Major status New York Thrash act ANTHRAX was without the most adventurous in terms of crossing musical boundaries and experimentation. The band formed part of the mid 80's Thrash 'Big Four' alongside METALLICA, MEGADETH and SLAYER. Formed by FOUR X guitarist Scott Ian Rosenfeld and WHITE HEAT guitar player Dan Lilker, ANTHRAX featured vocalist Jason Ian, Scott's then 14 year old brother in the original line-up with Ken Kushner on bass. This latter candidate soon lost his post to Paul Kahn, (Kushner subsequently forged WORLD BANG), who in turn was replaced on four-string duties by Dan Lilker as Greg Walls joined as second guitarist. Further singers trying out would be band roadie John Connolly during 1981-82 and HITTMAN vocalist Dirk Kennedy. Eventually the role of frontman was stabilised in August 1982, with the acquisition of ex-AMRA singer Neil Turbin. Ian, Lilker and Turbin had all attended Bayside High School in Queens.

Before enrolling Turbin, the budding ANTHRAX had performed "pay to play" shows at the North Stage Dinner Theatre in Glen Cove and Great Gildersleeves. Drummer Greg D'Angelo, having replaced original sticksman Dave Weiss, also formed part of the fledgling line-up. Weiss had been forced out due to being severely injured in a hit n' run auto accident. A further switch in personnel saw Walls briefly replaced by Bob Berry, the Blues player recommended by RIOT's Rhett Forrester. Berry's tenure would prove fleeting though and Dan Spitz, an employee on Rudi's Music on 48th Street, and ex-member of OVERKILL, was drawn into the fold. Already ANTHRAX's dedication was paying dividends. Their refusal to perform only original material an impressive onstage array of equipment, including roadcases purchased from KISS, gave the band a high profile in New York.

The band's first tracks committed to tape, at Sonic Recording Studios in Fremont, Long Island, would be a three song demo comprising of 'Sin', 'Antichrist' and 'Hunting Dog'. Other tracks put onto tape would be 'Pestilence' and 'Satan's Wheels'. During a second round of recording D'Angelo decided to quit. D'Angelo opted to join CITIES and subsequently enjoying a high profile with WHITE LION. He was duly replaced by Charlie Benante in September 1983. Ex-frontman Jason Ian would in later years turn up as drummer for REVEREND.

The band captured the interest of Megaforce Records guru Johnny Zazula with the track 'Soldiers Of Metal' from a further demo. Zazula, and wife Marsha, ran the infamous import shop 'Rock n' Roll Heaven' on the New Jersey turnpike and was already integrally involved in the career of another budding Speed Metal band - METALLICA. In fact, ANTHRAX had first met Zazula at one of his live promotions featuring RAVEN, RIOT and ANVIL. ANTHRAX registered their first single, again cut at Sonic Studios and produced by none other than MANOWAR guitarist Ross Friedman; a.k.a. Ross 'The Boss' Funicello, 'Soldiers of Metal' backed by 'Howling Furies'. Three thousand copies of the single were sold in a mere two weeks during November 1983.

Playing a variety of shows locally and as far a field as Boston, where they opened for KROKUS, earned the band an ever increasing following and contributed to the initial success of their 'Fistful Of Metal' debut album, produced by Carl Canedy of THE RODS. Initially Ross the Boss was projected to record the record but delays caused by having the intended studios in Rochester being out of comission saw this plan scotched. Before a new location could be found, the band spent three nights sleeping in a hotel basement before travelling on to finally craft their record at Pyramid Recording in Ithaca. Notably, 'Fistful Of Metal' included a cover version of ALICE COOPER's 'I'm Eighteen'. Although the album cover, a fist punching out of a mouth, forced many critics to baulk the music gave fans of the burgeoning Thrash scene reason to celebrate.

ANTHRAX toured the American heartland for the first time on a 40-date trek with RAVEN. Following the release of 'Fistful Of Metal' Dan Lilker left ANTHRAX and was replaced in the bass slot by Charlie Benante's cousin and Scott Ian's roadie, Frank Bello. Lilker went on to form the Thrash-Hardcore act NUCLEAR ASSUALT.

