New Album Anticipated for May Release, Hints at Heavier Sound and Vocal Prowess
NEW YORK, NY – Metal titans Anthrax have ignited fan anticipation during their current co-headlining Canadian tour with Megadeth and Exodus by debuting snippets of a brand-new song live on stage. The teasers, captured by concertgoers, have been circulating online, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the band’s forthcoming studio album, which is tentatively slated for a May release in North America via Megaforce and in Europe through Nuclear Blast.
The unreleased track’s debut was first noted during Anthrax’s performance in Edmonton, Alberta, on February 21st, followed by another appearance in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on February 24th. Fan-filmed footage from these shows provides audible evidence of the new material, showcasing the band’s enduring commitment to delivering powerful and aggressive thrash metal. While the full scope of the new material remains under wraps, these live previews have been met with considerable excitement from the band’s dedicated fanbase.
This forthcoming album marks Anthrax’s first full-length studio effort since the critically acclaimed "For All Kings," released in 2016. The intervening years have been marked by extensive touring, the band’s 40th-anniversary celebrations in 2021, and individual projects from its members, including Charlie Benante’s involvement with Pantera’s recent live performances. The new record’s long gestation period has only amplified the eagerness for new music from the thrash metal pioneers.
Behind the Scenes: Recording and Production
The creation of the new album involved a significant portion of its recording and mixing sessions taking place at the renowned Studio 606 in Northridge, California, a facility owned by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. This choice of studio often suggests a commitment to capturing a raw and authentic sound, a characteristic that has long been a hallmark of Anthrax’s musical identity.
Returning to helm the production is Jay Ruston, a collaborator who has previously guided Anthrax through their successful 2016 album "For All Kings" and the equally impactful 2011 comeback record, "Worship Music." Ruston’s consistent involvement signals a continued creative synergy, with the band clearly valuing his ability to translate their sonic vision into a cohesive and powerful album. His past work with Anthrax has been lauded for its ability to balance modern production techniques with the band’s classic thrash metal roots.
A Glimpse into the New Sound: Bassist Frank Bello’s Insights
Anthrax bassist Frank Bello, in a recent interview with Dan Coniglio of Long & McQuade’s YouTube channel, offered valuable insights into the upcoming album’s sound and the band’s creative process. Bello expressed immense pride in the new material, describing it as "so heavy" and noting that certain parts are "really hard to play," a challenge he relishes. This suggests a deliberate push towards a more intense and technically demanding sonic landscape.
"Joey’s [Belladonna, Anthrax singer] vocals – I don’t understand how the guy could sing like that, but he still is killing it," Bello remarked, highlighting the continued vocal prowess of frontman Joey Belladonna. Belladonna’s return to the fold for "Worship Music" and his subsequent contributions have been widely celebrated, and Bello’s comments indicate that his performance on the new album is equally, if not more, impressive.
Bello’s enthusiasm extended to the album’s potential reception, stating, "If you like the last two records we’ve come out with and the past stuff, I think everybody’s gonna be happy, ’cause as fans, we’re very stoked." He also acknowledged the extended wait for new material, adding, "It’s been 10 years [since the release of the last album]. So we made sure it’s worthwhile." This statement directly addresses the significant gap between studio albums and reassures fans that the wait has been productive and fruitful.
The Creative Crucible: Navigating the Pandemic and Collaborative Alchemy
Delving into Anthrax’s creative workflow, Bello detailed the band’s adaptation to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "We had to get over the COVID thing, like everybody else. We couldn’t be one of those bands that were doing it over video, ’cause the latency… Say we were jamming on something, it would come out a half a second later. It’s, like, ‘Oh,’ and you lose the vibe." This inability to jam remotely underscored the importance of in-person collaboration for Anthrax, a band whose live energy and chemistry are integral to their songwriting.
To overcome these limitations, the band initially resorted to sending files back and forth. However, as soon as it was deemed safe, the core trio of drummer Charlie Benante, guitarist Scott Ian, and Bello reconvened, a process they have employed throughout their careers. "So the three of us – Charlie, Scott and I – got together, as we’ve done all our lives, and started exchanging ideas. And from the files we’ve had, [we went through it and said], ‘What’s good? Is that good? Does that work here? Back and forth.’"
Bello likened the songwriting process to "making a cake," emphasizing the layered approach. "It starts with the foundation of the three of us getting the music together. Music [comes first] and then melodies, usually. Scott and I usually go back and forth with that a lot. Charlie comes up with a lot of great music ideas, but we all came out with a lot of music ideas in this. And then the melodies. Scott and I would work on that a lot. And it’s an open thing. Everybody can come in with ideas. That’s the idea. And then the lyrics would come on top." This description highlights a democratic and inclusive songwriting environment where every member contributes to the creative tapestry.
