 First, a disclaimer. I am a fan of Anthrax. I enjoy their music, and I was excited to see this album come into our studio. This album could have been an hour of Scott Ian playing solo pan flute, and I would have found a reason to enjoy it, and defended it from hostile critics.
With that, I also say that my predisposition to Anthrax does not take away from the accomplishments of this album. Anthrax come crashing back through the gate, and proves that metal has been left in the hands of amateurs. Metal has for the most part suffered since then, and who better to bring it back than part of the original Big New Wave of American Heavy Metal? From the wave, Metallica has changed, Megadeth is recently gone, and that leaves Anthrax and Slayer to keep metal alive. Slayer gave it a good shot with "God Hates Us All," and now it's Anthrax's turn to teach a few tricks. Before I really get into it, yes that really is Roger Daltrey singing backing vocals on "Taking the Music Back." Who'd have thought? I'm gonna dispense with the only knock I have on this album, so I can get it out of the way. A couple of tracks here have less substance to them than the rest of the album. "Safe Home," "Black Dahlias" and "Any Place But Here" don't quite get the same push behind them. They're not bad songs; they're well-written, well-assembled, and performed with the skill of professionals. But for whatever reason, they don't possess the same fire as the rest. Glad that's over. On to the fun stuff. The only other thing I have against this album is that "Nobody Knows Anything," is only 3 minutes long. It might possibly be the best offering here, Charlie Benante throws himself at his kit for this one, and the result is remarkable. Excellent pacing, a good guitar line, and crisp execution. This could have been twelve minutes long, and I wouldn't have complained. There's a whole host of great anthems here. "What Doesn't Die," "Think About an End," "W.C.F.Y.A." (We've Come For You All), and the aforementioned "Taking the Music Back," all provide high-quality metal, the likes of which hasn't been seen in far too long. Those fortunate enough to see Anthrax on their last tour will recognize "Superhero," which comes in early and is a good lead to the rest of the album. Long time Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell shows up for "Strap it On," and "Cadillac Rock Box." "Strap it On" is a power-heavy song with an excessive drive and good rhythm. "Cadillac Rock Box" brings images of older rock to mind. It's more laid back than some of the other tracks, but that's not a bad thing. It's along the lines of "Smoke on the Water," "Fairies Wear Boots," and "Highway to Hell." Or at least, from that age of rock. Definitely a little heavier, though. Last but not least is one of the earlier tracks, "Refuse to Be Denied." If you don't listen to this with the volume cranked, you're missing the point. This song is perfect for Anthrax. It's similar to classics like "Fueled," "Potter's Field" or "Inside." Nothing but power to be heard here. The whole song rocks from start to finish, and if you stop banging your head during it, check your pulse. For those who had doubts, Rob Caggiano does a tremendous job on his debut album with band, at some points even showing up Dimebag. He plays some of the best solos I've heard from metal in a while. Make sure you listen for them, or you'll miss a few of the pivotal parts of the album. It's been twenty years since Anthrax formed, and they haven't lost a step. They're still one of the best, and "We've Come For You All" provides a much needed reminder of the days when being a metal band used to mean something. If you're a fan, buy it now. If you love metal but it now. If you don't fall into either of these categories, tough. But it and learn something. Out of ten, a nine. Now go bang your head. |
