitarists Scott Ian and Jon Donais, bassist Frank Bello, and drummer Charlie Benante — undoubtedly would have preferred to celebrate this impressive career accomplishment with a thorough world tour, but instead offered up a virtual worldwide concert event.

Anthrax officially formed on July 18th, 1981, and the metal legends started the 40th anniversary celebration a couple months back with a video series documenting their illustrious career through testimonials from the band members and their musical peers. It all culminated with Friday night’s “Celebrating 40 Years” livestream concert, a career-spanning performance filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles (The Den), including classics and quite a few pleasant surprises.

Taking the Stage : Beginning with a slow-motion hit to a cymbal by Benante, the intro from “Time” led immediately to “Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t.” And while it’s often the case that bands not sound as potent as their careers extend further and further, Anthrax are one of the few who still sounds as tight and mighty as they ever have — as evidenced from the get-go, and continuing throughout the performance. In addition to flickering lights, there were also added visual elements to specific songs, such as “Caught in a Mosh” having footage of moshers doing their thing and “I Am the Law” having illustrations from the Judge Dredd comic book flashing on the band.

Also included throughout were brief video tributes from the likes of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Rob Zombie, DMC, Chris Jericho, Jason Momoa, Steve Harris, Tom Morello, Corey Taylor, Keanu Reeves, Henry Rollins, Slash, Mike Patton, and Vernon Reid, among others.

To return to the earlier point of how mighty the band still sounds, one of evening’s surprise nuggets, “Lone Justice” (off Anthrax’s first full-length with Belladonna, 1985’s Spreading the Disease ), showed that the singer has no problem still replicating the super high vocals that open the song, with other fine-sounding deep cuts including “Metal Thrashing Mad,” “Skeletons in the Closet,” and perhaps one of the best performances of the evening, “Keep It in the Family.”

Up to midway through the performance, the band wore a color-coordinated ensemble – black shirts and black full-length trousers. But for “Be All End All,” the members reappeared wearing shorts — undoubtedly a nod to the late ‘80s era when the gents were consistently spotted wearing Jams shorts, which became an Anthrax fashion trademark for a spell.

Prior to a performance of “In the End,” illustrated images of Ronnie James Dio, Dimebag Darrell, and Vinnie Paul were shown, as the band was close to all three late musicians. More favorites (“Indians”) and long-lost gems (“Aftershock”) followed, before certainly one of the evening’s top highlights — Public Enemy legend Chuck D taking the stage for a killer rendition of “Bring the Noise.”

Anthrax 40th Anniversary Livestream

Also of note, sound man Jay Ruston should be commended, as the sonics were loud and clear throughout, with the evening’s set-closer, “Among the Living,” sounding particularly grand.

When all was said and done, Anthrax certainly gave fans their money’s worth — the concert event was over two hours in length, and 22 songs in total. And if that wasn’t enough, a “behind the scenes” feature was also included. Featured were bonus performances of songs that didn’t make the main set (“Breathing Lightning,” “Protest and Survive,” and “NFL”), as well as Scott Ian showing us around NYC landmarks that proved significant in Anthrax’s history, as he visited such places as the Megaforce Records office, the location where CBGB’s used to be, and Joe’s Pizza (where Anthrax would often enjoy late night slices after shows).

Fans who missed the initial stream on Friday evening have plenty of time to catch Anthrax’s 40th anniversary show. The concert event is streaming on demand through July 25 at 11:59 p.m. ET, with tickets available at this location . Watch a clip of Anthrax performing “The Devil You Know” and view the setlist and additional pics below.

Setlist: Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t Madhouse Caught in a Mosh Metal Thrashing Mad Got the Time I Am the Law Keep It in the Family Lone Justice The Devil You Know Be All, End All Play It’s Dark Antisocial In the End Medusa Evil Twin Indians A Skeleton in the Closet Aftershock Blood Eagle Wings Bring the Noise (with Chuck D) A.I.R. Among the Living

Bonus Performances from “Behind the Scenes” feature: Breathing Lightning Protest and Survive NFL

Anthrax 40th Anniversary Livestream Images (click to enlarge & scroll through):

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Live Review + Gallery: Anthrax 40th Anniversary Tour w/ Black Label Society & Exodus (02.17.23)

Charles Yozgott February 24, 2023 Headline News , Photography , Show Reviews Leave a comment

Thrash metal legends Anthrax gave us a second helping of their 40th Anniversary Tour and stopped by the Riverside Municipal Auditorium in Riverside, CA on February 17, 2023 . Tour mates from the first leg and heavy metal royalty, Black Label Society , joined them again while fellow thrash metal giants Exodus joined the tour this time around (Hatebreed was support for the first leg). This particular show  sold out very quickly after the announcement of the tour and the metal community in Southern California showed up. This was suppose to be the last SoCal show for this tour but an Anaheim, CA date was added and sold out as well. Metal heads and music lovers alike know how big Anthrax is and the fact that they’ve been significant all these years says a lot about who they are and their love for music.

Richmond, CA’s own Exodus was up first and they opened with “The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)” off of their latest thrash masterpiece album Persona Non Grata . Steve “Zetro” Souza’s distinct voice carries over the heavy hitting drums of Tom Hunting, those low end bass lines by Jack Gibson, and crunching riffs of Gary Holt and Lee Altus. The pack auditorium filled up early for these thrash giants and there was numerous mosh pits throughout their set. Their set included four songs from their first album Bonded by Blood  including “A Lesson in Violence” and “Strike of the Beast”, thrash classics that still hold up strong today. There’s no slowing down for these guys and their music sounds better than ever.

