Oldschool Thrash Metal Bands: Testament (pt. 3)

By 2003 Chuck Billy had completely recovered, and the band began performing live again with a new drummer, Jon Allen of Sadus. In 2004, the band changed their lineup once again for their summer festival live appearances, and Jon Allen was replaced by Paul Bostaph, returning to the band for a second stint after a decade’s absence. Lead guitarist Steve Smyth also departed to join Nevermore, and was replaced by ex-Halford guitarist “Metal” Mike Chlasciak. Shortly after Steve Smyth’s departure, Eric Peterson fell down a flight of stairs, breaking his leg, and was unavailable for some dates. He was temporarily replaced by Steve Smyth.

In May 2005, it was announced that Testament would be doing a brief Europe-only reunion tour – known as the “10 Days in May Tour” – featuring the original lineup of Billy, Peterson, Skolnick and Christian, with drum duties shared between John Tempesta and Louie Clemente. After the success of the initial tour dates, Testament announced more dates in the U.S., Europe and Japan with the classic lineup. Alex has also been touring the East Coast with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The band went on to release a live DVD and CD from the tour entitled “Live in London”. In interviews on the DVD Eric Peterson expressed his desire to record the follow-up to “The Gathering” with the classic Testament lineup. He also stated that Alex Skolnick had begun writing songs for the new album. Chuck Billy was very vocal about how happy he was to have Alex, Greg, Louie and John Tempesta in the band once again and hoped to maintain a stable lineup going forward.

Testament played for the first time in the Middle East at the Dubai Desert Rock festival in March 2006. Other notable bands that performed for the Desert Rock Festival were Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Razed Ritual and 3 Doors Down.

In July 2007, the band played a show at Jaxx Nightclub in Springfield, Virginia, with Paul Bostaph filling in on drum duties. It was later confirmed that Bostaph would be officially returning to the band to record the new album. The band debuted a new song at that show, currently entitled “The Afterlife”,[8] which they also played again at Earthshaker Fest.

In February 2008, the band released the song “More Than Meets the Eye” from the new album on their MySpace page.

In April 2008, Testament was confirmed for Ozzy Osbourne’s Monsters of Rock festival to take place on July 26, 2008 in Calgary, Canada.[9]

Testament released its new album, titled The Formation of Damnation, on April 29, 2008 through Nuclear Blast Records. Their first studio album in nine years, it is the first Testament album to feature Alex Skolnick on guitar since 1992′s The Ritual, also the first to feature bassist Greg Christian since 1994′s Low.[10][11] Also, the band was confirmed to be the main event on the first day of the “Gillmanfest,” a rock festival to be held on May 24, 2008, in Valencia, Venezuela. Testament will also be visiting Colombia for the second time in the band’s extensive career. In June 2008 Testament headlined the 3rd stage at Download Festival, held at Donington Park, UK. Testament also toured the U.S., as a supporting act for Judas Priest, Heaven & Hell, and Motörhead on the “Metal Masters Tour”. On the 22 Oct 2008 Testament announced that they have recruited guitarist Glen Drover ex Megadeth and King Diamond to fill in on their upcoming Mexican tour dates with Judas Priest, Due to Alex Skolnick’s prior commitment to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.[12]

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Oldschool Thrash Metal Bands: Testament (pt. 2)

Changes in formation (1993–2003)

The next decade was marked by a series of changes in the formation of the band, followed by a change of pace in its musical style. Lead guitarist Alex Skolnick and drummer Louie Clemente left. Skolnick wanted to incorporate his more melodic style of playing, but this did not fare well with Peterson, Billy, and Christian’s traditional “thrashy” preferences, who agreed Skolnicks playing had become “too melodic.” As a result of this clash, Skolnick left soon after The Ritual’s release. Skolnick would temporarily join Savatage, and later, would become involved with an acoustic jazz band. Drummer Louie Clemente, in the meantime, moved toward a more stable career outside of music, selling modern art and furniture.

