In a candid and insightful conversation on the BREWtally Speaking Podcast, ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello offered a profound perspective on the longevity and internal dynamics of one of thrash metal’s foundational acts. Bello drew a powerful parallel between the intricacies of a long-standing band and the profound commitment of a marriage, elaborating on how shared experiences, disagreements, and ultimate triumphs forge an unbreakable bond that has sustained the group for over four decades. The discussion also illuminated the band’s current creative peak, underscored by the imminent release of their highly anticipated twelfth studio album, "Cursum Perficio," marking a decade since their last full-length offering.
“Oh, it’s a total marriage. It’s a total marriage,” Bello affirmed when the long-held adage about bandmates resembling a multi-partner marriage was presented. He elaborated on this sentiment, extending it to the concept of a family. “You have brothers and sisters – some people do, some people don’t, but if you do, you understand. Or even cousins, whatever it is. Occasionally, look, some shit goes on, and that’s the bottom line. You have to weather the storms. I mean, like everything else, man. It’s, look, life.” This acknowledgment of inevitable friction is not a harbinger of discord but rather a testament to the resilience and maturity that comes with decades of shared artistic endeavor. The ability to navigate these internal challenges, Bello suggests, is precisely what has allowed ANTHRAX to not only survive but thrive.
The Unifying Power of the Stage
The true catharsis and unifying force for the ANTHRAX members, according to Bello, lies in their electrifying live performances. He articulated a sentiment that resonates deeply within the music community: the unparalleled feeling of stepping onto the stage as ANTHRAX. "To this day, I could tell you, honestly, dude, there’s no feeling like stepping onto an ANTHRAX stage for me," Bello stated emphatically. "I think the other guys feel the same. There’s an energy that I can’t explain that there’s no other part… I don’t have it anywhere near in my life that the energy going on an ANTHRAX stage, because it just goes from 1 to 10 immediately, and you’re on." This immediate surge of adrenaline and connection with the audience serves as an immediate reset button, dissolving any prior tensions or personal grievances.
Bello described this experience as a form of collective euphoria, a shared drug that fuels their continued passion. "And everything, everything for me is fulfilled. It’s just the audience, and you’re one with the audience, dude, and that is the drug you keep going after. And all the other shit goes away. Everything else goes away. Whatever. You had a bad day, whatever. You had an argument with one of the bandmembers, whatever, and that shit happens. Every band has arguments. It doesn’t matter. The idea is that you have to get over it and move on because it’s for the good of the band and the good of the music, and that’s why I think we’re still around." This perspective highlights the profound symbiotic relationship between the band and their devoted fanbase, a dynamic that has been a cornerstone of ANTHRAX’s enduring appeal.
Evolving Dynamics: Wisdom Through Experience
Reflecting on over 40 years of ANTHRAX’s existence, Bello acknowledged the evolution of his own approach to band dynamics. He emphasized a newfound maturity and a willingness to step back and listen, a stark contrast to potentially more reactive stances in earlier years. "Always," Bello responded when asked about his awareness of these interpersonal dynamics. "And I’ll tell you this: after all this time, what you learn after a while, take the step back instead of being right away, without thinking it out, just being in attack mode. No, you gotta pull it back and listen to everybody’s view. I think that’s really important. That’s what you learn after… Maybe it’s wisdom after a long time. You get to know everybody’s vibe. And it’s really [about having] respect for everybody in the group. It really is that. It’s just taking that step back."
This learned behavior, characterized by patience and empathy, has demonstrably contributed to the band’s sustained harmony. While Bello admitted that neither he nor other band members have always adhered to this approach, the collective understanding that these moments are temporary and ultimately surmountable has become a guiding principle. "And look, I haven’t always done this, other people in my band haven’t done this, but we know this works. So, we all know we’ll get over it at the end of the day. But there isn’t a lot of that anymore, honestly, because I think we’re so into what we’re doing. That was the growing stages." This signifies a maturation process where the shared artistic goals and the deep-seated respect for each other’s contributions have superseded minor disagreements.
