Anthrax Just Played In Minneapolis...

[andvari7]

...And I'm going to tell you about it.

First off, they're actually opening for Killswitch Engage, of which I'm not a huge fan. I didn't stay around for them, owing to that, and the fact that both Minneapolis and Saint Paul have been covered in over a foot of snow in about twelve hours. And it's still snowing.

Now, for the first opener, Havok. A four-piece thrash band from Denver, I had never seen Havok before. I don't think the screaming vocals, as opposed to actual signing, is something I could listen to regularly, but it's a damn sight better than the gutteral death metal vocals that I absolutely cannot stand. Their musicianship is on point, but the vocals need a little work.

Then came Anthrax. First off, no Charlie Benante. I don't know why this is the case, but I do know that he has had some carpal tunnel issues in the past. Jon Dette filled in, and did a great job, but it's not the same. Second, it was a classic set, with one song from For All Kings, the newest album. I think this was a mistake, because For All Kings was a fantastic album. The musicianship was spot on, and Joey Belladonna still has it.

Thank you.

[Tortuga]

Sounds like a good show, despite the weather. How the fuck you guys up north can deal with real weather is beyond me.

Joey is a total badass. I can't believe he can still do what he does. It's been a while since I've seen them (3 yrs or so), and its good to hear they're still putting it out.

No Charlie, though... that's not good.

[jnurp]

Joey never seemed to fit the mold of extreme metal to me. Vox too clean, he was almost glam at times but maybe its nostalgia and retrospect kicking in, but man I love anthrax and Joey now more than ever. Just something about the back to basics approach to metal they deliver even today. Great riffs, cool songs and melodic vox.

[JiveTurkey]

I love Anthrax. As Grimes said, No Charlie kind of sucks though.

[JerEvil]

Joey never seemed to fit the mold of extreme metal to me. Vox too clean, he was almost glam at times but maybe its nostalgia and retrospect kicking in, but man I love anthrax and Joey now more than ever. Just something about the back to basics approach to metal they deliver even today. Great riffs, cool songs and melodic vox.

Yeah you nailed my sentiment on Joey/Anthrax as well.

[Tortuga]

See, that's where John Bush comes in... Provided total gruff, kick-ass vox to a band with a HUGE rhythm section. Perfect.

Although, I really liked Joey's vox from the get-go. I thought it made Anthrax very unique from the rest of the Big 4, and didn't seem glam-y at all. Just has a great range and ability to really belt it out. And I'm seriously picky about singers that stray too close to the glam-y black hole.

Plus, nobody could wear "Injun Joe" like Belladonna

[Tortuga]

....btw, I'm pretty damn sure that Jer could NAIL Belladonna on any 'thrax cover

[JerEvil]

....btw, I'm pretty damn sure that Jer could NAIL Belladonna on any 'thrax cover

[Tortuga]

[jnurp]

"Only" might be my favorite anthrax song ever but I much prefer all.of the joey era albums, better songs IMO.

[JiveTurkey]

"Only" might be my favorite anthrax song ever but I much prefer all.of the joey era albums, better songs IMO.

Dude That whole album took place in a time in my life where I was emotionally messed up in so many different ways. And it scratched EVERY d@mn itch and healed all the wounds at that time

[redeyes]

Anthrax is my favorite metal band. My favorite album is POT followed by SOWN. Joey is a love or hate it kind of voice for sure. I loved Bush for SOWN and a lot less after that. All their new material has not really caught my ear although I don't mind it.

Ah well, dudes get old. You just can't replay the glory days.

[jnurp]

Maybe I'm.crazy but I love their new album as much as atl and std. Some seriously catchy melodic hooks.and great riffs to.be had. The wave of metal from the old school.guys over the last few years has been amazing.

[redeyes]

So apparently Anthrax uses Kempers now. Ian uses his signature Randall Ultimate Nullifier 120 profile.

A lot of pros are using Kempers live now.