Anthrax- Among The Living Review
Contents |
General Information
Original Author: VinceG
Artist: Anthrax
Album: Among The Living
Genre: Thrash/Crossover
Year Of Release: 1987
Origin: Yonkers NY
Album Review
90%
Rising from the depths of Yonkers New York, surrounded by the scene Hardcore Punk, Anthrax came along the Thrash scene to decimate the world with unrelenting speed. Anthrax is part of the "Big Four" of Thrash and they deserve to be there since they have brought so many things to Metal and Thrash that we all love. For one thing, because of Anthrax's fanbase of Punk kids in Yonkers, moshings and circle pits became a part of the Metal world.
Now lets dive in to the music as a whole. When you compare Anthrax to any of the big four, they are definitely the one that has the least amount of skills/talent. If you compare Scott Iann's skills to maybe Mustaine, well then there wouldn't be any comparison. For one thing, Scott is a rhythm player who based most of his playing on creating simple thrashing riffs to make any kid go on a moshing spree. I love that personally. Because Thrash Metal evolved from Hardcore Punk, I think it should also still be somehow connected to Hardcore Punk. Make the music simple, but enough to fuel a fire of thousands. The solos are fast and has some great melody, but I could care less about that. I listen to thrash for the riffs! There's also some great basslines here like for Indians, Caught In A Mosh, and hell pretty much any song here have some great bass riff.
Vocal work of Belladona is like hearing a NWOBHM band, but make it rawer and tougher. Belladona can belch out some high notes, and can make you feel like your still listening to thrash. Also, the main thing that is great about Anthrax is GANG SHOUTS. Yes, Gang Shouts. If you don't know whats a gang shout, its when a whole band screams out a phrase. Thats one more that they transfered from the Hardcore Punk scene.
Lyrics
A lot of great lyrics and song writing as well.For example, Efilnikufesin (NFL):
Wake up dead in a plywood bed
Six feet from the rest of your life
And when you couldn't see your own dependency
NFL, NICE F*KIN LIFE
or my favorite phrase from Indians:
WARDANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Final words
Yea, when you really think about it, Anthrax never really made some philosophical lyrics or even make a statement or something. Its just simple songs about childhood, school, and Indians. Whats so good about it? Its Anthrax, thats enough of a reason for it to be good.
Well, this review is biased I know. But to tell you the truth, when I'm finding new thrash bands to listen to, the qualities of Anthrax is the main thing I look for. This album introduced me to Crossover, Hardcore Punk and the reason to play rhythm guitar. It showed me that Thrash music should be as simple and has a childish attitude like me.