In 1993, Skolnick and Clemente were temporarily replaced by Forbidden members Glen Alvelais and Paul Bostaph, respectively. This lineup released the 1993 live EP, Return to Apocalyptic City. Soon after, Alvelais quit the band and Paul Bostaph departed to join Slayer. 1994′s Low, featured John Tempesta on drums and death metal guitarist James Murphy, formerly of Death, Cancer, and Obituary. Low was a diverse album, featuring various influences such as death metal, groove metal, and as well as a ballad: “Trail of Tears”. The band’s remaining fans reacted favorably to Low although it did little to expand Testament’s fanbase. Some fans, however, viewed Testament’s move away from the mainstream as a liberation that allowed them to expand artistically, not being pressured by sales and success as they once were. Tempesta left after the recording of the album, being replaced by Jon Dette for the following tour. In 1995, Jon Dette departed the band, during their 1994-1996 tour.

Dette departed temporarily to join Slayer to replace Bostaph, also a former member of Testament. Dette’s temporary replacement was Chris Kontos, who had formerly been part of Machine Head. This lineup is featured on the Judas Priest cover Rapid Fire. After the 1996 club tour, Greg Christian, James Murphy and Chris Kontos departed the band. During the time Kontos was in Testament he suggested the band drop the name altogether and call the band “Dog Faced Gods”. This idea was turned down by Billy and Peterson who wanted to continue with the Testament name. The two later temporarily disbanded Testament.

The band’s follow-up album, Demonic, released in 1997, took a new approach, and found Testament experimenting with death metal more. The album featured Eric Peterson on both lead and rhythm guitar (although Glen Alvelais made a guest appearance, and played on the subsequent tour), early member Derrick Ramirez on bass guitar, and former Dark Angel drummer Gene Hoglan. Hoglan left before the Demonic tour to join Strapping Young Lad, with Steve Jacobs doing the South American leg of the tour and Jon Dette returning later. Hoglan’s loyalty to Strapping Young Lad and his desire to not remain a member of Testament actually came to realization during a published interview the band conducted with Metal Maniacs Magazine.

By 1998, Ramirez, Alvelais and Dette had departed and James Murphy had returned for the release of The Gathering. The rhythm section on The Gathering was highly respected, consisting of metal fretless bass pioneer Steve DiGiorgio (formerly of Death and Sadus) and original Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo. The sound of the album was largely a combination of death metal, thrash metal, and a minor black metal influence from Eric Peterson’s side project, Dragonlord.

Soon after the release of The Gathering, lead guitarist James Murphy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Through various fundraisers, Murphy was able to afford surgery and eventually made a full recovery. Nevertheless, he now cannot recall anything from the recording of The Gathering. In 2001, Chuck Billy was also diagnosed with a type of cancer called germ cell seminoma. This kind of cancer is a rare form of testicular cancer, but it only affected Billy’s lungs and heart. His cancer was also treated successfully. In August 2001, friends of Billy organized the Thrash of the Titans benefit concert, featuring seminal Bay Area thrash bands Vio-Lence, Death Angel, Exodus, Heathen, and others. The show was headlined by a Legacy reunion, featuring Steve Souza on vocals, and former guitarist Alex Skolnick, who had not played with the band since 1992 and Greg Christian. Late in 2001, Testament released First Strike Still Deadly, a collection of re-recordings (with modern studio technology) of songs from their first two albums. The album featured the lineup of Billy, Peterson, DiGiorgio, the return of Alex Skolnick on guitar and John Tempesta on drums.

[edit] Recovery of Billy, reunion and The Formation of Damnation (2003–2010)

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Oldschool Thrash Metal Bands: Testament (pt. 1)

Let's talk more Bay Area Thrash...here's a legendary band that became a household name to all thrash metalheads.

Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California,[1] formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene.[2][3][4] In the 29 years since its inception, Testament has had numerous lineup changes, and guitarist Eric Peterson has been the only constant member, although the band currently also features two of its original members, Alex Skolnick (guitarist) and Greg Christian (bass). Chuck Billy replaced former singer Steve Souza in 1986, prior to the recording of their first studio album, The Legacy, and has been a member of the band since.