"Cursum Perficio": A Decade in the Making, A Triumph of Spirit
The anticipation surrounding ANTHRAX’s new album, "Cursum Perficio," is palpable, especially given the ten-year gap since their last studio release, "For All Kings," in 2016. Bello expressed immense pride and optimism regarding the new material. "ANTHRAX, as we speak, coming out with this new record, [‘Cursum Perficio’, on] September 18th – shameless plug – after 10 years, dude, I can honestly say we’re in a really good place as a band," he shared. The positive reception to the initial singles – "It’s For The Kids," "The Edge Of Perfection," and "Everybody’s Got A Plan" – has further bolstered the band’s morale.
"I just feel like everybody knows this works, and we made what we think is a great record, and the reaction for the first three singles has been insane. We’re so humbled. Humbled is seriously the word. I can’t believe the reaction we’re getting, the great reaction, and we can’t wait to play this stuff," Bello stated. The overwhelming positive feedback from both longtime fans and a surprising influx of new listeners has validated the band’s creative efforts. "So, yeah, it’s been 10 years for a record, and you know what? It’s paying off for us because we’re feeling the vibe from the people. And I think ANTHRAX is in a really good place as a band, and from what fans and newer fans are showing – we’re getting a lot of new fans now, which is awesome. It’s turning over. I didn’t see that coming, to be honest with you. But the demographics are changing, which is awesome, along with our normal fans that have stayed with us through this whole time. It’s great, dude." This demographic expansion suggests a renewed relevance and a successful bridging of generational divides within the metal community.
The title itself, "Cursum Perficio," a Latin phrase translating to "My journey has come to an end," "My journey is over," or "I complete my journey," carries significant weight. While it might suggest finality, Bello’s enthusiastic description of the band’s current state and the album’s reception implies a completion of a creative cycle, a testament to their enduring legacy rather than an impending conclusion. This could be interpreted as the band reaching a pinnacle of their artistic expression, a definitive statement of their sound and vision.
The Genesis of "Cursum Perficio"
The recording process for "Cursum Perficio" took place primarily in 2022 at Dave Grohl’s renowned Studio 606 in Los Angeles. This historic location, known for hosting legendary recordings, provided a fertile ground for ANTHRAX to meticulously craft their latest opus. "They carefully pieced together what would be this magnum opus, mining their history with reverence, delivering on fan expectations tenfold, and broadening the scope of their signature sound," the official press release details. The production, a collaboration between Jay Ruston and ANTHRAX, aimed to capture the raw aggression and vibrant energy that have defined the band’s most acclaimed works. The resulting album is described as "as angry, aggressive, and alive as their most celebrated fare," promising a potent blend of their classic thrash roots with a fresh, contemporary edge.
Release Details and Fan Engagement
"Cursum Perficio" is slated for release on September 18th via Megaforce in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast in Europe. The album will be available in a multitude of formats, catering to diverse fan preferences. Standard CD and LP editions will be complemented by exclusive versions from retailers like Target, Amazon, Metal Injection, and Talk Shop Live, featuring unique vinyl colors, fabric patches, and even signed copies. This multi-faceted release strategy underscores the band’s commitment to engaging with their fanbase across various platforms and collecting avenues.
To commemorate the album’s release, ANTHRAX has announced a special late-night in-store signing event at Guestroom Records in Louisville, Kentucky. Following their performance at the Louder Than Life festival on September 17th, the band members – Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna, and Jonathan Donais – will be present to sign copies of "Cursum Perficio," beginning at 12:01 a.m. on September 18th. This event, limited to fans who pre-order the album directly from Guestroom Records, offers an intimate opportunity for fans to connect with the band and celebrate the culmination of their decade-long creative endeavor. The inclusion of all five core members in the signing further emphasizes the unified front ANTHRAX presents as they embark on this new chapter.
The success of "For All Kings" in 2016, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, set a high bar for "Cursum Perficio." However, based on Bello’s enthusiastic pronouncements and the early reception of the singles, the band appears poised to not only meet but exceed fan expectations, solidifying their status as enduring titans of thrash metal. The journey, as "Cursum Perficio" might suggest, is far from over; it is perhaps entering its most powerful and resonant phase.
