Elementary in the education of Thrash, Anthrax are not only one of Thrash’s most revered bands but archetypal in the Metal genre. Five years on from their previous release Worship Music, Anthrax have indeed been riding the wave of success after a fantastic return with their 2011 effort. Now years later they prepare to deliver their most desicive record to date, featuring the first recording with brand new guitarist Jonathan Donais, we enter the the halls of coronation For All Kings.
[tracklist]
- Impaled
- You Gotta Believe
- Monster At The End
- For All Kings
- Breathing Lightning
- Breathing Out
- Suzerain
- Evil Twin
- Blood Eagle Wings
- Defend Avenge
- All of Them Thieves
- The Battle Chose Us
- Zero Tolerance
[/tracklist][details]
[length]59:00[/length]
[record_label]Nuclear Blast Records[/record_label]
[release_date]26th February[/release_date]
[/details]
No stranger to an introduction our foreword of “Impaled” sets the scene with majestic orchestration in tandem with empirical drumming making for quite the sovereign entrance. From the off, the arrival of belter “You Gotta Believe” begins the record with a quintessential Scott Ian rhythm. Primed with a determined slick and solid riff, structurally the track works brilliantly with a surprising bass bridge along with sprinkling of solo’s from our new guitarist Jonathan Donais. Never quite going with the flow Anthrax have been pioneers since their inception, early trend setters for countless others to follow. Single “Evil Twin” recalls Among The Living era choruses that would fit comfortably in arena settings.
For All Kings most importantly proliferates , in many ways typecast as straight up Thrash Anthrax dispel this cliché. Often subjected to relentless speed throughout an entire album Thrash Metal can become too diffuse with many songs blurring into the other. Differential tracks make for a much needed mix “Suzerain” sees the band opt for a more destructive approach after the arrival of harmony championing “Breathing Lightning” making a definitive change not only of sound but atmosphere. Joey Belladonna’s vocals still immediate as ever featuring some of the singers best work, bringing to life tracks that perhaps in the hands of others could have been lacklustre . Kicking out lyrics with his fabled attitude age has not blunted Anthrax. With a long career comes an understanding of identity potentially the most important element in bands life time. “Blood Eagle Wings” despite its nigh on eight minute length breaks away from the Thrash blueprint flourishing mid section to reveal one of the best revelations with solos eclipsing any of the likes of the modern day, partnered with a driving double bass riff with drummer Charlie Benante and bassist Frank Bello ensuring that the rhythmic groundwork has been put in to solidify the song writing.
Doused in Anthrax’s signature groove each track stands defiantly. Despite being thirty plus years into their career Anthrax are creating material that is not only instantly relatable but refreshingly contemporary. Even incorporating odd time signatures perhaps not quite as subtly as some of our newer blood “Defend Avenge” an imposing return to aggression after the melancholic outro of previous track, yet their creativity is implorable. Simultaneously giving fans a new sound whilst remaining true to their identity. “Zero Tolerance” see’s the lyrics move to an anarchic and borderline punk stand point just another facet that makes this record bountifully engaging. Not only sublime song writing but fearless experimentation has led to the band creating an absolute monster.
Nevertheless when Anthrax do get going its unmistakably them, enlisting Shadows Fall guitarist Jonathan Donais sees biting lead lines expertly dispelled. Skeptical with guitarist history that it might have been an ill fit I was happily proved wrong. For All Kings sees a band that could well be put out to the pasture inimitably reinvent themselves sounding as iconic as ever whilst embracing the musical creativity that has led the band being just so archetypal in the make up of Metal as a genre. The wait may have been arduous but with the fruits of their labours put together as brilliantly as For All Kings patience is indeed a virtue.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]An absolutely fantastic release proving that despite having released ten albums previous that Anthrax are just as vital as they have ever been. Delivering thirteen well crafted gems our kings are indeed crowned.[/why]
If you liked what you read / heard then you can pick up the brand new album here!