Neil Turbin quickly parted company with ANTHRAX due to differences both musical and personal with his new band mates. The singer would raise ready cash, employed as a New York cab driver for a short spell, to finance a relocation to Los Angeles. There he turned up on Japanese guitar God KUNI's 1986 album 'Masque' and in 1988 was fronting the KURT JAMES BAND.

In late 1984 ANTHRAX debuted their new vocalist, ex-BIBLE BLACK and MEGAFORCE man Joey Belladonna (real name Joseph Bellardini), first putting down vocals on the February 1985 'Armed And Dangerous' mini-album. This stop gap release featured re-worked songs from 'Fistful Of Metal' plus a version of the SEX PISTOLS 'God Save The Queen'. Road work in Europe during May of 1985 saw the band billed on the 'Metal Hammer Road Shows' alongside OVERKILL and AGENT STEEL.

Ian and Benante's side project with M.O.D.'s vocalist Billy Milano and erstwhile ANTHRAX member Dan Lilker S.O.D. (STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH) released their debut album 'Speak English Or Die' two months prior to the second ANTHRAX album 'Spreading The Disease'.

The sophomore effort, issued in February 1986, carved out a distinctive niche for the band as ANTHRAX, while firmly in the Thrash Metal camp, set themselves apart from other contenders with a unique edge.

Meantime, ANTHRAX's ascendancy had been duly noted by the major labels and Island Records took the band on for future product. The 'Among The Living' album proved the band's popularity was on the way up achieving sales figures of 400'000 plus. Lyrically ANTHRAX delved into the imaginative realms of horror writer Stephen King for the title track, 'Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)' concerning actor John Belushi's drug tragedy, the plight of native Americans for 'Indians' and even Judge Dredd comics for 'I Am The Law'. The latter two of these tracks would be issued as singles and make valuable impressions on the charts. 'I Am The Law' soon became a crowd favourite as did 'Indians', often performed onstage by Belladonna in full chieftain feathered head-dress.

February of 1987 saw the band traversing mainland Europe with support acts CELTIC FROST and CRIMSON GLORY. ANTHRAX toured North America supporting KISS during 1987 and also appeared at the British Castle Donington 'Monsters Of Rock' festival. ANTHRAX would guest to METALLICA on European dates too, these shows being curtailed with the tragic death of METALLICA bassist Cliff Burton.

That same year, the band's increasing popularity in Japan led to the re-issue of the 'Fistful Of Metal' album in new packaging with the addition of a couple of live tracks featuring Joey Belladonna singing 'Panic' and 'Raise Hell'. Further British shows saw TESTAMENT supporting whilst a nationwide tour of America, supported by EXODUS and CELTIC FROST, rounded off the year.

Anthrax activated huge crossover appeal with their rap metal single 'I'm The Man', was swiftly certified gold in America with 500'000 sales. Truly a cross-culture piece of work, 'I'm The Man', co-produced by Eddie Kramer and Paul Hammingson with a guitar run inspired by traditional Jewish folk song Hava Nagila, reached number 53 on the singles charts but importantly remained lodged on radio for a steadfast run and bridged the divide between the two genres, enabling other acts in their wake to take up the same opportunity. The EP also included two live cuts and a rendition of BLACK SABBATH's 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath'. 'I'm The Man's tenacity on radio rewarded Anthrax with their first platinum award.

The September 1988 album 'State Of Euphoria', produced by Alex Perialis, included a version of TRUST's 'Antisocial'. 'State Of Euphoria' continued the upward trend in sales, peaking at number 30 on the US charts and 12 in the UK, their career highest.

Touring was once again intensive as ANTHRAX opened arena shows for OZZY OSBOURNE in late 1988. Dates in Britain with guests LIVING COLOR followed prior to a lengthy headlining jaunt sponsored by MTV and supported by EXODUS once more and Germans HELLOWEEN. Live work did not end there though and ANTHRAX returned to Britain with guests KING'S X. ANTHRAX also featured as guest musicians on the rap single by New Yorkers U.F.T.O. in 1988.

Anthrax had recorded various cover versions during the 'State Of Euphoria' sessions as intended B sides, including TRUST's 'Le Sects', SEX PISTOLS 'Friggin' In The Riggin', KISS' 'Parasite' and the Ventures 'Pipeline'. These tracks emerged in August of 1989 as the 'Penikufesin' EP ("Nice Fuckin' EP" backwards). This set, also bolstered by a French language versions of 'Antisocial', gave Anthrax another gold sales certification in the USA.