The all mighty Black Label Society was next and they covered the stage with a huge banner of their famous skull. Before the music started fans were heard screaming and cheering when they saw Zakk Wylde having fun recording his Ultimate Warrior action figure on his phone and getting amped up for the show. Pure fun and pure entertainment at its best. Opening the night with “Funeral Bell” off of The Blessed Hellride , BLS did what they do best and put on one hell of a show. Zakk Wylde on his riser swaying and grooving with the heavy riffs that echo throughout the auditorium, John “JD” DeServio slapping the florescent strings on his bass, Dario Lorina shredding on his 6 string, and Jeff Fabb hitting the skins between two mountains of speakers. The audience was banging their heads and devil horns were in the air for the 13 song set that included the classics “Fire It Up”, “The Beginning…At Last”, and “Stillborn”, and a few off their latest album Doom Crew Inc. such as “Destroy & Conquer”, “You Made Me Want To Live”, and “Set You Free”. A highlight of their set is when they play “In This River” paying tribute and homage to the Abbott brothers of Pantera, it’s a touching moment and feel good time of the night. Black Label Society always puts on a killer live show so make sure to see them the next time they play.

The time for Anthrax had arrived and just before they took the stage a tribute video was projected on a white sheet covering the stage. Many people from all walks of life shared their love for Anthrax and gave props to these gents for their passion and longevity in the heavy metal business, which got the crowd hyped up and amped for the show. The band members silhouettes now show on the white sheet and the crowd went nuts as soon as “Among The Living” started. Crowd surfers started popping up across the entire general admission area and a few mosh pits broke out. This is why the people came to Riverside on this particular night, to see the thrash metal legends Anthrax perform their hits and to go crazy during. “Caught In A Mosh” off of Among The Living was next followed by the popular track “Madhouse” off their second album Spreading The Disease . “Metal Thrashing Mad” off of their debut album Fistful of Metal  was next and the crowd loved it.

Singer Joey Belladonna told everyone that “Keep It In The Family” off of Persistence of Time was next and that he wanted to see everyone going wild for this one. The crowd responded and not a single person was standing still. Scott Ian as always shreds on his guitars and jumps around like he just started playing in a band, so much energy on the stage between all the bandmates. Drummer Charlie Benante making it look easy behind his kit while bassist Frank Bello animates himself before the crowd. Also, this show was just days before the 10 year anniversary of guitarist Jonathan Donais joining Anthrax and man he’s doing a bang up job! Before ending the night with their famous song “Indians” Joey made sure to thank everyone for the support and love throughout the 40 years of Anthrax and that they wouldn’t be here without us. Both legs of their tour for Anthrax was a thank you to the fans but us as fans are also saying thank you to these gents for being themselves and creating music that will live forever. Next time Anthrax comes to your town make sure to check them out, you won’t regret it!

The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves) A Lesson in Violence Blood In, Blood Out Blacklist Piranha Prescribing Horror Bonded by Blood The Toxic Waltz Strike of the Beast

Black Label Society

Funeral Bell The Beginning… At Last Destroy & Conquer Destruction Overdrive Heart of Darkness A Love Unreal You Made Me Want to Live In This River Trampled Down Below Set You Free Fire It Up Suicide Messiah Stillborn

Among the Living Caught in a Mosh Madhouse Metal Thrashing Mad Keep It in the Family Antisocial I Am the Law In the End Only Got the Time Bring the Noise Indians

Tags 2023 Album Review Alternative alternative rock Anthrax Black Label Society California concert Concert Photography Exodus Hard Rock heavy metal Live Live Music Metal music music existence music photography north american tour Photography review Riverside Riverside Municipal Auditorium rock thrash metal tour Yozgott Photography

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Anthrax 40th Anniversary tour thrashes Orlando, Florida

Live review.

By David Lucas, Rock At Night Orlando

Live Review: Anthrax with Black Label Society and Hatebreed -“40th Anniversary Tour” – House of Blues, Orlando-August 12, 2022

If you like heavy metal, power metal and thrash metal then, Friday August 12, 2022 the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida was the place to be. The doors opened at 6:00 PM and the fans started pouring in, in a race to get to the front of the stage.

7:10 PM the lights go down and Hatebreed makes their way to the stage with “Proven”. The sound was nothing short of amazing. Knowing how short some of Hatebreed’s songs are, it’s not a simple job knowing that you only have three songs to get your photos when you are also wanting to witness the metal chaos going on only feet in front of you. Needless to say, “Destroy Everything” and “A Stroke of Red” blew right by. Standing back watching the show and those in front of the stage, I realize that this is not just some opening act trying to make their way into the main stage, it is already happening. Circle pits, mosh pits, heads moving with the beat of the drums, singing word for word from what looks like most everyone in the venue. Hatebreed is an absolute must see show when they come to your town.

8:25 PM Guitar starts to the sound of “Funeral Bell” and the curtain drops with Black Label Society in full gear with Zakk Wylde center stage. The roar from the crowd nearly matches the loudness of the music coming from the stage. Zakk, being no stranger to solos and catchy guitar licks, jumps into a heavy solo to start “Heart of Darkness”. Slowing it down a bit with a tribute to Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, the band segues to “In This River”. Picking up back up, it wasn’t long before one of the best guitar duels were about to take place. Finishing “Fire It Up” both Zakk and guitarist Dario Lorina met at the center stage facing each other and holding their guitars over and behind their head while dueling it out for a little over five minutes leading into “Suicide Messiah”. Finishing the set with “Stillborn” Zakk walks over to the edge up the stage and laid his guitar down giving it a quick strum and walks away. While throwing up souvenirs to the audience, each of the band members step over to hit the guitar strings to keep the sound going until they finally exit the stage.

