Antrax
Anthrax is an American, New York City-based Thrash Metal band, who released their first full-length album in 1984. Anthrax was one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene and are notable for combining metal with rap and hardcore music early on. They are generally classified as one of the "big four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer.
They have made several appearances on television including: Married... with Children, WWE Raw, NewsRadio and Ask Dr. Ruth along with their mothers. The band has also appeared in movies such as Run Ronnie Run (performing as the fictional band Titannica) and Calendar Girls.
Anthrax was formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker, who, after a few early changes, were joined by drummer Charlie Benante, guitarist Dan Spitz, and vocalist Neil Turbin. In the earliest days Lilker played guitar, but switched instrument as they were having difficulty finding a bass player. The band signed with Megaforce Records and released its first full-length album, Fistful Of Metal, in 1984. This was an inauspicious debut for a band that would soon rise to the forefront of the thrash metal scene. Anthrax went through a significant lineup change in 1985 prior to recording their second album, Spreading the Disease. After Dan Lilker left to form Nuclear Assault, he was replaced by Frank Bello, Charlie Benante's nephew and a former roadie for the band. It was a vocalist change that would have the greatest impact on the band's overall sound. Joey Belladonna brought a much wider vocal range and style and the band altered its writing style to include a more melodic sound it hadn't explored in the past.
Anthrax were, almost from the start, noticeable among their peers for their willingness to experiment with genre and image. During the late 1980s, the band radically departed from the "traditional" heavy metal look in favour of a brightly coloured "surfer" style of appearance. They were known for introducing a humorous side to their music, in contrast to the serious mindedness of fellow metal bands such as Slayer, and Metallica.
In 1987, Anthrax released their third album, Among the Living. To this day, the album remains a fan favourite and is considered by some to be their best. Lyrically, Anthrax began to write about movies, comic books and Stephen King novels. All elements that would for years become typical lyrical themes Anthrax fans would come to expect. "I Am the Law" is a tribute to comic book hero Judge Dredd. "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)" is about comedian John Belushi's drug addiction and death. "Indians" and the mosh pit anthem "Caught in a Mosh" are both considered Anthrax classics today. The album was dedicated to the memory of Cliff Burton. The band continued its success, sticking to the thrash metal genre of Among ... on the album State of Euphoria. The single "Anti-Social"—originally by French heavy metal band Trust—was a staple on MTV in regular rotation as well as "Headbangers Ball".
In 1989, MTV held a contest to have the band come and trash the winner's home. The contest was won by a female fan, and the band subsequently came to her home and caused havoc.
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