Article & photos by: Linda Carlson

Cincinnati, OH – Anthrax is currently touring to celebrate an impressive milestone: 40 years of bringing thrash metal to the world.  OK, actually 41 years, but let’s just keep the party going!

Formed in 1981 in New York City, Anthrax is included with Metallica, Slayer and Megadeath as part of the “Big Four” of thrash metal. Along with many other contemporaries, they pioneered the signature sound of thrash in defiant contrast to the hair bands that were the pop of the day.  These rock legends introduced a rawness through raging, rhythmic pounding drums and guitar, and power vocals that rip through the flesh and into your core.

Despite a number of lineup changes over the years, the current Anthrax roster includes musicians with Anthrax roots that reach back to the 1980s, with founding member Scott Ian (rhythm guitar), and early members Joey Belladonna (lead vocals), Charlie Benante (drums) and Frank Bello (bass).  Jon Donais (lead guitar) has been with the band since 2013.

For this tour, Black Label Society joins Anthrax, along with opener Hatebreed, who started the night with a powerful, guttural performance.  Jamey Jasta (vocals), Chris Beattie (bass), Matt Byrne (drums), Frank Novinec (rhythm guitar) and Wayne Lozinak (lead guitar) put forth a strong 45-minute set.

Next on the docket was Black Label Society, with iconic guitarist and vocalist Zakk Wylde taking the stage by storm, along with John DeServio (bass), Dario Lorina (rhythm guitar) and Jeff Fabb (drums).  For 70 minutes, the band put on a show that was nothing short of spectacular.  Incredible lighting, staging and an overall exhilarating performance.  Wylde has the gift of showmanship, whether playing guitar with a power stance on an elevated center stage podium, or sitting calmly at the piano while sipping from a coffee cup.

At one point Wylde stood atop the piano, playing a dueling guitar duet with Lorina (on the center stage podium), as both men played with their guitars behind their heads.  Incredible.

Black Label Society

As Anthrax was preparing to take the stage, a large flowing white curtain was draped across the stage, on which was projected film clips of  musicians and industry professionals who paid homage to Anthrax, showing respect for this influential band.  There were messages from such greats as Gene Simmons, Robert Trujillo, Kerry King, Phil Anselmo, Slash, John Tempesta, Joey Vera, Corey Taylor, Tom Morello, Dennis Lyxzén, Brann Dailor, Shavo Odadjian, Rob Zombie, Gary Holt, John 5 and others.  It was quite a tribute from peers and friends, all honoring this incredible band and their achievements and longevity, as well as testimonials on the character of the band members themselves.

When Anthrax hit the stage, the crowd received them with heart-felt cheers and applause.  This was their limelight, their moment.  Their legacy was being appreciated and honored, which was proved on stage.  What a thrill to see these musicians perform with such ferocity, delivering the fast-paced pounding beats they are so known for, offering genuine appreciation for their fans throughout.

The band is seasoned (but in no ways tired!) and knows how to put on a heart-pounding show that revs up the crowd.

Scott Ian introduced many of the songs under spotlight.  The set included:

1. Among the Living
2. Caught in a Mosh
3. Madhouse
4. Metal Thrashing Mad
5. Keep It in the Family
6. Antisocial (Trust cover)
7. I Am the Law
8. In the End
9. Only
10. Got the Time (Joe Jackson cover)
11. Bring the Noise (Public Enemy cover)
12. Indians

Thrash metal filled a void in the pop-filled 1980s, with raw grit slicing through a pounding beat, and forty years later, the music still resonates with fans of all ages.  The crowd in Cincinnati spanned the spectrum of ages, from the very young (maybe 4 years old with ear protection – start ‘em young!) to those in their 60s and beyond.  Fists in the air, devil horns in the air… all in respect for these pioneers of thrash.

The tour continues… check band websites and definitely, DEFINITELY attend a show!  Be a part of honoring thrash metal history.