The 'Thrax is Back!
Missing in action metallers Anthrax are set to make a return with a brand new record called 'Volume 8: The Threat Is Real' - the bands's first release since 1995's much overlooked 'Stomp 442' - through Ignition Records, a subsidary of US alternative giant Tommy Boy. Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian talked exclusively to the Hammer about the new record and his band's place in the 1998 metal scene.
"I'd say that 'Volume 8...' is both Anthrax's most focused and diverse album to date. We wanted an album that could give the strongest elements of our three last records - 'Attack Of The Killer B's', 'Sound Of White Noise' and 'Stomp 442' and that's is just what we came up with." The new record also features a number of guest spots from Pantera's Phil Anselmo who does vocals on a track called 'Killing Box', and Dimebag Darrel who plays lead guitar on two numbers - 'Inside Out' and 'Born Again Idiot'. Says Ian: "Dimebag is the best guitar player out there, bar no one. We've toured with Pantera alot over the last year and it seemed natural to invite Dime to play on the record. All he wanted in payment was a new video camera!
"I don't mean to blow Phil's hard man image but he's really one of the nicest guys you can meet. He's no pussycat, but if you're his friend he'll do anything for you. We've known eachother since 1985 so there's alot of history of there, and they did us a big favour by taking us (Anthrax) out on their last US tour. So many bands would be too afraid to have Anthrax opening for them. It was good for them because it kept them on their toes and we got to play in front of thousands of people who didn't realise we were still a band." Despite the fact that 1993's 'Sound Of White Noise' album was the band's most successful record to date (selling 1.3 million copies worldwide), major problems hit the veteran NY outfit when the release of 'Stomp 442' was effected by a merger between Anthrax's US label Elektra and East West records, which according to Scott, resulted them in being treated as "and unwanted stepchild".
"We recently played infront of 400.000 kids on the last Pantera tour and most of the thought '...White Noise' was our last record," says an exasperated Scott. They didn't even know that 'Stomp' had ever been released!" However, Scott, who played guest guitars on on trip hop star Tricky's new 'Angels With Dirty Faces' album, is adamant that 'Volume 8...' is the record which will restore Anthrax to the popularity they enjoyed in the early '90s. "I think 'Volume 8...' is the perfect answer to the critics who think we've got nothing left to offer the world. This is a great record, so everyone ought to forget about past mistakes and just listen to the fucking record - this is the best one Anthrax ever done!"