The process also involves rigorous editing and a willingness to discard ideas, even cherished ones, for the sake of the song. "And to get it through us, to make sure, as fans, and we’ve been doing this for a while – we cut out a lot of stuff: ‘No’. ‘Yes’. ‘No’. ‘Yes’. ‘Cause you want the best, like everything else. Like mom and my grandmother said, it’s gotta be the best. Work ethic. Editing is really tough, and it’s hard. Sometimes you lose parts that you love, but if it’s not good for the song. It’s all about the song, man. At the end of the day, that’s all we’re about. It’s about the song. And still to this day. Period." This dedication to songcraft over individual ego is a testament to the band’s enduring artistic integrity.
Bello further elaborated on the necessity of relinquishing ego in a collaborative setting. "I’m still brokenhearted," he admitted, referring to ideas that didn’t make the final cut. "And it’s true. I think every songwriter will tell you that. Especially when you’re in a band, when you’re just not writing the stuff by yourself. When you’re collaborating, you have to be open and get ready for that. If that’s not working, you can’t force feed it in, ’cause it’s gonna screw up the song and not make it as potent as it can be. You gotta say, ‘All right, I gotta get rid of that ego thing and [be, like], ‘Okay. You’re right.’ And learn to say ‘you’re right’ and ‘I agree’. And then when you really feel strongly about something, you gotta remember that other side of it and you gotta really fight your way through. And sometimes that works too. So it’s a balance." This nuanced perspective on collaboration underscores the maturity and professionalism within Anthrax.
Album Artwork and Single Tease
The anticipation for the new album is further fueled by the fact that Anthrax filmed a music video for its first single in December. While details about the single itself remain scarce, this production step indicates that the album is nearing its final stages of completion.
Drummer Charlie Benante has also been vocal about the album’s visual identity. In a December interview with the "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast, he revealed that he had completed the album cover artwork, describing it as "fucking trippy as hell." Benante collaborated on the design with artist Mark Stutzman, who also contributed conceptual art for magician David Blaine’s recent National Geographic series, "Do Not Attempt." Benante discovered Stutzman’s work while watching the documentary and found it to be exactly what he envisioned for Anthrax’s album. This unique artistic collaboration suggests a visually striking and potentially avant-garde aesthetic for the new release.
A Decade in the Making: A Band Reinvigorated
The upcoming album represents a significant milestone, not just as new material, but as the culmination of a decade-long period of resurgence for Anthrax. Following their inclusion in the "Big Four" tours alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, and the subsequent release of "Worship Music," the band experienced a renewed creative vigor. "For All Kings" was hailed by some critics as their strongest album to date, building on this momentum.
Benante, in a July 2025 interview with the "Talk Is Jericho" podcast, expressed immense confidence in the new record. "Not because it’s our record, but God, this record is so good. And I know it took a long time to make, but I think people will really be surprised and they will really grasp this and just be, like, ‘Oh my God. This is worth the wait.’ At least that’s what I think." He further compared producer Jay Ruston’s role to that of legendary Beatles producer George Martin, highlighting the deep and collaborative working relationship.
Benante also described the process of assembling the album’s tracklist, noting how the record began to take shape as more songs were completed. "You could have three or four songs and it’s, like, ‘Okay, they’re good.’ Then you have seven, then you have 10, then the record starts to take shape." He shared his excitement after listening to the songs in sequence, stating, "It’s the best thing when you could put them all together and it just flows. So I’m really excited about it… We pushed the envelope on this record too, so I’m happy about that." This suggests a cohesive album with a strong narrative flow, a testament to meticulous planning and arrangement.
A Legacy of Thrash Metal
Anthrax, formed in Queens, New York, on July 18, 1981, by Scott Ian and Dan Lilker, is one of the foundational pillars of the thrash metal genre. Alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, they are recognized as pioneers who defined the sound and attitude of East Coast thrash. Over their illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Anthrax has released 11 studio albums, garnered multiple gold and platinum certifications, received six Grammy nominations, and performed thousands of shows worldwide. Their storied history includes iconic performances at Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium as part of the "Big Four" concerts.
The current tour, featuring Anthrax alongside fellow thrash legends Megadeth and Exodus, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy and ongoing relevance of these iconic bands. The shared stage provides a platform not only for established hits but also for the unveiling of new material that promises to uphold the high standards set by these titans of heavy music. The enthusiastic reception of the new song snippets on this tour signals a strong and eager audience ready to embrace whatever sonic onslaught Anthrax unleashes next. The anticipation for the May release of their new album is palpable, marking another significant chapter in the band’s storied career.