10:05 PM July 18, 1981 was the beginning of Anthrax. Clips from the 40th Anniversary Celebrations projected on the white curtain that is drawn across the stage. Stage spotlight opens and through the curtain, from my viewpoint I can see Scott Ian going hard on his guitar to “Among the Living” and the curtain drops… It’s Anthrax with one of the largest stage setups I have seen setup in the House of Blues Orlando. The next song up, “Caught in a Mosh”, is exactly what the floor started to look like. The mosh pits have started and kept going right into what the room was feeling like, a “Madhouse”. Listening to the vocals of Joey Belladonna sounded like back in the early days of going to see them live. Joey then asked the big question “Do any of you like thrash metal?” The audience screams and the guitars of “Metal Thrashing Mad” start up. The complete set is full of classics and later songs alike from several albums that ranging from 1984 to 2011 including Fistful of Metal, Among the Living, Attack of the Killer B’s, Sound of White Noise, Worship Music, State of Euphoria, Persistence of Time and Spreading the Disease . If you had to rate the noise level, my guess would be close if not tied between Antisocial and Indians. Anthrax is one of those bands that you can listen to on the way to see them live, watch the show and listen to them again on the way home. You just can’t get enough.

Black Label Society

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Anthrax 40th anniversary tour review.

Pittsburgh PA – Stage AE August 22, 2022

Kinetic energy grew as the crowd of approximately 2000 metal thrashing maniacs crammed in Stage AE on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The anticipation snapped when the house lights went down and a pre-recorded video of rock and metal legends was projected onto a giant white scrim that covered the entire front of the stage. There were clips of Kerry King (Slayer), Roberto Trujillo (Metallica) Henry Rollins (Rollins Band, Black Flag), Philip Anselmo (Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual), Slash , Mark Osegueda (Death Angel) Gene Simmons (Kiss), Cory Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour),   Chuck D (Public Enemy, Prophets of Rage), Dave Mustain (Megadeth) , Brann Dailor (Mastodon) along with comedian Brian Posehn and actors Norman Reedus and Keanu Reeves to name a few. Each artist had a brief clip about how amazing and influential Anthrax has been in their 40 years of existence.

As the video faded bright spotlights from behind the band projected silhouettes of vocalist Joe Belladonna, bassist Frank Bello and rhythm guitarist Scot Ian’s onto the white scrim while Scott repeatedly strummed the thunderous opening cords of “Among the Living” from the album of the same name. As the curtain fell reveling the band and their stage set, the band tore through the track with ease exemplifying why they are at the forefront in the genre.

With out missing a beat Anthrax jumped in to another seminal and genre defining tracks; “Caught in a Mosh” causing the circle pit that had began during the first song to expand and grow a bit more intense. The set continued with a pair of old school thrash metal classics with “Madhouse” from the band’s 1985 release Spreading the Disease and “Metal Thrashing Mad” from 1984’s Fist Full of Metal .

Keeping the energy high and the pit moving the band slammed right into “Keep it in the Family” and the 1990’s MTV hit “Antisocial”, followed by the Judge Dredd comic inspired song “I Am the Law”. Later in the set the band played the only John Bush era song “Only”, which despite its difference in style fit nicely in the mix. Next the venue latterly shook with the deafening rumble of the bass line for “Got the Time” from bassist Frank Bello.

As veterans of the stage the band knew the crowd needed a breather. The band cleared the stage and guitarist Scott Ian stepped up to the mic with a lone spot light shining on him from above. He thanked the fans supporting them over the decades and that they were her to get away from the “poli-tricks” and to listen to some “METAL!” He also relayed a story about how when they were on their very first tour that they stopped in Pittsburgh. Apparently they had been on the road for a few weeks and Frank (Bello) had not called his mom in several days. In this era before cell phones that she was so work that she had not heard for her “baby boy” that she drove all the way from New Jersey to Pittsburgh to make sure he was OK.

With that they broke into the hyper rhythm of the rap-metal hit “Bring the Noise”.  Thought they only played the one verse with Scott rapping and the chorus/hook then slide into “Indians”, once again returning to their classic album “Among the Living [1987]. This song pulled everything together, highlighting Joey’s signature vocals, the dual guitar crunch and rhythmic power of the band. Scott mid-song scream of “WAR DANCE” served to whip the natives into a frenzy.

As the song “Indians” wound down the deep pounding of the rhythmic drums began to overpower all the other instruments. Gradually drummer Charlie Benante began morphing his rhythm into another song. Soon it became apparent that he was playing the intro to Pantera’s “Domination”. Quickly the rest of the band joined in giving the crowd a sneak peak at what they can expect from the Pantera reunion tour that will feature Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante sitting in for the lat Vinnie Paul. Over all it was a great show, by a band who shows no signs of letting up in the near future. They were tight, never missed a beat and Joey’s vocals seem to get better with age. The 40 th Anniversary tour continues through the end of August with Hatebreed and Black Label Society .

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Josh is the Publisher and creator of Empire Extreme and it’s sister publication Kingdom Extreme Magazine. He is an accomplished writer, photographer and graphic designer. He is always conjuring up new ideas and has a amazing passion for the music industry and all the things that surround it.

