Album Review: Anthrax-Worship Music

Out of the Big 4, Anthrax has gone the longest without releasing new music. It's been 8 long years since We've Come For You All was released and it's just great to hear some new Anthrax after all these years. Worship Music is a welcome return from Anthrax and it turned out better than expected.

Worship Music marks the return of original vocalist Joey Belladonna. Worship Music is the first Anthrax record he has sung on since 1990's Persistence Of Time and his return is glorious. No disrespect to John Bush, but Belladonna is easily the best vocalist Anthrax has ever had. Just hearing his vocals on new Anthrax is awesome.

Worship Music might catch some Anthrax fans by surprise. This is more of a straight-up heavy metal release  then thrash. Personally, I liked the approach Anthrax took on this record. There is a lot of catchy, memorable hooks on this record that Anthrax doesn't normally do. "I'm Alive" and "The Giant", in particular, were stuck in my head for hours. No need to fret though, there is still plenty of heavy material on this album. "Earth On Hell" comes out of the gate and grabs the listener by the throat with it's speed and ferocity. The two singles "Fight Em' Till You Can't" and "The Devil You Know" are also amongst the heavier and best stuff on the album.

Worship Music is definitely a really solid release. It takes Anthrax's music in a different direction without selling out or dumbing down. Joey Belladonna's return on vocals is triumphant and he still sounds amazing. Anthrax might have alienated some fans on Worship Music, but don't let some of the negative feedback fool you, Anthrax is a still a force when it comes to making great music.

4/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.Earth On Hell
2.Fight Em' Till You Can't
3.I'm Alive