To date, Testament has released nine studio albums, four live albums, six compilation albums, and six singles. They were one of the early thrash metal bands to sign to a major label (Atlantic Records, in 1986). The band released their debut album The Legacy in 1987 and achieved moderate success with its three follow-ups, The New Order (1988), Practice What You Preach (1989) and Souls of Black (1990). Testament achieved its biggest success with their 1992 follow-up The Ritual, which debuted at #55 on the Billboard 200 charts, the band’s highest ever chart position in the United States.[5] The band also has two Top 40 albums and one Top 50 album to its credit in the UK. Their ninth studio album, The Formation of Damnation (2008) entered the Top 20 in Germany at #15, while its 1999 predecessor The Gathering entered the Top 50 in that country. Testament is currently recording a new album, entitled The Dark Roots of Earth, which is tentatively due for release at the end of April or the beginning of May 2012.[6]

Early career and The Legacy (1983–1987)

Testament was formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1983 by guitarist Eric Peterson and his cousin, vocalist Derrick Ramirez, also a guitarist, originally using the name Legacy. The band soon recruited bassist Greg Christian and drummer Mike Ronchette. Ramirez was subsequently replaced on lead guitar by Alex Skolnick, who had studied under SF Bay Area guitarist Joe Satriani. Ramirez eventually departed and was replaced on vocals by Steve Souza before the band released one self-titled 4 song demo in 1985. Ronchette left shortly after the recording and was replaced by Louie Clemente. Steve Souza subsequently left the band to join Exodus, and suggested that Chuck Billy should replace him on lead vocals. While recording their first album, the band was forced to change their name to Testament (which, according to Maria Ferrero in the May 2007 issue of Revolver, was suggested by Billy Milano of S.O.D.) because “The Legacy” was already trademarked by a jazz band.

Testament’s first album, The Legacy, was released in 1987 on Megaforce Records. Testament received instant fame within thrash circles and were often compared with fellow Bay Area thrash pioneers Metallica. The band quickly managed to increase their exposure by heading out on a successful tour of America and Europe with Anthrax, who were then touring in support of their Among the Living album. On this tour the Live at Eindhoven EP was recorded.

Increasing popularity (1988–1992)

The next album, The New Order, was released in 1988, and found the band continuing in a similar vein. After another successful world tour the band headed back into the studio to record Practice What You Preach. Released in 1989, the album minimized the occult and gothic themes found in the lyrical content of their first two albums, instead focusing on real-life issues such as politics and corruption. The album was the band’s most popular to date and even MTV took notice, giving the title track extensive airplay on Headbanger’s Ball.

In 1990, Souls of Black was released to mixed reviews and slow album sales. Attempting to reconnect with an audience distracted by the growing grunge movement, Testament released The Ritual in 1992. The Ritual saw a stylistic move away from thrash to a slightly more traditional heavy metal sound. Sales were poor and the band began to implode.

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Oldschool Thrash Metal Bands: Exodus (pt. 2)

Force of Habit, hiatus, and temporary return (1991–2000)

After the release of Good Friendly Violent Fun, the band toured sporadically for a year. Bassist McKillop was replaced by Michael Butler before the group recorded and released their next studio album titled Force of Habit in 1992. This album was a bit of a departure for the band, containing several slower, “heavier” songs with less emphasis on the speed/thrash aspect of their older material. The 11-minute song “Architect of Pain” is a good example of the change of direction, being a much slower, grindier feel than the usual high speed thrash they were known for.

After touring for Force Of Habit was completed, behind the scenes issues as well as a changing musical environment prompted the band to go on indefinite hiatus.

After a few dormant years, Holt, Hunolt, and Hunting briefly reunited with singer Paul Baloff along with new bassist Jack Gibson. They released a live album in 1997 titled Another Lesson in Violence. The group disbanded again shortly after, in part due to a falling out with record label Century Media over the way the live album was promoted, and over an aborted attempt at a live concert video which was filmed but never released due to a financial dispute.

Second reformation (2001–2004)

In 2001, Exodus reformed once again, initially to play the Chuck Billy benefit Thrash of the Titans concert. There was talk of recording a new studio album and the band continued to play local gigs in and around the San Francisco Bay Area.