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Ministry – HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES

As we near the collapse of mankind and the imminent doom of our political system, a perfect stage has been set for the outspoken rebels to flood the airwaves with dissident upheaval bathed in musical bliss. With the end looming, no greater landscape could welcome the reemergence of the enigmatic Al Jourgensen and company with their latest release, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES , via Nuclear Blast Records . Scheduled for a March 1st 2024 release, Uncle Al, along with guitarist Cesar Soto , Paul D’Amour , formerly of TOOL , on bass, John Bechdel on keys, Roy Mayorga (ex- STONE SOUR ) on drums, and newly added guitarist Monte Pittman , form the current incarnation of the long-lived Ministry.

This album is an open-book commentary on our American society at large, bathed in slow-burn angst and distortion injected with punk rock/thrash riffs and samples galore.

Within the opening seconds of track one, a female voice proclaims, “What was once forbidden becomes fringe, and what was once fringe becomes mainstream.” Soon Al’s vocals take over with a distorted and effect heavy declaration of “horny little boys filled with hormones and hate, waging war on women ‘’cause they can’t get a date,” thus laying the groundwork for the entire album. As “B.D.E.” (Big Dick Energy) continues, a heavy yet simplistic guitar riff drives the song forward while increasing the energy level and tempo. Al’s vocals continue with his immediate, recognizable attitude and tone, stating, “No one can justify the toxic behavior.”

“Goddamn White Trash” is perhaps the most accessible and rythematic song on the release. It has hints of the Psalm 69 days of the band. Chants of “USA, USA” ring out along side screeching guitar noise reminiscent of Mike Scaccia ’s playing style.

Track three is titled “Just Stop Oil,” and it dives into yet another realm of political advocacy. Jourgensen delivers, “Dehumanization at a cellular level. Policy set by the corporate devils, There must be resistance, we cannot be silenced, There is the existence of possible violence” in a growled whisper.

On the track “Aryan Embarrassment,”  we are treated to a none-more-fitting guest appearance from what I believe is activist and Dead Kennedys front man Jello Biafra , who delivers a rap-style series of vocal lines backed by a driving rhythm. Jello wails, “How on Earth did all this happen? Plagues of militantly stupid” Followed by “Scamming on the punk scene.  Oi, oi, oi. Ain’t proud of you boys at all.”

Another standout track is “New Religion” which starts with a classic industrial riff and buries itself in the repetitive, slow-burn heaviness that has become the Ministry standard as of late. Followed by “It’s Not Pretty,” which opens as a haunting acoustic piece that I imagine being set in a post apocalyptic landscape with the reverberating lyrics “ It’s not pretty. This is the end of the world to me. This is the end of society.”

“Cult of Suffering” strays from the format of the balance of the album and could be firmly placed on an Alabama 3 album, and it may feel at home on a Surgical Meth Machine release.

Rounding out the album is a little ditty called “Ricky’s Hand.” This is a synth pop throwback to the early days of Ministry and leaves us longtime fans eager to hear the longtime teased rerecording of some of the very early Ministry material. This track has a Devo , Information Society , and even Depeche Mode feel to it and is a perfect bookend to a solid release from an iconic band.

Ministry will be on tour throughout the summer with Rob Zombie , Alice Cooper and Helmet .

Concert Reviews

Bloodywood: concert review pittsburgh, pa.

In a realm of modern music overflowing with musical genres, there are few bands that possess a unique sonic force that defies categorization while leaving listeners spellbound and yearning for more. One such band is Bloodywood . They are a musical force that blends cultural heritage with a relentless fusion of metal, hip-hop, and traditional Indian rhythms.

As a band, they are carving a distinctive path and leaving an indelible mark on the modern musical landscape. Their raw energy, cultural fusion, and a fearless spirit of rebellion is a testament to the transformative power of music, transcending boundaries and uniting people from all corners of the globe. With their infectious energy and thought-provoking lyrics, the band has built an ardent following, igniting a revolution that stretches far beyond the realm of music or the shores of any country.

Born in the vibrant streets of New Delhi, India, in 2016, Bloodywood showcases their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, both musically and socially, as they fearlessly tackle pressing issues and ignite conversations.

The sonic odyssey of Bloodywood graced the stage of the Roxian Theater in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, which is nestled in the shadow of Pittsburgh only a short distance down the Ohio River from the infamous Steel City.

The show opened with a blast of energy from the British duo WARGASM , whose stage presence was undeniable. Sam Matlock , Milkie Way , and company tore through an unadulterated set of nu-metal tracks tinged with punk and electronica that included “Super Fiend”, “D.R.I.L.D.O”, and “Rage All Over”. They followed up with the video sensation “Fukstar” and wound down the set with some crowd surfing and a cover of N*E*R*D’s “Lapdance” and closed out the set with the track “Spit”.

After a brief break in the mayhem, Vended made the stage rumble to life. Their agro-metal induced a great deal of similarity to early Slipknot, and that is not surprising given that frontman Griffen Taylor is the son of Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and Simon Crahan is the son of percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan. The band sounded tight and featured competent song composition; however, the vocalist needed to learn how to work the stage. It was as if his shoes were nailed to the floor at center stage.

As stage lighting flickered to life, the crowd prepared to be immersed in a symphony of cultural fusion, electrifying riffs, and unapologetic lyrics. We all knew that we were about to experience something quite special. As the sonic saga began, drummer Vishesh Singh sat behind his kit, awash in blue and purple lights, as the anticipation grew more intense. The intro track for “Gaddaar” echoed throughout the theater before the bombastic bass, gnarly guitar riffs, and the thump of the drums shook the walls as the entire band burst onto the stage to metaphorically say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an electrifying evening filled with raw energy enshrined in a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that defies conventions.”