The band opened for IRON MAIDEN on a European tour at the close of 1990 but returned to America to find a radical reshaping of their label Island Records as a consequence of it's buy out by Polygram had effectively severed the ties between label and band. In spite of this upward struggle, the Mark Dodson produced 'Persistence Of Time' album went on to gold status shifting more than 600'000 copies as Island and ANTHRAX parted company. Undoubtedly stung by criticism aimed at the group's light hearted manner, questionable apparel and a glut of gimmickry, Persistence Of Time showed a darker side to ANTHRAX, bordering on the progressive with tracks not only longer but deadly serious in nature. An offbeat cover version came with a take on JOE JACKSON's 'Got The Time', another hit for the band.

ANTHRAX toured as part of the 'Clash of the Titans' package during 1991 sharing a co-headlining bill with MEGADETH, SLAYER and ALICE IN CHAINS. The original intention of this touring project was to have been an awesome combination of Thrash's 'big four' (inc. METALLICA) but nevertheless the assembled bill drew in sizeable crowds. For the European leg ALICE IN CHAINS were replaced by SUICIDAL TENDENCIES but attendances remained almost sell out status throughout.

In June 1991 the band compiled the album 'Attack Of The Killer B's', a novel approach that garnered ANTHRAX yet another gold record. The album comprised 'Bring The Noise', B sides, live tracks and previously unreleased material. A brace of live numbers, 'Keep It In The Family' and 'Belly Of The Beast' had been recorded live in 1990 of the 'Persistence Of Time' tour.

ANTHRAX's next move was a brave endeavour following their recent full on metal tour. The 'Bring The Noise' track, recorded originally by rappers PUBLIC ENEMY, and originally part of the 'Attack Of The Killer B's' album, had found it's way onto mainstream radio giving ANTHRAX an airing to fans outside of the hard rock sphere. With such exposure, ANTHRAX and PUBLIC ENEMY teamed up to tour America as a unique pairing with support act YOUNG BLACK TEENAGERS, a band that Benante had given his drumming services on their debut album.

The groundbreaking tour encountered problems from reluctant promoters but in the end over twenty highly successful shows were performed in America. British dates saw PRONG as third band on the bill. Despite riding on an undoubted high, Belladonna shocked fans by leaving. For many years the rumour machine had suggested differences between the singer and the core of the band regarding musical tastes. ANTHRAX drafted John Bush, a man who had carved his reputation with Californian Metal act ARMORED SAINT and had famously rejected METALLICA overtures in 1982.

Replacing Joey Belladonna, ANTHRAX drafted new frontman John Bush, a man who had carved his reputation with Californian Metal act ARMORED SAINT. Bush's debut with ANTHRAX, May 1993's Dave Jerden produced 'Sound Of White Noise', entered the Billboard top ten and broke the million sales mark in America. Limited edition variants hosted cover versions of CHEAP TRICK's 'Auf Wiedersehen', THIN LIZZY's 'Cowboy Song', THE SMITH's 'London', BEASTIE BOYS' 'Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun' and KISS' 'Love Her All I Can' and a Strings Mix of 'Black Lodge'. The Japanese version of the album also had an Al Jourgensen remix of 'Potters Field'.

In April 1994 ANTHRAX's former partner Island Records issued a live album simply dubbed 'The Island Years', mixed by Michael Barbiero and Steve Thompson and taped at Irvine Meadows, California on October 19th, 1991 and the Electric Lady Studios, on January 28th, 1992.

Although 'Sound Of White Noise' performed beyond expectation, the band's fall from grace came remarkably swiftly when, in 1995, ANTHRAX hit an all-time low. The band had switched to work with the Butcher Brothers production team on the 'Stomp 442' album. Spitz left the band before recording and although it was a fine album, 'Stomp 442' proved to be the nadir for the band saleswise, only scoring a Number 47 position on Billboard that October. Elektra and ANTHRAX duly severed relations: undaunted, a determined Anthrax teamed up with horror punks the MISFITS for yet another successful tour of America.

