Oldschool Thrash Metal Bands: Anthrax (pt. 1)

Ok then. Let's start with one of the "Big Four". . .

Anthrax on Wikipedia:

Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981. Founded by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker, the band has since released ten studio albums and 20 singles, and an EP featuring Public Enemy. The band was one of the most popular of the 1980s thrash metal scene. When thrash metal began to gain a major following in the mid-to-late 1980s, Anthrax were dubbed one of the “big four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. [1] They were also one of the early thrash metal bands to sign to a major label (Island Records, in 1985).

The band lineup has been changed numerous times; following the departure of drummer Dave Weiss and bassist Kenny Kushner, several musicians replaced both band members’ roles, though Paul Kahn and Greh Walls were the first to do so. In addition to this aspect, there were multiple vocalists involved in Anthrax, with Neil Turbin, Joey Belladonna and John Bush being among the frontmen of the band. Scott Ian, however, has been in the band since its formation. Ian and Charlie Benante, who joined Anthrax in 1983, are the only constant members that appear on every album. Bassist Frank Bello has played on every album with exception of the band’s debut. Classic singer Joey Belladonna has returned to the band and appears on Worship Music which is his first studio album with the band since 1990′s Persistence of Time.



Early days (1981)

Anthrax was formed in mid-1981 by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker. The band was named after the disease the two saw listed in a biology textbook, using it because it sounded “sufficiently evil”.[2] The initial line-up of Anthrax was rounded out by drummer Dave Weiss and bassist Kenny Kushner.

Kushner was soon deemed inadequate for the band’s needs and was replaced very early by bassist Paul Kahn, who also was quickly ousted. Lilker chose to take over on bass and Greg Walls joined as lead guitarist. Weiss was replaced by Greg D’Angelo early on as well. The vocalist position was temporarily filled by the band’s roadie John Connelly (who later went on to form the band Nuclear Assault with Lilker), Scott Ian’s younger brother Jason Rosenfeld, and Tommy Wise within a short period of time before the band finally decided on vocalist Neil Turbin in late August 1982. A steady lineup was finally in place.



Neil Turbin era (1982–1984)

Turbin first performed with the band at Great Gildersleeves on September 12, 1982. This line-up made frequent live performances in the New York/New Jersey tri-state area. Greg Walls left in the summer of 1983, and Bob Berry, who was recommended to Turbin by Rhett Forrester of Riot, temporarily replaced him on guitar. Berry’s stay was short and he was replaced by Dan Spitz who had previously been with New Jersey thrash band Overkill. With Spitz, a second demo was recorded.

In September, Charlie Benante replaced Greg D’Angelo on drums. This lineup recorded the “Soldiers of Metal” 7″ single, produced by Ross the Boss of Manowar. The B-side of this single was “Howling Furies” from the previous demo recorded with Greg D’Angelo on drums, and is the only official Anthrax recording to feature his work. It was this single that won the band a recording deal with Megaforce Records. Anthrax recorded their debut album Fistful of Metal in late 1983 and released in January 1984, followed by a US tour. Tensions between Danny Lilker and the rest of the band arose due to Lilker’s non-paying of rehearsal rent, lateness, sloppiness and unprofessional demeanor.[citation needed] Lilker was released from the band and he went on to form Nuclear Assault with former roadie John Connelly. He was replaced by Charlie Benante’s nephew Frank Bello.

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