Anthrax

[Üncle Snake]

From Sin's Metal News:

Rumor has it that ANTHRAX frontman John Bush will be leaving the band after their run of South American dates, which are listed below:

February 25 - São Paulo, Brasil @ Credicard Hall
February 26 - Rio de Janeiro, Brasil @ Claro Hall
February 27 - Vitoria, Brazil Ginasio @ Alvares Cabral
March 1 - Santiago, Chile Estádio @ Victor Jara
March 2 - Lima, Peru
March 4 - San José, Costa Rica @ Planet Mall
March 5 - Monterrey, Mexico Café @ Iguana
March 6 - Chihuahua, Mexico @ Old Town
March 8 - Mexico City, Mexico @ Circo Volador

This would effectively imply that the band's (possible) last U.S. appearance with Bush on the mic will be at the February 23rd Dimebag Darrell Benefit show at the Aragorn Theater in Chicago, Illinois with DISTURBED, DROWNING POOL and SOIL.

On top of the revelation of this rumor, continued talk is leaning towards a solidification of the the "Among the Living" era ANTHRAX regrouping to tour as part of this years OZZFEST 2005 festival. Replacing the departing John Bush, would of course be Joey Belladonna on vocals, rounded out by Dan Spitz and Scott Ian on guitars, Frank Bello on bass, and Charlie Benante on drums:

Joey Belladonna - Vocals
Dan Spitz - Guitars
Scott Ian - Guitars
Frank Bello - Bass
Charlie Benante – Drums

[Üncle Snake]

I'm sure a lot of the metal world is excited about this, but I think it is terrible news. It's sad that they released an amazing album with John Bush a couple years ago ("We've Come For You All") -- not to mention several other good albums over the past decade -- and they have to completely throw that away to get anyone to pay attention.

[Üncle Snake]

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has rejected an Internet report that singer John Bush will be leaving the group at the end of their South American tour.

A rumor was started earlier this week that Bush will officially quit the group in order to make way for a reunion of the band's "Among the Living" lineup, including the singer he replaced, Joey Belladonna.

ANTHRAX's "Among the Living" lineup — Ian, Belladonna, Charlie Benante (drums), Dan Spitz (guitar) and Frank Bello (bass) — has already confirmed a couple of European festival appearances this spring/summer (Holland's Dynamo Open Air on May 7 and Italy's Gods of Metal on June 11-12) and is said to be planning a series of North American dates, including an appearance at the 10th anniversary edition of Ozzfest. Sharon Osbourne is believed to have promised ANTHRAX a slot at this year's Ozzfest but only on the condition that they perform with the classic lineup that was responsible for some of the band's most successful albums.

When asked by a fan to confirm or deny the recent rumors, Ian stated, "Please, people, be patient. Don't you think I want to confirm or deny what's going on? I can't. My hands are tied. No one is leaving."

[muthagoose]

Megaforce Records will re-release ANTHRAX's classic album, "Fistful of Metal", and "Armed and Dangerous" EP on one CD on February 22.

Like METALLICA and MEGADETH, ANTHRAX "was responsible for the emergence of speed and thrash metal; combining the speed and fury of hardcore with the guitars and vocals of heavy metal, they helped create a new sub-genre of heavy metal," reads an official press release. "Unlike METALLICA, they had the good sense to temper their often serious music with a healthy dose of humor and realism.

"Their first album, 'Fistful of Metal', included original singer Neil Turbin and featured the now classic song, 'Metal Thrashing Mad'. It also introduced fans to this new brutal style of metal. Their second release, 'Armed and Dangerous', saw singer Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello join the lineup. Belladonna helped take the band farther away from conventional metal clichés and was a catalyst in making ANTHRAX arguably become one of the leaders of the speed metal genre."

Fans can now have these first two ANTHRAX releases in one package featuring new artwork and liner notes from the band. ANTHRAX has sold over 10 million records worldwide.

---

: Anthrax - Bring The Noise

---

[Ponyone]

For Official Release: The Triumphant REUNION of The Original Line-up of Legendary Speed Metal Icons Anthrax

Twice Grammy nominated, MTV/VMA nominees and Multi-Platinum and Gold Awarded music veterans ANTHRAX have sold over 10,000,000 records worldwide including nine studio albums, two live albums, three greatest hits, plus two DVDs. Touring pros ANTHRAX performed on over fifty tours spanning the globe – in thirty-two countries on five continents including Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Asia. New York’s own ANTHRAX has an unmistakable signature style and distinct sound that breaks musical, cultural and political boundaries – influencing a myriad of bands throughout the spectrum of musical genres for 20 years.

Now, for the first time in 13 years the entire original lineup: Joey Belladonna, Frankie Bello, Charlie Benante, Scott Ian and Danny Spitz, will gather together in one room to discuss new music releases, as well as the future plans for this monumental ANTHRAX reunion.