Scott Ian and Charlie Benante resurrected the original line-up of S.O.D. for a 1997 American tour culminating in a slot at the Milwaukee Metalfest. Other offbeat endeavours included the convening of DOOM SQUAD, being one of the more interesting interpretations lent to a JUDAS PRIEST tribute album 'Legends Of Metal'. DOOM SQUAD, a one off band convened for a very much tongue in cheek rendition of 'Burnin' Up'. Those involved included ANTHRAX men Scott Ian and John Bush, ARMORED SAINT bassist Joey Vera and drummer Gonzo with ACCEPT's Jörg Fischer on guitar.

Strangely, a full two years after Danny Spitz had quit ANTHRAX his guitar tech Paul Crook was still temping on a live basis. Lead guitar duties on the 'Volume 8: The Threat Is Real' album were shared by Ian, Benante and Crook.

PANTERA's Dimebag Darrell guested on 'Inside Out' and 'Born Again Idiot' whilst his band mate, vocalist Phil Anselmo, guested on 'Killing Box'. Frank Bello sang lead vocals on the 'hidden' bonus track 'Pieces' that closed the record. Outside of the Metal sphere of operations, Scott Ian sessioned on TRICKY's 'Angels With Dirty Faces' album.

ANTHRAX returned to Britain for a one off show in London during October 1998 and by the following year had bounced back with a best of album 'Return Of The Killer A's'. The CD had both Belladonna and Bush uniting to record 'Ball Of Confusion' and remixes by Al Jourgenson of MINISTRY. Former bassist Dan Lilker also puts in an appearance.

John Bush returned temporarily to ARMORED SAINT during 1999 for their much lauded 'Revelation' album but maintained his position with ANTHRAX. Bush also guested on a version of the SCORPIONS 'Blackout' on SIX FEET UNDER's 'Graveyard Classics' album.

The band's 2000 American tour found SKID ROW guitarist Snake filling in. ANTHRAX went out as guests to MÖTLEY CRÜE but, due to less than anticipated attendances across the board, were unable to fulfill all of the shows and bailed out before the tour's completion. In the summer of 2001 a TWISTED SISTER tribute album 'Twisted And Strange' would witness ANTHRAX offering up their take on the Glamsters 'Destroyer'.

2001

Bush's focus in mid 2001 would be concentrated on promoting an ARMORED SAINT archive album upfront of recording a new album with ANTHRAX. Later in the year ANTHRAX, complete with new guitarist Rob Caggiano, of New York's BOILER ROOM and well known for his production credits with acts such as PRIMER 55, DRY KILL LOGIC and 36 CRAZYFISTS, would jump on the high profile 2001 American tour of Metal legends JUDAS PRIEST for the late summer. The act also announced the inking of a new deal with Beyond Records, a subsidiary of BMG. First fruits of this liaison was the re-issue of 'Stomp 442' and 'Sound Of White Noise', both complete with a glut of rare foreign B side tracks.

However, just upfront of the JUDAS PRIEST tour the terrorist attacks on America on September 11th forced the cancellation of all shows. The terrorist actions would not only disrupt tour plans but put the very nature of ANTHRAX's existence into jeopardy. With America assailed by fears of biological and chemical warfare an Anthrax virus scare in October put the spotlight firmly on the band. In a Washington Post article Scott Ian confessed to having stocked up on supplies of the Anthrax virus antidote Cipro vowing "I will not die an ironic death." Meantime fans were asked to consider if the band should change its name.

As the Anthrax terror campaign worsened paradoxically the group found themselves afforded the kind of heavyweight press exposure on TV, radio and newsprint it had been lacking for so long. Indeed, the band's official website scored a massive three million hits in just under two weeks.

ANTHRAX, billed alongside ACE FREHLEY, ANTHRAX, OVERKILL, SEBASTIAN BACH and a reunited TWISTED SISTER, put in a live appearance on the 28th of November at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom 'New York Steel' event as a benefit event aimed to raise funds for families of the New York Police and Fire Departments who lost their lives at the World Trade Center disaster. The whole event was organised by Eddie Trunk, the esteemed host of WNEW FM's 'Saturday Night Rocks!'. Pointedly the band wore matching boiler suits, bearing the legend 'We're Not Changing Our Name'.

