On Friday, September 4, 2026, the legendary thrash metal titans Anthrax delivered a thunderous and intimate performance at the newly established Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, New York. Located at 428 Troutman Street in the Bushwick neighborhood, this venue, formerly known as Brooklyn Made, played host to a fervent crowd eager to witness the enduring power of the East Coast thrash pioneers. The concert offered a potent blend of fan-favorite anthems, deep cuts, and electrifying live debuts, all while serving as a significant prelude to the band’s forthcoming twelfth studio album, "Cursum Perficio," slated for release on September 18.
The choice of Saint Vitus Bar for this special engagement carried a particular resonance. The original Saint Vitus, which opened its doors in 2011, was a cornerstone of the New York City underground music scene. With a modest 250-capacity, it fostered an environment where local hardcore bands could hone their craft and where surprise appearances by established artists, including members of Nirvana, Blink-182, Megadeth, and even Anthrax themselves, became legendary. However, the original venue met an abrupt end in February 2024 when the Department of Buildings shuttered its doors during a live performance, citing a lack of proper operating permits for a music venue. The new iteration of Saint Vitus Bar, taking up residence in the former Brooklyn Made space, aims to recapture that spirit of raw, unadulterated live music, making Anthrax’s performance a symbolic reclaiming of that vital space within the city’s cultural fabric.
A Setlist Forged in Fire and Fanaticism
Anthrax’s setlist for the evening was a meticulously curated journey through their storied career, designed to both satisfy the long-time devotees and showcase their continued vitality. The band launched into their set with "It’s For The Kids," a powerful opener that immediately set a high-octane tone. This was followed by a blistering rendition of their iconic Joe Jackson cover, "Got The Time," a track that has become a staple in their live repertoire.
The thrash metal onslaught continued with a barrage of classics, including "Madhouse," "Metal Thrashing Mad," and "Keep It In The Family." A notable moment arrived with the inclusion of "Now It’s Dark," marking its first performance since 2021, a track that resonated deeply with the audience for its atmospheric intensity.
The evening also featured the highly anticipated live debuts of two new songs. "The Edge Of Perfection" showcased the band’s ability to craft compelling new material that seamlessly fits within their established sound. Equally significant was the live debut of "Everybody’s Got A Plan," performed in its entirety for the first time, a testament to the band’s commitment to presenting fresh material with the same ferocity as their celebrated back catalog.
The setlist continued to weave through pivotal moments in Anthrax’s history, including the anthemic "Caught In A Mosh," a song that has become synonymous with the band’s energetic live shows. "Lone Justice" also made a welcome return to the stage for the first time since 2021, further highlighting the band’s exploration of their extensive catalog.
Further cementing their dedication to their roots and their influences, Anthrax delivered powerful covers of "Antisocial" by TRUST and "Clobberin’ Time" by SICK OF IT ALL. The latter marked its live debut by Anthrax, a clear nod to the hardcore scene that has long been intertwined with their own musical journey.
The grand finale of the main set included their seminal track "Indians," a song that consistently ignites mosh pits and singalongs. The band then surprised the audience with the live debut of "NYC 93," a track that held a unique significance as the band played along to the album version of the song during a music video shoot. The inclusion of "NYC 93" twice in the setlist, potentially to capture different takes or simply to extend the triumphant closing, underscored the song’s special status and the band’s engagement with their visual and sonic artistry.
A Legacy Forged in Queens: The Anthrax Genesis
Anthrax’s story began in Queens, New York, on July 18, 1981. Formed by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker, the band emerged as a foundational pillar of the burgeoning thrash metal scene on the East Coast. In a landscape dominated by the burgeoning sounds of Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, Anthrax carved out their own distinctive niche, characterized by their aggressive riffs, rapid-fire drumming, and a lyrical style that often blended social commentary with a sardonic wit. Their early albums, such as "Fistful of Metal" (1984) and "Spreading the Disease" (1985), quickly established them as leaders in the genre, influencing countless bands and solidifying their status as one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal.
"Cursum Perficio": A Journey’s End, A New Beginning
The impending release of "Cursum Perficio" on September 18, 2026, marks a significant milestone for Anthrax. This twelfth full-length studio album, distributed by Megaforce in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast in Europe, arrives a decade after their last studio effort, 2016’s "For All Kings," which impressively debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. The album’s title, "Cursum Perficio," is derived from Latin, translating to "My journey has come to an end," "My journey is over," or "I complete my journey." This evocative phrase suggests a potentially introspective and conclusive chapter for the band, though the energy of their recent live performances indicates a continued passion for creating and performing.
The anticipation for "Cursum Perficio" is amplified by the extensive array of formats available to fans. Beyond the standard CD and a Target-exclusive CD featuring a fabric patch of the album cover, the vinyl offerings are particularly diverse. Standard black double LPs will feature a pop-up gatefold, while Target will offer an exclusive red zoetrope double LP with a pop-up gatefold. Amazon customers can procure a purple zoetrope LP with a pop-up gatefold, and a merch-exclusive lilac vinyl double LP with a pop-up gatefold will also be available. For those seeking unique editions, Metal Injection presents a white vinyl double LP with a pop-up gatefold, and Talk Shop Live offers a signed version with red ripple vinyl and a pop-up gatefold. Indie retailers will carry an exclusive red, orange, and yellow vinyl double LP with a pop-up gatefold, catering to a wide spectrum of collector preferences.
Studio Sessions and Sonic Evolution
The recording process for "Cursum Perficio" saw Anthrax delving deep into their creative well during 2022. The band established a base at Dave Grohl’s renowned Studio 606 in Los Angeles, a space that has witnessed the creation of numerous acclaimed recordings. This environment provided a fertile ground for the band to meticulously craft what they describe as their "magnum opus." The recording sessions were characterized by a reverence for their past, aiming to exceed fan expectations while simultaneously expanding the sonic horizons of their signature sound.
Produced by Jay Ruston and Anthrax themselves, the resulting album is reported to be as potent and aggressive as their most celebrated works. The collaborative production approach, coupled with the band’s commitment to sonic innovation, suggests that "Cursum Perficio" will not only honor their thrash metal legacy but also push the boundaries of what their sound can encompass.
Broader Context and Future Implications
The intimate performance at Saint Vitus Bar, coupled with the imminent release of a new album, signifies a period of renewed vigor for Anthrax. In an era where many legacy bands either tour extensively on their back catalog or disband, Anthrax’s commitment to creating new, impactful music is a testament to their enduring passion and artistic drive. The album title, "Cursum Perficio," while seemingly conclusive, can also be interpreted as a powerful statement of completion of a current creative cycle, leaving the door open for future endeavors.
The band’s ability to consistently deliver high-energy performances, as evidenced by the Brooklyn show, coupled with their dedication to evolving their sound on record, positions them favorably within the contemporary music landscape. The diverse range of vinyl releases for "Cursum Perficio" also reflects a keen understanding of their fanbase and the market for physical media, a sector that has seen a resurgence in recent years.
The performance itself, occurring in a venue that has a history of both underground resilience and a connection to major artists, served as a symbolic bridge between Anthrax’s own storied past and the ongoing evolution of live music spaces. As the thrash metal pioneers continue to forge ahead, "Cursum Perficio" promises to be a defining statement, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the genre and their ability to create music that resonates with both long-time fans and new generations of listeners. The return to a more intimate setting before a major album release also speaks to the band’s desire to connect with their audience on a personal level, a characteristic that has always been a hallmark of their enduring appeal.