The crowd began losing themselves in the pounding intensity, their bodies moving in sync with each thunderous beat as Sarthak Pahwa wailed away on his dhol. The band seamlessly migrates from the thunderous “”Gaddaar” to “BSDK.exe” from their most recent release Rakshak that couples a more hip-hop vibe on the verses with a crushing guitar rhythm from Karan Katiyar throughout the rest of the track.

Adorned in their fusion of metal attire and traditional Indian clothing, twin vocalists Jayant Bhadula (vocals and growls) and Raoul Kerr (rap vocals) commanded a powerful presence as they ran through “Aaj” with its hypnotic flute licks and downright brutal lead vocals. The five minute long song pushed the audience into heightened frenzy before slapping them across the chin with “Dana Dan”. Which had Raoul Kerr rapping/screaming “I put a fist through the face of a rapist and yeah, I taped this. For the viewing pleasure of the nameless faces he disgraces.”

Up next was the more mellow and chill track “Jee Veerey” that featured more of Karan Katiyar’s enigmatic flute playing along with a more melodic yet still intense vocal delivery from Jayant Bhadula as he sang in his native tongue.

The track “Zanjeero Se” was followed by “Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)” which truly showcased the rhythmic prowess of drummer Vishesh Singh and dhol master Sarthak Pahwa. It was so enthralling to watch Sarthak perform on such a simplistic instrument and to make it so vibrant and energetic. His playing transports Bloodywood’s music to a completely different level.

As the set reached its crescendo, it was obvious that the sweat-drenched band had poured their hearts and souls into every note. Wrapping up their set was the sing-along inducing “Ari Ari” that left the crowd breathless and drenched in the passion that radiated from the stage.

But… There is more. As an encore, the band jumps back in to the opening track “Gaddaar” thus cranking up the mosh-pit’s intensity to eleven, causing every person down front to expel every ounce of remaining energy from their bodies.

It was incredibly refreshing to see a band that, in some magical way is able to unite people regardless of age, background, or nationality. To see people connected by their love of the music and a band. The shared experience created an atmosphere of camaraderie and acceptance, where strangers become friends, and barriers dissolve in the face of the music.

Unfortunately, this was the last stop on Bloodywood’s North American tour, save some festival dates. Hopefully, they will be returning to the states soon. If you have the opportunity to see them live, do not sleep on it. I promise you will not be disappointed.

In the meantime you can get more info at: www.bloodywood.net/

Cattle Decapitation Terrasite Album Review

Terrasite by Cattle Decapitation

Today, 05/12/2023, saw the release of the 8th studio album from San Diego’s own Cattle Decapitation. The follow up to 2019s Death Atlas, Terrasite shows how a band can grow and evolve while staying true to their roots. Starting as a grind band in the late 90s and with relentless touring and continual releases this album shows them further building upon elements of their previous albums.

The album has great production. The copy I used primarily for my review is the vinyl version which is 45 RPM and it sounds great. In particular, I think the drum production is particularly well executed. A lot of times with death metal the kick drum is either too “bassy” so it’s difficult to hear or it’s the other way and you can hear all the hits without the bass tone. This album is a great balance of the two. You can hear clearly how fast drummer, Dave McGraw, is going without losing the “thump”. The blast beats alone will rattle the brain. The guitars are grimy and dirty with some blistering leads. The bass rattles while still having a solid low end. You can really hear it in songs like “Solastalgia” which has a small bass lead in it which I didn’t see coming and was pulled off great.

The vocals, I feel compelled to say that Travis Ryan has to be one of the most underrated and versatile vocalists in metal. Highs that make the ears bleed, lows that are gurgling, wet and gross sounding. Harsh singing reminiscent of 80s thrash bands, and clean singing that are almost, but not quite, reminiscent of the late Peter Steele from Type O Negative.

Lyrically they stay on brand ranging from the end of humanity, apocalyptic themes, and mistreating humans the same way humans mistreat animals. Very dark and grotesque subject matter. When asked about the lyrics to this album Ryan states “I wanted to do the 180° opposite of Death Atlas – I wanted this to take place in the daylight. I’ve always found daytime horror to be really unsettling so I wanted to make sure what was going on on the cover took place in the light of day, which also finds its place within the lyrics.”

Tracks like “A Photic Doom” showcase traditional style death metal guitar riffing, with elements of tech death and slam. “Dead End Residents” leans into some of the darker ends of thrash metal and is reminiscent of bands like Slayer. “Scourge of the Offspring” shows an impressive command of melody without sacrificing the grime that covers the album while almost coming off as anthemic.

The album closes with the ten minute epic “Just Another Body” which begins with a piano melody that would be at home in a late 70s era horror movie while building into something that’s not quite death, not quite thrash, and not quite grind. Ryan uses the full range of his voice while there are symphonics layered in the background to keep the melody from being lost while still playing with grind based riffs and blast beats.

Overall if you’re looking for a strong contender for death metal album of the year I will highly recommend this. As of this writing I haven’t been able to stop listening to it for three days now. The album currently available on all the usual streaming platforms and physical copies can be purchased here . ( www.indiemerch.com/cattled ecap )

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

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• Jan 26, 2023

40th Anniversary Tour: Anthrax, Black Label Society, and Exodus - Winnipeg, MB

Updated: Feb 27, 2023

January 24, 2023

Burton Cummings Theatre

A cold brisk night wasn't keeping metal fans at home as they flocked down to Winnipeg's legendary Burton Cummings Theatre to celebrate the big fortieth anniversary of thrash legends Anthrax with an utterly sold-out venue. The show had an earlier start time than most shows beginning at 6:30 PM, the night's first band -of a star-studded lineup. Exodus hit the stage to perform a nine-song set. This marks the second time the band's been back to Winnipeg in three months and also the second time the band's been to the city since the return of vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza in 2014. Bassist Jack Gibson, guitarist Gary Holt, drummer Tom Hunting, and guitarist Lee Altus round out the current lineup of Exodus.