Amidst all this publicity former vocalist Neil Turbin announced his comeback with the 'Threat Con Delta' album. Involved in the studio sessions for a forthcoming album from Turbin's crew would be AMSTERDAM's Ronnie Borchert, erstwhile MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, HEAVEN and TALAS guitarist MITCH PERRY and Kurt James of STEELER and DR. MASTERMIND.

2002

ANTHRAX finally got to tour with JUDAS PRIEST in January of 2002 as the re-scheduled dates got back under way., An early untoward incident on the sold out tour being when Caggiano was arrested and jailed for throwing a hot dog at a taxi driver in Denver!

Amongst the traditional cover versions laid down by the band for the new album would be takes on 'Next To You' by THE POLICE, the RAMONES 'We're A Happy Family' and U2's 'Exit'. PANTERA guitarist Dimebag Darrell put in a by now traditional guest appearance making his make on the tracks 'Cadillac Rock Box' and 'Strap It On'. Quite incredibly the band also managed to draft ROGER DALTREY of THE WHO into the studio to lay down vocals on the song 'Taking The Music Back'.

ANTHRAX would head up a Thrash billing of MACHINE HEAD, TESTAMENT and EXODUS in Sao Paolo, Brazil on April 20th. Former ANTHRAX guitarist Paul Crook, firmly ensconced as a member of SEBASTIAN BACH's live band, debuted his new group GOTHAM whilst rumours surfaced that ex-ANTHRAX guitarist Dan Spitz had recently united with IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain for an undisclosed band project. This revelation would come as unexpectedly as Spitz had been out of the Rock n' Roll limelight for many years, becoming a vocal Christian since his departure from the band and devoting himself to gaining qualifications in the art of watchmaking. By late December MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson was also seemingly involved in this venture. Subsequently it would be revealed that Spitz was working up new material with his bassist brother, erstwhile BLACK SABBATH, GREAT WHITE and NUCLEAR ASSAULT man Dave 'The Beast' Spitz and having none other than eighties white Rap artist VANILLA ICE contributing vocals.

2003

The much anticipated new ANTHRAX studio album 'We've Come For You All', originally slated for September issue through Sanctuary, was postponed, first pushed back to a February 2003 release then extended further back until April. This disappointing news would be tempered by word that the band would hook up with MOTÖRHEAD for European tour dates throughout October. That same month a new ANTHRAX track 'Love Siege' was made available through internet download. The song had been cut for the soundtrack for director John Carpenter's 'Ghost Of Mars' movie and included none other than GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Buckethead on guest lead solos.

Former guitarist Paul Crook joined MEAT LOAF's touring band in early 2003. Although the group had originally opted to sign with another label for the North American release of 'We've Come For You All' this relationship dissolved and ANTHRAX signed on with Sanctuary for this territory too. US versions of the album came with exclusive live video footage of 'Got The Time' in addition to the rare 'Among The Living / I'm The Man / Caught In A Mosh' medley. A promotional video for the album track ''Safe Home' scored a coup by not only including a cameo appearance from Nu-Punks SUM 41 but also 'The Matrix' movie star Keanu Reeves. European headline dates in March saw Belgian's AFTER ALL as support after which ANTHRAX reprised the union with MOTÖRHEAD for US gigs in May.

To coincide with European shows in June ANTHRAX released a special two disc variant of 'We've Come For You All', the second disc comprising eight rare tracks. The band would be back out on the road in the US commencing 29th July in San Diego for their ambitious 'Taking The Music Back 2003' trek. Support for the first leg of shows was lent by LAMB OF GOD and E.TOWN CONCRETE whilst dates from mid August onward had LACUNA COIL and E.TOWN CONCRETE as guests.

The band projected a retrospective project as their next album release, the 'Metallum Maximus Aeternus' being a collection of archive Turbin and Belladonna era classics re-recorded with John Bush. ANTHRAX entered the DVD age too in December, capturing their show at a sold out Chicago Metro on film for a 'Music Of Mass Destruction' release.

2004

The 2004 New Year opened on a happy note for Scott Ian, the guitarist announcing his engagement to longtime girlfriend Pearl Aday, none other than eldest daughter of MEAT LOAF. Fortune continued to smile on Crook as he was subsequently hand picked as lead guitarist for the QUEEN stage musical 'We Will Rock You'. Present day guitarist Rob Caggiano would be kept busy outside of ANTHRAX activities by acting as producer for renowned British Black Metal band CRADLE OF FILTH.