However, in February 2002 Paul Baloff suffered a seizure/stroke and died. Former vocalist Steve Souza was recruited back into the band to finish the rest of their concert commitments. Although it appeared to outsiders that with Baloff’s death Exodus would cease to exist, guitarist Gary Holt was determined to release a new studio record. The result was 2004′s Tempo of the Damned released on Nuclear Blast Records. An oddity of the recording sessions was that one track, “Crime Of The Century”, was dropped under mysterious circumstances. The song chronicled Exodus’s time under Century Media (of which Nuclear Blast is a subsidiary). Although it was publicly denied, rumors swirled that Century Media forced the song off the record. “Crime” was replaced with “Impaler”; a song written back when Kirk Hammett was still in the band, and which was featured on the Another Lesson In Violence live record.

[edit] Rob Dukes era (2005–onward)

In 2005, Rick Hunolt decided to leave the band to concentrate on his family life. He was replaced by former Heathen guitarist Lee Altus.

Tom Hunting took leave of the band following a re-occurrence of the nervous problems that led to his temporary departure in 1989. Hunting was replaced with Paul Bostaph who had previously played with Slayer and Testament.

Steve Souza also left under disputed terms in 2005. He was replaced initially by Steev Esquivel (ex-Defiance and Skinlab). The band eventually found a more permanent replacement in Rob Dukes.

The revamped lineup released the album Shovel Headed Kill Machine in 2005. The tour for the album led to extensive travel of the US, Europe, and Japan, as well as their first-ever visit to Australia.

Tom Hunting returned to the band in March 2007 in time to record and release their 8th studio album The Atrocity Exhibition… Exhibit A. They performed at the Wacken Open Air Festival in the summer of 2008. In April 2009, Exodus embarked on a co-headlining North American tour with Kreator and also featuring Belphegor, Warbringer, and Epicurean. Exodus then went on tour supporting Arch Enemy along with Arsis and Mutiny Within.

Exodus released a re-recording of their 1985 debut album Bonded by Blood entitled Let There Be Blood. Gary Holt released the following statement about the band’s decision to revisit their debut album: “After many years in the planning and discussion stage, we have finally completed the re-recording of ‘Bonded By Blood’. We have decided to call it ‘Let There Be Blood’ and it is our way of paying homage to [original, late singer] Paul Baloff by showing how relevant these songs we had written together still are. We aren’t trying to replace the original; that’s impossible anyway. We are just giving these songs the benefit of modern production. It’s something we talked about before Paul’s death and it’s always been important to us to do. We were super excited about entering the studio once again to record these classics, and now it’s back to writing the next studio record!”[citation needed]

The album Exhibit B: The Human Condition was recorded in northern California with British producer Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Arch Enemy, Kreator) and released on Nuclear Blast Records in May 2010.[6] It was announced in January 2010 that Exodus was to be on Megadeth’s Rust in Peace 20th Anniversary tour along with Testament. Exodus was featured on the cover of Decibel magazine’s June 2010 issue, with a feature article on them.

Exodus co-headlined with Kreator, Suicidal Angels and Death Angel on the Thrashfest 2010 tour in late 2010 and will be one of the headlining bands on the bill for Wacken Open Air 2011 (Announced 23 December 2010).

[edit] Recent Events

Exodus toured with Rob Zombie and Slayer in 2011 on their Hell on Earth tour as the opening act. Gary Holt filled in for Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman during the tour after Hanneman contracted necrotizing fasciitis caused by a spider bite.[7]

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Oldschool Thrash Metal Bands: Exodus (pt. 1)

Another favorite of mine from one of my favorite thrash sub-genres -- BAY AREA THRASH!!!!

Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in Richmond, California. Spanning a career of over 30 years, Exodus has gone through numerous lineup changes, two extended hiatuses, and the deaths of two former band members. Guitarist Gary Holt remains the only constant member of the band, appearing on all their releases. Drummer Tom Hunting is one of the founding members, and departed from the band twice but has since returned to the lineup.

