Anthrax
Worship Music
2011
Whenever the big four of the thrash genre release a new album there is a certain buzz in the air. These bands have a lot to live up to and some groundbreaking former albums to match. The problem for these stalwart bands is that they have to convince old fans and perspective fans alike that they are not past it. Many fans had been wondering whether Anthrax would ever release any new content. Their thoughts may have been justified with their last studio album We've Come for You All being released in 2003 and the uncertainty over who would be the lead singer for the band. With multiple vocalist changes since We've Come For You All many wondered whether the band would be able to form a stable line up. In 2010 the classic era vocalist Joey Belladonna rejoined the band for the third time and committed to recording a new album. Eight years after the release of We've Come For You All fans were treated to Worship Music.
1. Worship (intro)
2. Earth on Hell
A true message of intent with a heavy riff which head bangers everywhere will be pleased to hear. Anthrax are back!
3. The Devil You Know
The thumping intro and main riff combined with Belladonnas soaring vocals make this song amongst the best on the album. This is one adrenaline fueled song. Fans will be singing along the powerful chorus.
4. Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't
The song starts with a zombie outbreak announcement and flows into a pounding riff. Another excellent track with an epic solo. This song is guaranteed to have the listener pumping their fists in the air.
5. I'm Alive
The chugging bass riff builds up to the main backbone of the song where the whole band plays through this heavy metal masterpiece. This main riff is slower than in the last two songs but no less heavy. Another brilliant heartfelt guitar solo and a powerful vocal performance from Belladonna. This song is amongst my favourites on the album.
6. Hymn 1
7. In the End
Starting with ringing bells and then moving into a slow paced pounding riff this song is truly heavy. This is one of the slowest paced songs on the album and is also the longest track at just under seven minutes.
8. The Giant
The tradeoff of vocal parts in the verse adds to the fast riff and gives the song some real aggression. The chorus is slower and Belladonna shows his vocal talents. The song is excellently crafted and contains some really interesting parts. A well placed solo adds to the complexity of the song.
9. Hymn 2
10. Judas Priest
The intro to this has some powerful guitar lines and the song builds up into an ascending chorus. After a few listens this song becomes better and better. It’s not my favourite on the album but a solid song none the less.
11. Crawl
A slow build up which leads up to the chorus of this track is one of the catchiest on the album. The chorus is perhaps a little over used towards the end of the album and does become a little repetitive. However the simple riff for the chorus is really quite good.
12. The Constant
The opening riff will have fists pumping and heads banging. Some excellent guitar work and Belladonna’s voice really stands out. The solo section fits perfectly and really adds to this song.
13. Revolution Screams
A devastatingly heavy song that leads into sing-along choruses with a crushing middle section. This song makes an excellent ending to this album.
Anthrax are back and in style! This album is a true testament to their musicianship and I’m sure many fans will be pleased to see Belladonna back at the helm of this veteran band. Of course there will always be doubts as to whether the lineup will be able to hold together for another album and there will always be an argument over who is better, Bush or Belladonna. But fans should be concentrating on the now and this album is a true return to form. There are some brutally heavy moments and nothing about this album is tame or timid. The riff work is incredible and Belladonnas vocals really shine through. Compared to the other big fours most recent releases this is arguably the best contribution.
8/10
By RazorRich for mlm