Exodus. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography.

The thrash icons have a discography that spans a strong thirty-six years the band performed songs from throughout their entire catalogue. They started strong with "The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)," off their latest offering, Persona Non Grata (2021). But the band kept the rowdy crowd entertained by performing their hits such as "Bonded By Blood," "A Lesson In Violence," "Blood In, Blood Out," and "The Toxic Waltz." Shortly before the end of the band's set, the thrashers called for the audience to split down the middle and participate in a wall of death during the fan favourite "The Toxic Waltz."

Black Label Society. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography.

Second to the stage were the heavy metallers Black Label Society. The band currently consists of vocalist and guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist John "J.D." DeServio, drummer Jeff Fabb, and guitarist Dario Lorina. Following the same as Exodus, Black Label Society opened their powerful set with the song "Destroy & Conquer" off their most recent album, Doom Crew Inc. (2021). The band performed thirteen tracks from their eleven album discography, but the majority of their set was from the more recent albums, with tracks such as "A Love Unreal," "Stillborn," and "Suicide Messiah." However, the band did play "The Beginning... At Last," off their debut record, Sonic Brew (1999). Approximately halfway through their set, when Black Label performed the emotional piano metal ballad, "In This River," two banners dropped over the two giant stacks of guitar amps that dawned pictures of the late Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. It's no mystery that Wylde and Dimebag were close friends, and recently Wylde was recruited by the surviving members of Pantera -vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown- to hit the road to honour both Dime and Vinnie.

Anthrax. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography.

Following Black Label Society was the one and only Anthrax. Also known as one of the thrash metal "Big Four" alongside the likes of Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. Anthrax is currently on a massive world tour to celebrate their big fortieth -or as Scott Ian said on stage, "We're more like fourty-one and a half now." The band is on the heels of their newly released live video and audio album, XL - released last summer on July 22, via Nuclear Blast, to be precise. It compiles the band's fortieth-anniversary live stream show, which was shot on a Los Angeles soundstage in 2021, and features a full set of hits and deep cuts from Anthrax's extensive catalogue.

Anthrax came to have another great time with the famously known Winnipeg crowd. This marks the first time Anthrax has been to Winnipeg in approximately four years when they last played at the Canada Life Centre -at the time known as Bell MTS Place- opening for their big four brothern Slayer on their farewell tour. Anthrax performed a chunk of their gems, starting huge with "Among the Living" and going straight into "Caught in a Mosh," which got the Winnipeg crowd riled up right off the bat. Some other songs performed were "I Am The Law," "Antisocial," "Got The Time," and the set-closing "Indians." Notably, before the band made their way off stage, the rambunctious Winnipeg audience began to sing the Canadian national anthem, "O' Canada," just as they did the last time they were here in Winnipeg.

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The tour launches on January 17 in Boise, Idaho and wraps in Oakland, California at the Fox Theatre on February 18.

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In early 2023, Anthrax and Black Label Society, who tore through the country this past summer with their iconic thrash/heavy metal , will be heading back on the road for a 24-date tour, making stops in all new markets, with both bands playing headline sets. Joining the two bands as special guest on this run will be Northern California’s thrash metal gods Exodus.

The tour launches on January 17 at the Revolution Concert House in Boise, Idaho, wrapping in Oakland, California at the Fox Theatre on February 18.

As this tour will take the bands to different markets than last summer’s did, the multi-gold and platinum, card-carrying member of the “Big Four”, six-time-Grammy-nominated Anthrax look forward to continuing the celebration of its landmark 40th anniversary (now in its 41st year) with fans. The band said: “We are so pumped to be hitting the road again with Black Label Society. We had such a great time when we toured with them earlier this year, that we had talked about doing it again when we were still on the road together. And, having the guys from Exodus on the bill as special guest, will definitely make this a tour not to miss.”

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Said Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde: “Anthrax are one of the bestest legendary metal/thrash bands of all time. I have been buds with Scotty, Charlie, Frankie and Joey for over 3O years and they are some of the bestest people you will meet. Jon is the bestest new addition Anthrax could ask for. The Anthrax + Black Label Society & Exodus tour is going to be one of the bestest tours ever!!”

Exodus guitarist Gary Holt said: “Exodus are super stoked to announce that we will be touring with Anthrax and Black Label Society. Touring with our long-time friends in Anthrax is always an epic good time, and now we get to tour with BLS and watch Zakk and company rip it up nightly too! Going to be awesome and we will be bringing our unique brand of audio violence to every city! Let the metal roll!”

Anthrax, Black Label Society and Exodus 2023 tour dates:

Jan. 17 – Boise, ID @ Revolution Concert House Jan. 18 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre Jan. 20 – Vancouver, BC @ PNE Forum Jan. 21 – Penticton, BC @ So. Okanagan Events Ctr. Jan. 22 – Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Events Centre Jan. 24 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Jan. 25 – Grand Forks, ND @ Alerus Center Jan. 27 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee Jan. 28 – Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Jan. 29 – Chicago, IL @ Radius Jan. 31 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theater Feb. 02 – Portland, ME @ Cross Insurance Arena Feb. 03 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena Feb. 04 – Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Event Center Feb. 05 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues Feb. 07 – Corbin, KY @ Corbin Arena Feb. 08 – St. Louis, MO @ The Factory at The District Feb. 10 – San Antonio, TX @ Tech Port Center + Arena Feb. 11 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Feb. 13 – Omaha, NE @ The Admiral Theater Feb. 14 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion Feb. 15 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel Feb. 17 – Riverside, CA @ Municipal Auditorium Feb. 18 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater.