With nine studio albums, two live albums and two compilations, Exodus has released a total of thirteen albums since their debut album Bonded by Blood in 1985. The band had particular success in the late 1980s. Their first three albums Bonded by Blood, Pleasures of the Flesh and Fabulous Disaster, cemented Exodus’ reputation as one of the most successful thrash metal bands. The critical praise given to Fabulous Disaster garnered attention from major labels, including Capitol Records, with whom Exodus would eventually sign in 1990. Exodus released two more albums, Impact Is Imminent and Force of Habit, before disbanding in 1993. After a temporary return in 1997-1998, Exodus reformed for a second time in 2001, and since then they have released five more albums, the most recent being 2010′s Exhibit B: The Human Condition.

Formation and early years (1980–1983)

In 1980, guitarists Kirk Hammett and Tim Agnello, drummer Tom Hunting, bassist Carlton Melson, and vocalist Keith Stewart formed the initial lineup of Exodus. Hammett had named the band after Leon Uris’ 1958 novel of the same title.[2] Bassist Melson would soon be replaced by Jeff Andrews.[3][4] Before long, Agnello would also leave the group (and music) to pursue a life of ministry in Stockton, California and would be replaced by Hammett’s guitar technician Gary Holt.

In 1981, Kirk Hammett met El Cerrito resident Paul Baloff at a North Berkeley house party, a friendship that was started – according to aspiring guitarist Hammett – by both’s admiration for punk rock and 1970s heavy metal music; Baloff would then take Stewart’s place as vocalist. The quintet would record a demo tape the same year, a release which would be Hammett’s only recording with the band. Jeff Andrews would leave immediately after the tape to start an early incarnation of pioneering death metal band, Possessed. In early 1983, Hammett left Exodus to join Metallica and was eventually replaced long term by guitarist Rick Hunolt.

Bonded By Blood and rise in popularity (1984–1991)

The band recorded their first album Bonded by Blood in the summer of 1984. Audio engineering college student Mark Whitaker, who had attended high school with Paul Baloff, oversaw management and record production for the band at the time. 1984 concert photos from Exodus shows at Aquatic Park’s Eastern Front Metal Festival (with Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies) and Ruthie’s Inn (with Megadeth and Slayer) were included on the album sleeve inserts. Originally titled “A Lesson In Violence”, the album was not released until April 1985 amidst creative and business setbacks. Shortly after touring for Bonded by Blood, Paul Baloff was fired from the band and replaced by Steve “Zetro” Souza, who had previously been the lead vocalist for Legacy, an early incarnation of Testament. Baloff went on to form the band Piranha.

Exodus’ line-up remained fairly stable for the next few albums, and the underground success attained with Bonded by Blood would lead to the group’s signing to Sony/Combat Records, who distributed the band’s second effort Pleasures of the Flesh in 1987. Fabulous Disaster, the group’s third full length album, was released in Europe in 1988 and in the US in 1989. A music video for the song “The Toxic Waltz” would receive consistent rotation on MTV’s Headbangers Ball in 1989.[5]

After the success of Fabulous Disaster, Exodus was signed to Capitol Records in early 1990, who released the band’s fourth album Impact is Imminent later that year. Prior to recording the album, Tom Hunting was replaced by John Tempesta on drums. In 1991, the band released their first live album, Good Friendly Violent Fun, which was recorded during their 1989 tour.

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Oldschool Thrash Metal Bands: Exhorder

Here's one of my favorite thrash metal bands (technically, they fall under the umbrella of "thrash/groove metal"). These guys were instrumental in helping shape the sound of bands such as Pantera and took the groove metal genre to another level. . .

Exhorder is an American thrash/groove metal band from New Orleans, Louisiana. They are credited as the purveyors of the groove-oriented thrash sound later made famous by bands such as Pantera, White Zombie, and Machine Head. Initially active from 1985 to 1992, they have since reformed in 2008.

Early days (1985-1992)

Exhorder was formed in 1985 in New Orleans, Louisiana. After releasing several demos in the vein of pure thrash metal, they started to adapt more of a groove metal-oriented sound with their debut studio album, Slaughter in the Vatican, released in 1990. This sound was further developed by their second (and to date last) album, The Law, released in 1992. The band dissolved later that year.