In a surprise move bassist Frank Bello, after two decades of service to ANTHRAX, quit in February, relocating to Los Angeles in order to work with a new band being assembled by Page Hamilton of HELMET. The HELMET connection would be strengthened as Scott Ian forged a temporary union with Hamilton to cut a version of 'Motorbreath' for a METALLICA tribute album through Big Deal Records entitled 'Metallic Assault'.

The band reacted to Bello's defection by pulling in ARMORED SAINT and FATES WARNING man Joey Vera as a temporary substitute. Getting back to road work ANTHRAX toured Japan and Australia, with support coming from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and SOILWORK, in April of 2004 upfront of European festival performances. Unfortunately their promotional video for the track 'What Doesn't Die' was rejected by MTV, after it had originally been accepted by the 'Headbangers Ball' programme. Apparently MTV's watchdogs deemed scenes depicting zombies on fire and guitarist Scott Ian knocking the head off a zombie too graphic.

Maintaining momentum, a collection of Joey Belladonna/Neil Turbin-era songs performed by the band's present line up, initially dubbed 'Metallum Maximum Aeturnum' but then switched to 'The Greater Of Two Evils', arrived in November. The songs had been recorded "live" in the Avatar studios in New York City over the course of two days and the track list voted on by fans through the band's website. Upfront of this release ANTHRAX launched their own range of limited edition, vintage shaped skateboards. The record was promoted by a promotional video for the track 'Deathrider', filmed at the Snitch nightclub in New York City. A US tour, allied with DIO and FIREBALL MINISTRY, commenced in September.

2005 to 2007

In December 2004 a slip from SHADOWS FALL frontman Brian Fair ignited rumours of a full blown "Classic" ANTHRAX reunion of Joey Belladonna, Dan Spitz, Scott Ian, Frank Bello and Charlie Benante. The conjecture gathered pace when this proposed reformation was alleged to be in discussion for a position at the 'Ozzfest' event. By February these rumours would be confirmed, the "classic" ANTHRAX apparently set to take up position on 'Ozzfest' alongside IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH. Strangely, as it transpired this union did not take place.

In January of 2005 ANTHRAX's appearance at Holland's 'Dynamo Open Air' festival in May and the French Fury Fest', 'Sweden Rock' and Italian 'Gods Of Metal' events in June would be confirmed as planning to feature both Joey Belladonna and Dan Spitz, reuniting the pre-1987 line-up. The band's South American shows of February would be affected by the Argentine club fire tragedy of the previous year as new government restrictions forced cancellations in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Bogata, Colombia.

An all Brazilian tribute album would be unveiled with 'Indians... NOT!', released by São Paulo's Collision Records and featuring such artists as ARENA AGE, RHESTUS, STILL LIFE, HELL TRUCKER, BLAKK MARKET and DYNAHEAD.

On the February 23rd, a special show at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom, featuring ANTHRAX, DISTURBED, DROWNING POOL and SOIL, was organised to cover bereavement costs for the family of DAMAGEPLAN security guard Jeffrey "Mayhem" Thompson and medical expenses for injured DAMAGEPLAN crew members John "Kat" Brooks and Chris Paluska. ANTHRAX opened their show with PANTERA's 'Fucking Hostile' before delivering a take of 'A New Level' with Vinnie Paul and Pat Lachman. Guesting for lead guitar solos in the ANTHRAX set would be GRIM REAPER's Nick Bowcott.

ANTHRAX made the "Classic" reunion official on 1st April with a global press conference and luncheon held at Sirius Satellite Radio in New York City. The band also used the occasion to announce their participation in the 'Slave to the Metal Foundation', created to "bring public awareness to the dangers of the Anthrax Vaccine".

Australian gigs in May found fellow veteran Thrashers MORTAL SIN as support. The band stopped in London in June to perform a short set at the 'Metal Hammer' magazine awards, delivering 'Got The Time', 'Caught In Mosh' and 'Indians' then, with a guesting Brian Fall of SHADOWS FALL, a set closing rendition of PANTERA's 'A New Level'. US and Canadian shows in September had ANTHRAX replacing DREAM THEATER as co-headliners of the MEGADETH led 'Gigantour' dates. On the release front, a two disc compilation, entitled 'Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)', was accompanied by a live album culled from the reunion shows dubbed simply 'Alive 2'. Maintaining the pace on the road, ANTHRAX opened for JUDAS PRIEST in September and October. On 15th December Scott Ian notably joined the ROADRUNNER UNITED conglomerate at the New York Nokia Theater for an all star Metal evening.