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ANTHRAX And BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Announce Summer 2022 North American Tour

This summer, ANTHRAX and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY will bring some of the finest thrash and heavy metal to 24 North American cities when they kick off a five-week tour on Tuesday, July 26 at Van Buren in Phoenix, Arizona, wrapping in Philadelphia at the Fillmore on Sunday, August 28. Both bands will play headline sets. HATEBREED , celebrating the 20th anniversary of the "Perseverance" album, will special guest.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and ANTHRAX have shared festival stages and one-off shows numerous times, but this marks the very first time these two bands will tour together.

A special BLABBERMOUTH.NET presale will begin on Wednesday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m. EDT and end on Thursday, April 21 at 10:00 p.m. local time. When prompted, type in the presale code "BBM2022" to access tickets before the general public. General on-sale will be Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m. local time.

Citi is the official card of the ANTHRAX and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, April 18, at 12 p.m. ET until Thursday, April 21 at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program.

" Zakk [ Wylde , BLACK LABEL SOCIETY leader] has been a friend and an inspiration to me as a guitar player, songwriter, and beard grower since we met in 1988," said ANTHRAX 's Scott Ian . "We've had the privilege to share festival stages with Zakk and BLS around the world, and it's always been a head-banging mutual admiration society between the two bands. Now we get to share the stage every night on what is easily going to be the heaviest tour of 2022 — the ultimate pounding one-two combination of bands. Oh, and did I mention we've got fucking HATEBREED with us as our special guests? Holy crap, it's going to be the night of 1000 crushing riffs. I can't wait to see you all on the road."

Said Wylde : " ANTHRAX is one of The BESTEST LEGENDARY METAL/THRASH BANDS of ALL TIME — I have been buds with SCOTTY, CHARLIE, FRANKIE & JOEY for over 30 years and they are some of the BESTEST people you will meet. JON is The BESTEST new addition ANTHRAX could ask for — HATEBREED are The BESTEST HARDCORE/EXTREME METAL band & BESTEST friends w/ ANTHRAX & BLACK LABEL SOCIETY . The ANTHRAX + BLACK LABEL SOCIETY & HATEBREED TOUR is going to be one of the BESTEST TOURS EVER!!"

"Listen up! It's gonna be a hot summer!" added HATEBREED 's Jamey Jasta . " ANTHRAX , BLS , and HATEBREED will be on your case, in your face, and ready to kick you and your father back in place! See you in the pit."

Dates for the tour are as follows:

Jul. 26 - The Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ ( buy tickets ) Jul. 28 - Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas, NV ( buy tickets ) Jul. 29 - The Palladium, Los Angeles, CA ( buy tickets ) Jul. 30 - Heart Health Park, Sacramento, CA Aug. 01 - Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO ( buy tickets ) Aug. 02 - Midland Theater, Kansas City, MO Aug. 04 - Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana, Gary, IN ( buy tickets ) Aug. 05 - Oshkosh Arena, Oshkosh, WI Aug. 06 - The Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN ( buy tickets ) Aug. 08 - Southside Ballroom, Dallas, TX** ( buy tickets ) Aug. 09 - Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin, TX ( buy tickets ) Aug. 11 - The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA ( buy tickets ) Aug. 12 - House of Blues, Orlando, FL ( buy tickets ) Aug. 13 - The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC ( buy tickets ) Aug. 15 - The Andrew J Brady Music Center, Cincinnati, OH ( buy tickets ) Aug. 16 - Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN ( buy tickets ) Aug. 18 - The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD ( buy tickets ) Aug. 19 - Main Street Armory, Rochester, NY Aug. 20 - The Fillmore, Detroit, MI** ( buy tickets ) Aug. 22 - StageAE Outside, Pittsburgh, PA Aug. 23 - History, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ( buy tickets ) Aug. 24 - Amphitheatre Cogeco, Trois Riviere/Montreal, Quebec, Canada ( buy tickets ) Aug. 26 - Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY ( buy tickets ) Aug. 28 - The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA** ( buy tickets )

** HATEBREED will not appear on these dates

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ALBUM REVIEW: XL – Anthrax

July 18th 2021 marked the 40th anniversary of thrash metal heavyweights ANTRHAX . During this time the band have released 11 studio albums, have been awarded multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, received six Grammy nominations, and have a number of other awards and accolades from fans, the media and music industry. For ANTHRAX , their 40th anniversary is not exactly in the rear-view mirror. With the anniversary itself spent in prime lockdown, ANTHRAX have produced new album XL – a live performance of their greatest hits that comes in at a pretty remarkable two hours.

For those who are unfamiliar with ANTHRAX , the opening track itself showcases everything that is great about them. After all members have graced the stage, we are treated to a rendition of Fight Em ‘Til You Can’t , a classic thrash track that does absolutely nothing to ease the audience into an ANTHRAX live show. It allows the band to explode onto the scene, taking absolutely no prisoners as they segue perfectly into arguably their most famous track, Madhouse . It seems a bit of an odd choice to choose this track as just the second on the track list, yet this is being treated as any other ANTHRAX live show, so it aids in rousing the audience and getting them moving properly.