Reunion (1998-present)

Exhorder reunited for several reunion gigs in 1998, 2001, and 2003 in New Orleans. On May 9, 2008, it was announced that the band had reunited and had begun writing new material. As of that day, the band’s official Myspace page contains the reunited group’s lineup as well as the headline “writing new material for the return of Exhorder”. They played their first reunion show on November 14, 2009 at Southport Hall in Jefferson, LA followed by another less than a month later on December 12, 2009 at City Club in Houma, LA. A reunion show with Crowbar at the Hangar in New Orleans on February 12 was their most recent performance to date. The lineup for all of these shows was the same as that of The Law album.

On March 22, 2011 bassist Frankie Sparcello passed away. Cause of death is not yet certain.

Controversy

Several elements of Exhorder’s debut could potentially explain its lack of commercial success in relation to Pantera. In disagreement with the opinion that Exhorder is “Pantera minus the good songs,” AMG’s review of Slaughter in the Vatican expresses that “perhaps a more accurate billing would be to call them Pantera without the major label backing.” They also point to the fact that the title of Exhorder’s debut, along with the unsubtle album cover, “certainly didn’t help [its] cause any.” Exhorder lead vocalist Kyle Thomas has stated that he does not care about any of the criticism and is sick of seeing Exhorder’s name tied to Pantera’s. He also stated that he and some members of Pantera were friends, and that he mourns the loss of Dimebag Darrell. Recently, Thomas suggested that while it is possible Pantera may have been influenced by his band, the members of Pantera “work[ed] a … lot harder than [they] did.”

Members

Current

• Kyle Thomas – vocals (1985–1992, 1998–2003, 2008–present)
• Vinnie LaBella – guitar (1985–1992, 1998–2003, 2008–present)
• Jay Ceravolo – guitar (1988–1992, 1998–2003, 2008–present)
• Seth Davis – drums (2010–present)

Former

• David Main – guitar (1985–1988)
• Andy Villafarra – bass (1985–1990, 2009–2010)
• Chris Nail – drums (1985–1992, 1998–2003, 2008–2010)
• Frankie Sparcello – bass (1991–1992, 2010–2011)

Exhorder on Encyclopedia Metallum:

Genre: thrash metal

Lyrical theme: crime, death, religion

Origin: US (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Formed In: 1985

Current Label: Unsigned

Status: Active

Current Lineup:

Kyle Thomas – Vocals (Floodgate, Pitts Vs. Preps, Alabama Thunderpussy, Trouble (USA), Drip, Jones’s Lounge)
Jay Ceravolo – Guitar (Fall From Grace)
Vinnie Labella – Guitar
Seth Davis – Drums

Former/Past Members:

Guitars:

David Main

Bass:

Andy Villaferra

Franky Sparcello (Zion) (R.I.P. July 6th 1970 – March 22nd 2011)

Drums:

Chris Nail (Floodgate)

Additional Notes:

The band reformed in 2008.

Exhorder are often credited with having created the groove-oriented thrash metal sound that was copied and popularized by Pantera. The band is either more or less indifferent to such sentiment as they were friends with Pantera and were saddened by the passing of Dimebag Darrell. However, they do not deny the possibility of them having influenced Pantera’s sound even though Kyle Thomas has stated Pantera deserves the praise they receive as he feels Pantera have always worked much harder than Exhorder ever did at being successful.

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Oldschool Thrash Metal Bands: Anthrax (pt. 6)

Reunion with John Bush (2009-2010)

Anthrax performing in August 2009 at Knebworth, England.

All following performances were canceled, except the UK Sonisphere Festival in August 2009, with John Bush performing vocals.

