Anthrax: Worship Music (2LP)

Worship Music was a genuine comeback for Anthrax. Released in 2011, the album marked the return of Joey Belladonnato the microphone and delivered the band’s first studio album of original material since We’ve Come for You All eight years earlier. Rather than trying to recreate Among the Living, Anthrax produced a modern heavy metal record that still carries plenty of the character that made the classic lineup so distinctive.

After the brief “Worship” introduction, “Earth on Hell” comes charging out with Charlie Benante’s drums and Scott Ian’s unmistakable rhythm guitar attack. “The Devil You Know” follows with one of the album’s strongest choruses, immediately demonstrating how naturally Belladonna’s melodic voice still fits Anthrax.

“Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t” is arguably the record’s centrepiece. Originally developed before Belladonna’s return, it became a classic Anthrax anthem once his vocals were added. The combination of thrash riffing, huge melodies and a zombie-apocalypse lyric makes it exactly the kind of song Anthrax do exceptionally well.

There’s plenty more beyond the obvious singles. “I’m Alive” is one of Belladonna’s strongest performances on the record, while “In the End” is a powerful tribute to Ronnie James Dio and Dimebag Darrell. The latter has become one of the defining songs of Anthrax’s modern era.

“The Giant” and “Judas Priest” maintain the weight before “Crawl” slows things down with a darker atmosphere. The record closes with “Revolution Screams,” followed after a period of silence by the hidden track “New Noise,”Anthrax’s take on the Refused classic.

The production from Rob Caggiano and Jay Ruston gives Worship Music plenty of modern punch without stripping away the band’s identity. Scott Ian’s riffs remain instantly recognisable, Frank Bello’s bass has real presence and Charlie Benante once again demonstrates why he’s one of thrash metal’s finest drummers.

Worship Music didn’t simply announce Joey Belladonna’s return. It proved that Anthrax could still produce an album worthy of their name decades after helping define American thrash metal.