But the band are far from peaking too early. With another 20+ tracks to go, there is still plenty of music left for even the most casual of ANTHRAX fans to recognise. The next track itself is a prime example – Caught In A Mosh does exactly the same thing and feeds off the energy created in the last five minutes. The band seem to be oblivious to the fact that there is no audience watching them and instead give their all regardless of the fact they are performing to a group of cameras.

ANTHRAX have definitely taken advantage of the COVID-19 prohibition of concert touring with this album, adapting to the times and performing regardless. The lack of audience doesn’t deter them in the slightest and they are still as solid as ever, with Scott Ian ’s aggressive, head pounding guitar and Joey Belladonna ’s soaring vocals throughout. Though these may be the most notable members for most, there is no denying the fact that the rest of the band are a well-oiled machine. It’s a well-settled line-up with Charlie Benante thundering away at the back of the stage on drums, Jon Donais complimenting Ian ’s riffs on guitar, and Frank Bello pounding away at the bass.

As one of the bands responsible for the emergence of thrash and speed metal and as one of the card-carrying members of The Big Four, ANTHRAX constantly have to worry about living up to audience and critic’s expectations. But time and again they consistently manage to exceed these expectations and do the unexpected. The fact that they could not embark on an anniversary tour does not slow them down or discourage them; it only motivates them further to be the best band that they can truly be. The passion that ANTHRAX have is so clear in this performance, and even if their music may not be to your tastes, you can’t disagree with the fact that they know how to put on a good show.

Rating: 8/10

XL is out now via Nuclear Blast Records.

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Anthrax’s XL live album is a dive into one of metal’s greatest back catalogues

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Clearly not the 40th anniversary celebration they had originally planned, Anthrax can at least claim that they threw everything at their livestreamed soundstage show last July. XL captures the whole, catalogue-encompassing shebang, and while the absence of a baying crowd is hard to ignore, the New Yorkers’ trademark exuberance ensures that this two-hour extravaganza never lacks for intensity.

From an early quadruple-whammy of Madhouse , Caught In A Mosh , Got The Time and I Am The Law , to a full-bore clatter through Bring The Noize , Anthrax’s exalted hits are plundered with glee. Meanwhile, deep cuts like In The End and Blood Eagle Wings provide intrigue, depth and firm proof that their creators are still a vital creative force, with or without punters.

Dom Lawson has been writing for Metal Hammer and Prog for over 14 years and is extremely fond of heavy metal, progressive rock, coffee and snooker. He also contributes to The Guardian, Classic Rock, Bravewords and Blabbermouth and has previously written for Kerrang! magazine in the mid-2000s. 

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Anthrax is currently touring across 5 countries and has 11 upcoming concerts.

Their next tour date is at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, after that they'll be at Rockin Red Dirt Ranch in Pryor.

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the meeting went well, but they didn’t give me a patch, they said it was over, I was upset, it was the same with Mashinehead, they didn’t bring the car’s flag with them, they said they would send it out, but they didn’t send it to me, though I was left by the coordinator, so that I would send him my home address to him, this is not pleasant, but the meeting with Anthrax itself was great, they are very good people !!!

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Dissatisfied with this app!! My option to purchase tickets for Anthrax was this site. What a joke. I was not able to purchase tickets or view available tickets. The app keep showing message, when ticket come available, I would be notified. I missed the concert, I never was notified if tickets ever went on sale. I attempt to purchase ticket but, site kepted rerouting back to this app.

Anthrax ticket agents should test their chosen app and make sure their fans are not left out. App frustrating to use, app didn’t go anywhere. I was taken to other site to purchase another app that I can view live concert and had to pay for free service. What a joke!!!

I started listening to Anthrax in high school. I would blast In My World on a daily basis. The song was so good they used it to promote Persistent of Time on Married with children, my dad's favorite sitcom.

As I moved through highschool I DEVOURED everything from them I could get my hands on. I remember spinning up Catharsis for my dad. He thought it was a great song. Then I played Panic (from Go2E) and he was blown away.

I never would have made it through highschool without Anthrax.

When I got to see them live for the first time with High on Fire, I felt complete. I had always wanted to see my 2 all time favorite metal bands (and then it became 3 with Mahine Head in college). They played the entirety of Among the Living and it was perfect. And for a cherry on top, Kirk Hammet came out to cover TNT with them. Fuckin amazing.

In my world it's cold. My defense is like stone. No one gets inside, cuz in my world I'm home. But as long as I've got music, I'm NEVER alone!

Darrell can NEVER die because DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER!

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Hasan Minhaj Jokes About Losing ‘Daily Show’ Job After Fact-Checking Scandal: ‘Have You Ever Failed So Bad, You Bring Back Jon Stewart?’

By Selome Hailu

Selome Hailu

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Hasan Minhaj is ready to laugh about it all.

At the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival on Thursday, Minhaj hosted a showcase highlighting various comedians. At the end of the lineup was Ronny Chieng, who joked, “I’m surprised that Hasan’s able to do this show. I guess ‘cancelling’ is not what it used to be.”

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The pair told the story of how they first met as “Daily Show” correspondents in 2015, at which point Minhaj brought up the hosting job. When Chieng first said the show’s name, Minhaj retorted, “A job you fucked me out of.”

“We’ve all failed in our lives, but have you ever failed so bad, you bring back Jon Stewart ?” he continued. “I saved a dying institution. You’re welcome.”

He was right. Stewart’s return has reinvigorated “The Daily Show,” quickly bringing the franchise to viewership heights it hadn’t reached since he left in 2015.

Minhaj is currently on a stand-up tour titled “Off With His Head,” with a special set to tape this summer. Chieng is on his “Love to Hate it” tour.

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