Volume 8 Review
ANTHRAX
Volume 8: The Threat Is Real
(Ignition)
ADVERSITY sometimes brings out the best in a situation. And, sure enough, with 'Volume 8...' Anthrax have ridden out a nightmare to create a monster of an album. Despite critical acclaim, the New Yorker's last two studio releases, 1993's
'Sound Of White Noise' and 1995's 'Stomp 442' both sold disappointingly. Although better suited to the 'Thrax sound than his predecessor, ex-Armored Saint singer John Bush has yet to establish himself with the fans as the band's definitive frontman. With guitarist Danny Spitz departing they became a four-piece, recruting old pal Paul Crook for live work. And just to add insult to injury, they now find themselves on a backwater label Ignition records. Yet Anthrax's eighth album is full-on, in-your-face metal man eater.
Self-produced and given a stonking mix by Chris Seldon (Therapy?, Feeder), it's million miles away from the rap crossover of their Public Enemy collaboration 'Bring The Noise'. With aid of s a few old friends, Anthrax have picked up where the last couple of albums left off and recalled the naked aggression of their mid-'80s heyday. 'Crush' combines thudding rhythms and a big, fat, juicy riff with Bush's anguished growl to the spectacular effect. 'Catharsis', one of many tracks featuring drummer Charlie Benante on lead guitar, rolls along confidently, and Pantera's Dimebag Darrell unleashes some filthy axework on the excellent 'Inside Out'. The stomp of 'Piss N Vinegar is kinda reminiscent of 'Keep It In The Family' - no bad thing, surely? - while '604' whizzes by in just under half a minute. Given the obvious nature of what predeces it, the country-flavoured 'Toast To The Extras', with its harmonicas and a plodding beat, comes as something of a shock. So, another Dimebag Darrel solo amid the churning fury of 'Born Again Idiot' comes as a welcome relief, along with the backing vocals from Phil Anselmo on 'Killing Box'. Both are prime slices of aural savagery, from the Zeppelin-tinged 'Harm's Way' offers breathing space. 'Hog Tied' and 'Big Fat' add groove to the grind, while the 45-second 'Cupajoe' harks back to the guitarist Scott Ian's time with Stormtroopers Of Death. To confirm the album's variety, 'Alpha Male' chugs just like the old days, and 'Stealing From A Thief' is a moody anthem to die for. The Anthrax train shows no sign of stopping just yet. (8)
Dave Ling