2006 - 2008

Maintaining the classic line-up, ANTHRAX kicked off 2006 US headline tour dates with support acts GOD FORBID, MANNTIS and SWORN ENEMY throughout January. However, SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner filled in for Charlie Benante for the last batch of dates while Charlie Benante and his wife awaited the birth of their first child. The band's gig in Boulder, Colorado would be cancelled whilst Bittner temped in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Scott Ian took a break from the band to film a VH1 television series entitled 'Supergroup', a reality show also starring TED NUGENT, Evan Seinfeld of BIOHAZARD on bass, vocalist SEBASTIAN BACH and Jason Bonham of BONHAM, UFO and FOREIGNER on drums. In further side activity, Scott Ian guested on comedian Brian Posehn's debut stand-up album 'Live In: Nerd Rage'.

European touring in 2006 saw support from BEYOND FEAR. In January 2007 Universal Music issued the double live retrospective album 'Caught In A Mosh - BBC Live in Concert' comprising the band's performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in London on February 15th 1987 plus the band's Monsters Of Rock Festival set at Castle Donington on August 22nd 1987.

The ANTHRAX reuion was over as 2007 dawned. In January Scott Ian issued a statement claiming Joey Belladonna had declined participation in a proposed US tour support to a major act. At the same juncture former singer John Bush, active with ARMORED SAINT spot dates and also generating revenue by vocalising on Burger King adverts, revealed that he was still legally a member of the band.

Dan Spitz unveiled his new band project at the July 2008 Christian music festival 'Cornerstone'. Taking on lead vocal duties, Spitz was joined by ACCEPT bassist Peter Baltes with KING DIAMOND's Matt Thompson on drums. In a statement, Spitz stated that his new music "created an entirely new sound never heard by the human ear before".

2009

Former KISS guitarist ACE FREHLEY performed on Thursday 2nd April 2009 at the opening of the 7,000-square-foot Hard Rock Café in the new Yankee Stadium. Performing his hit 'New York Groove', Frehley was backed by ANTHRAX members guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Frank Bello plus drummer Anton Fig. Meantime, former ANTHRAX guitarist Dan Spitz underwent open-heart surgery on Friday 5th June to correct a major blockage of his main artery.

Throughout May the band worked on their first studio album in six years, 'Worship Music'. On 9th July the band headlined the 'Rocklahoma' festival in Oklahoma. Rumours following this performance suggested discontent in the camp. With the cancellation of European dates, conjecture pointed towards the dismissal of Dan Nelson.

The band quickly issued a statement claiming Dan Nelson was "seriously ill" but within 24 hours the singer retorted via a public statement "I was never seriously ill or sick at all, as reported in ANTHRAX's July 17, 2009 press release. This extremely inflammatory statement hurt me tremendously. This statement misled fans, friends and family members into believing that I was seriously ill when I was not. I was not aware such a statement was being issued and it came as a total shock to me, as I'm sure it did to all of you. It was the other band members' decision to cancel the tour dates, not mine. I was ready, willing and able to do my job.

"After issuing the press release, the other band members decided, on their own accord, that I had 'resigned' from the band. I never resigned from the band."

ANTHRAX's manager, Izvor Zivkovic of Split Media, advised that the band's new album, 'Worship Music', which was previously due in Europe on 23rd October via Nuclear Blast Records, was to be now "pushed back to a later date."

The group, having re-enlisted former singer John Bush, performed at the inaugural UK 'Sonisphere' festival at Knebworth Park on 1st August 2009 headlined by METALLICA, LINKIN PARK, NINE INCH NAILS and HEAVEN AND HELL. That same month the band played the SAXON, UFO, MOTÖRHEAD and HEAVEN AND HELL headlined 'Wacken Open Air' festival in Germany. The band then undertook dates at the Tokyo 'Loud Park' festival at Makuhari Messe in October and the Australian 'Soundwave' festivals the following February.

Garry Sharpe-Young