Metal Mayhem: Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 17: Anthrax

17. Anthrax

For today's installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time, we are looking at number 17, Anthrax. This band is considered to be part of the "Big Four" of American thrash along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer.

The band formed in 1981 at New York City by guitarist Scott Ian and Danny Lilker; however, there have been many lineup changes in the band since its inception with Scott Ian and drummer Charlie Benante have been the only constant members. They have had three lead vocalists over the years: Neil Turbin, Joey Belladonna, and John Bush. The Belladonna era has often been considered their golden era, and, in fact, he returned to the band with the release of their 2011 album Worship Music.

In my opinion, the band has released four albums that every metal fan should own: Spreading the Disease, Persistence of Time, State of Euphoria, and Worship Music. One of the main themes that one may notice is that these albums are fronted by Belladonna. I wouldn't say that the albums by the other Anthrax vocalists are bad, but they aren't nearly as good as the Belladonna records . . . period. The main reason that I prefer these albums is because of a greater focus on melody that doesn't exist with the other singers, and there isn't this infatuation with r & b/rap influences that are persistent in later albums. If they hadn't dabbled exploring other genres, I may have ranked Anthrax higher because they are truly one of the greats of metal, but I hated that era so damn much.

Anyway, they make it to number 17 . . . no too shabby.

Here is "Madhouse."