On September 3, 2009, it was announced that John Bush would be yet again singing with Anthrax at the Loud Park ’09 Festival in Japan on October 17.[14]

Anthrax with John Bush also took part in the February 2010, 5-show touring Soundwave 2010 festival in Australia. Soon after, Benante said that the band is “in the process of regrouping with [Bush]. We played two shows with him, and we are looking forward to proceeding with this lineup.”[15]

In late 2009, Anthrax confirmed a “Big 4″ event (with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer) as part of the 2010 Sonisphere festival. This was the first time that all four ‘Big 4 of thrash metal’ bands played together.[16]

In an interview with metalsucks.com John Bush said, “we just did these shows in Australia that were really fun. They were for the Soundwave Festival, and they were great. I had committed to doing these shows to these four shows in June as well as more festivals in August. As of now we’re trying to figure out a way to see if we can re-record some of the songs that the band had already recorded [for Worship Music]. We’re just trying to iron out some of the legalities on it. That’s where we are at today.”

When asked if he would be re-recording some of Dan Nelson’s vocals he stated “That is what they want to do, and it’s been a conflict for me, to be quite frank, simply because I kind of felt like I wasn’t part of the creation of it. On all the other Anthrax records, I was part of it when it happened. I just wasn’t involved in this, and it’s something that they’ve already actually completed. I haven’t disregarded it completely, and I know it’s important to them. I realize they made this record and they’re kind of sitting on it. They want to put some of it out, if not everything… at least a single, and we’ve talked about [releasing] an EP. We’re still trying to figure out if we can do that, especially in conjunction with these shows in June. We’ve just got to kind of iron out some specifics. That’s where we’re at today, March 15, 2010.”

Reunion with Joey Belladonna (2010-present)

In early 2010 Joey Belladonna returned to Anthrax for the shows in summer of 2010 as well as committing to a new album.[17]

Anthrax, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth performed on the same bill for the first time on June 16, 2010 at Bemowo Airport (Warsaw, Poland). It was the first performance of that bands played as a part of Sonisphere Festival series.The show in Sofia, Bulgaria on June 22, 2010 was sent via satellite in HD to cinemas and later released on DVD and Blu-ray.[18] They also went on to play in Jonschwil, Switzerland (June 18, 2010), Milovice, Czech Republic (June 19, 2010), Athens, Greece (June 24, 2010), Bucharest, Romania (June 26, 2010) and then in Istanbul, Turkey (June 27, 2010), Stockholm, Sweden (August 7, 2010), and last in Pori, Finland (August 8, 2010) also as part of the Sonisphere Festival.

On 24 June 2011 Anthrax released the first song off the new album called Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t on anthrax.com. It was released as a free download as a way to say “thank you” to fans’ loyalty in waiting in anticipation for Worship Music, which was released on September 13.[19][20][21] On April 30, 2011, Anthrax headlined in the Philippines for the first time in the annual Pulp Summer Slam along with Death Angel, Hellyeah and UAE’s heavy metal band Nervecell. Anthrax was confirmed in January 2012 to be headlining the Jagermesiter side stage at Mayhem Festival 2012, which is coheadlined by Slayer and Slipknot. Other bands on the side stage include High On Fire and Whiechapel.

Side projects

Several members have launched affiliated side projects, such as Scott Ian’s project with Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, the original Anthrax bassist/lead guitarist Danny Lilker and Billy Milano called Stormtroopers of Death. After leaving Anthrax, Joey Belladonna began a series of solo albums: Belladonna, Spells of Fear, and 03. John Bush is involved with his former band Armored Saint, while original Anthrax vocalist Neil Turbin has been touring Japan, Europe, Mexico and US with his band DeathRiders. Neil Turbin’s debut solo album, “Threatcon Delta”, was released in 2003. Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano are currently in a side project called The Damned Things with members of Fall Out Boy and Every Time I Die.

Guest musicians

A number of Anthrax albums have featured guests, most notably Dimebag Darrell, who appeared on “King Size” and “Riding Shotgun” from Stomp 442; “Inside Out” and “Born Again Idiot” from Volume 8: The Threat Is Real; and “Strap It On” and “Cadillac Rock Box” from We’ve Come for You All. Vocalist Roger Daltrey of The Who has also appeared on the band’s We’ve Come for You All disc, providing backing vocals for “Taking the Music Back”. Phil Anselmo of Pantera appears on Volume 8: The Threat Is Real, on the song “Killing Box.” Public Enemy worked with Anthrax on a metal version of “Bring the Noise” from Public Enemy’s album “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”.

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