ANTHRAX‘s Scott Ian (guitar),Charlie Benante (drums) and Frank Bello (bass) have been in the studio with producer Jay Ruston, laying down basic tracks in preparation for singer Joey Belladonna to record his vocals and for lead guitarist Jonathan Donais to add his leads and solos. No title nor release date at this time, but this will be the band’s long-awaited first new album since 2016’s internationally critically acclaimed “For All Kings”.
ANTHRAX celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021 with a number of special activities and events. Formed by Ian and bassist Dan Lilker in Queens, New York on July 18, 1981, ANTHRAX was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the East Coast and quickly became regarded as a leader in the genre alongside METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH.
Active over the past five decades, ANTHRAX has released 11 studio albums, been awarded multiple gold and platinum certifications, received six Grammy nominations, toured the world since 1984 playing thousands of shows, including headlining Madison Square Garden and playing Yankee Stadium with the “Big Four”. “For All Kings” was called by some critics ANTHRAX‘s strongest album to date. Its arrival followed a five-year period during which the group experienced a rebirth of sorts, beginning with ANTHRAX‘s inclusion on the “Big Four” tour, and continuing with the release of comeback LP “Worship Music”.
ANTHRAX and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY recently completed a 24-date tour, making stops in all new markets, with both bands playing headline sets. Joining ANTHRAX and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY as special guest on this run was EXODUS.
Clockwise from left to right in photo above: Charlie Benante, Scott Ian, Frank Bello and Jay Ruston
Anthrax in the studio laying down basic tracks for the band’s next album, due out 2024 – Photo by Travis Shinn
