Anthrax – XL
Release Date: 29th July 2021
Label: Nuclear Blast
Stream
Genre: Heavy Metal
FFO: Anthrax (…duh)
Review By: Séamus Patrick Burke
Who doesn’t love Anthrax??
…Y’know, before 1993.
That’s mean. While Anthrax is definitely fourth place when it comes to the Big Four of American Heavy Metal (the others being Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, for the uninitiated), that doesn’t mean they haven’t earned their place regardless. And they’ve managed to survive forty-plus years of line-up changes, in-fighting, and every metal band’s mortal enemy: the 1990s.
Anthrax’s best quality is that while they don’t take themselves very seriously (see “I Am The Man”), they take their music very seriously. Scott Ian’s lyrics mostly take cues from comic books and Stephen King novels, but he’s undeniably one of the best rhythm guitarists alive. And since the band finally brokered peace and brought singer Joey Belladonna back into the band permanently, they’ve had something of a creative resurgence, even if they haven’t put out albums on a super frequent basis. Joey’s comeback Worship Music came out in 2011, and the follow-up For All Kings came out in 2016, yet both easily stand amongst the band’s best albums.
And if there’s one thing Anthrax is especially good at, it’s providing unique experiences to their hardcore fans for special occasions. Back in 2004, when John Bush was still singing, the band had their fans choose the set list for their live best-of The Greater of Two Evils (which, conspicuously, didn’t include songs from albums Bush sang on). And so, for their 40th Anniversary, the band decided to rent out the LA soundstage The Den and blast through their most famous songs for XL.
If there’s one way that Anthrax has consistently brought it, it’s playing live. They’re one of the best live metal bands period, and age hasn’t slowed them down one bit. Ian’s rhythm sound is tighter than ever, Charlie Benante remains a pioneer of double bass drumming, and the underrated Frank Bello still brings it on bass. Joey’s vocals have aged like a fine wine, and after almost a decade in the band, lead guitarist Jon Donais has more than earned his stripes. Every song a hardcore fan would want to hear is in the setlist: “Among the Living”, “Caught in the Mosh”, “I Am The Law”, and recent classics like “Evil Twin” and “Fight ‘Em Till You Can’t” stand just as well against the old material (although conspicuously John Bush and Neil Turbin songs are MIA).
One thing holds back XL from greatness, though; the fact that it was recorded under COVID restrictions. Even the band admits that COVID held them back from celebrating their 40th Anniversary to its fullest, with the recent tour being a chance for them to make up for lost time. As a result, despite tight performances of classic songs, XL doesn’t have the punch it should because it was recorded in a vacuum. This should have been a big fan celebration with huge
cheers in the background at the end of every song. As is, it’s a reminder that this benchmark was somewhat mitigated by factors outside of the band’s control.
Regardless, XL is a labor of love that any hardcore Anthrax would undoubtedly enjoy. Happy anniversary, boys. Don’t slow down any time soon. 
(3 / 5)
