It has been twenty one years since ANTHRAX fans have heard a Joey Belladonna fronted record and this reviewer must confess that 1990’s Persistence of Time is one of my all-time favorite metal albums. The fact that I am even typing these words as ‘reality’, that indeed the great singer is back in the saddle again rocking with his old mates like a minute has never passed…. well, it’s simply incredible to me. How can you not be rooting for these guys at this point? The fact of the matter is, once the bloodbath of bullshit stopped for these dudes, they stepped up and cranked one out of the ballpark. That said, let us briefly address the drama that went on behind the making of this long awaited album from one of the mighty BIG FOUR of thrash, that included the sudden sacking of their incredibly talented new vocalist Dan Nelson (after completing recording ‘WM’ a first time, with no explanation given on why exactly), replacing him with their third singer, Belladonna’s replacement, ARMORED SAINT’s John Bush, who agreed to help the band on touring only… which led them right back to old Mr. Trusty Metal Voice himself: Joey “THE ONLY SINGER OF ANTHRAX” Belladonna. Are you still with me? Okay. I need to point something else out. While you listen to Belladonna (Crikey, does this guy ever age?) crank out some of the most awesome vocals on the opening tracks “Earth On Hell”, “The Devil You Know”, and “Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t”, you the listeners – like myself – get forced to ask yourself: “Why the f*@! did it take so long to record again with Belladonna?”
Anthrax – in my opinion – only truly comes to life with Belladonna on the microphone. Period. He is that good, even after all these years. One word: range. He’s simply got it on the pipes… and uses his vocals like a skilled man uses a weapon in battle, with a definitive purpose. No fat. All lean and mean. Nope, I am afraid with Belladonna doing his thing once again it’s just all gravy for me, folks. I don’t know how he manages to still perform at such a high level. Has he been singing at weddings or something for the last two decades? I would hire this dude to sing at my own funeral he is that bad ass!
Again, exactly what is the reason Anthrax guitarist (and founding member) Scott Ian fired him
in the first place? I don’t think Belladonna himself can even answer that question.
I mean, come on… did Joey rip up one of Ian’s prized comic books or something?
Back to my review. My favorite cut is “In The End”. Holy shit, Belladonna sounds like he is possessed by Dio on this seriously killer gem with a heavy guitar riff and machine-like rhythm section that makes me respect this great band all over again. “In The End” is Anthrax’s way of saluting fallen metal brothers, the late Ronnie James Dio and Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott. This song is definitely worth at least a few dozen replays.
The cut “Judas Priest” is another standout. Full on epic. This is the Anthrax I know and love.
All in all, the 13 tracks on “Worship Music” are just what the Rock N Roll doctor ordered and I just pray and hope that Ian and company let Joey stick around for another album, so they have even more time to get comfortable together. This one definitely ranks up there with Persistence for sure.
ROCKET REVIEW:
[starreview tpl=16]
ANTHRAX – “Worship Music” (CD)
(Megaforce Records/2011)
1. Worship (Intro)
2. Earth On Hell
3. The Devil You Know
4. Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t
5. I’m Alive
6. Hymn 1
7. In The End
8. The Giant
9. Hymn 2
10. Judas Priest
11. Crawl
12. The Constant
13. Revolution Screams
http://anthrax.com/NFWS/
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