CoC : Anthrax - Vol. 8: The Threat Is Real : Review

Anthrax - _Vol. 8: The Threat Is Real_
(Ignite Records, 1998)
by: Adrian Bromley (6 out of 10)

The new LP by NYC thrash metal veterans Anthrax, _Vol 8: The Threat Is Real_ (third with singer John Bush), starts off real promising with opener "Crush" and "Catharsis"; but as we get more into the record, it becomes apparent that these veterans are running a little low on ideas. Lots of repetition and mid-paced rock numbers line _Vol 8_ for the most part, rarely getting the fists pumping and the pit going as was the case with vintage _Among the Living_-era Anthrax. Don't get me wrong, some of the rock-styled numbers like "Inside Out", "Killing Box" and "Hog Tied" are pretty solid numbers with choppy riffs and memorable choruses, but in end it does little to help spruce up the overall feel of the record. I loved Bush's work with his debut disc for Anthrax (_Sound of White Noise_ in 1993) and was high on the follow-up _Stomp 442_ (1995), but I'm starting to see how Bush's vocals and styles are becoming one-dimensional/flavorless as things go along. The band can only do so much with Bush and it's becoming a bit lackluster right now. A good record, but lacking the crunch or bite most Anthrax fans would be craving for right now.

(article published 7/6/1998)

CHATS
29/11/2004	J Smit	Anthrax: Weathering the Storms (And Coming Out Smiling)
4/9/2003	J Smit	Anthrax: We Refuse to Be Denied
1/9/1998	A Bromley	Anthrax: Still a Threat

ALBUMS
29/11/2004	J Smit	6.5	Anthrax - The Greater of Two Evils
11/4/2003	X Hoose	9	Anthrax - We've Come for You All

GIGS
23/6/2004	J Smit	Anthrax / Hatebreed	Four Times Still Not Enough
18/7/2003	J Smit	Anthrax / Kill 2 This	They Came For Us All
13/12/1995	A Bromley	Anthrax / Life of Agony / Deftones	Caught in a Mosh With 'Thrax