Please join us for this history-making ANTHRAXGlobal Press Conference and Luncheon on April 1, 2005 at 2:00 PM EST/11:00 AM PST at Sirius Satellite Radio in New York City. This media blitz, which will broadcast simultaneously on Hard Attack/27.

The ANTHRAX Global Press Conference and Luncheon will officially kick off “SPREADING THE ANTHRAX WEEKEND” on Hard Attack/27, where millions will hear it first.

At the conclusion of the ANTHRAX Global Press Conference and Luncheon, ANTHRAX will make an important statement regarding the U.S. Government and the Anthrax Vaccine. ANTHRAX has teamed up with Slave to the Metal™ Foundation (www.slavetothemetal.org) to bring public awareness to the dangers of the Anthrax Vaccine. The newly legislated “BioShield Act” (July, 2004) allows the Department of Health and Human Services to inject American Citizens with Anthrax Vaccines and other untested and unapproved substances without informed consent, using our military as first line guinea pigs. Experts will be at the conference to discuss this with attendees.

ANTHRAX Discography:

Fistful Of Metal 1984
Armed and Dangerous 1985
Spreading the Disease 1985
Among The Living 1987
Fistful of Anthrax 1987
I’m The Man (EP) 1987
State Of Euphoria 1988
Penikufesin (EP) 1989
Persistence of Time 1990
Attack Of The Killer B’s 1991
Sound Of White Noise 1993
Live The Island Years (Live) 1994
Stomp 442 1995
Moshers 1986-1991 (Compilation) 1998
Volume 8 – The Threat Is Real 1998
Return Of The Killer A’s 1999
Madhouse – The Very Best Of Anthrax (Compilation) 2001
We’ve Come For You All 2003
Music Of Mass Destruction (LIVE Album/DVD) 2004
The Greater of Two Evils (Compilation) November 2004

[Üncle Snake]

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has rejected Internet rumors that vocalist John Bush has been kicked out of the group in favor of returning frontman Joey Belladonna.

Just hours after an offical press release was circulated confirming ANTHRAX's plans to tour this summer with the classic "Among the Living" lineup, Ian dismissed speculation that Bush's tenure in the group has come to an end.

Responding to several online postings about Bush's current status in the group, Ian wrote, "For the 10th time, John is not out of the band."

[Üncle Snake]

Although ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian is adamant about the fact that vocalist John Bush is not being kicked out of the band, he has admitted that ANTHRAX's main focus right now is their upcoming reunion tour with the group's classic "Among the Living" lineup. In a message posted on the band's official forum, Ian writes, "It would be great if I could share my thoughts with you loyal listeners without it immediately getting posted on Blabbermouth. I have no problem with Blabbermouth, I just wish this was a forum to speak to you and only you. That's the blessing and the curse of the Internet; instant gratification for everyone all the time and you become used to it. Some things aren't for the whole world to know.

"Please don't waste your time speculating. There are much better ways to spend your time. Like watching the U.S. version of 'The Office' [the much-lauded BBC faux-workplace documentary] tonight and hoping it will be funny. Give it a chance. After tonight's 'remake' of the original pilot episode, it will go off in its own direction with new scripts. I've got my fingers crossed. And if it sucks, there's always the original on DVD. And 'Sin City' [film version of the comic book] opens up next week. Go see that.

"As far as what we're doing, we're doing a reunion. That's what we are focusing on right now for a myriad of reasons. You'll just have to ask me when you see me."

[muthagoose]

ANTHRAX will be releasing a two-CD collection of classic studio and brand-new live recordings, entitled "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)", on September 20. In addition to remastered versions of the band's Joey Belladonna-era studio recordings, the set will feature a live concert CD, "Alive 2", recorded earlier this summer on the band's reunion tour.

If you pre-order "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)" now, you will receive a a free t-shirt, just like the band wear on stage. You also qualify to win a Scott Ian guitar and get your demo heard by ANTHRAX.

"Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)" track listing:

Disc 1:

01. A.I.R.
02. Lone Justice
03. Madhouse
04. The Enemy
05. Armed and Dangerous
06. Medusa
07. Gung-Ho
08. Among the Living
09. Caught in a Mosh
10. I am the Law
11. Efilnikufesin (NFL)
12. A Skeleton in the Closet
13. Indians
14. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
15. I'm the Man (Def Uncensored Radio Version)

Disc 2:

01. Be All, End All
02. Make Me Laugh
03. Antisocial
04. Who Cares Wins
05. Now It's Dark
06. Finale
07. Time
08. Keep it in the Family
09. In My World
10. Intro to Reality
11. Belly of the Beast
12. Got the Time
13. Discharge
14. Bring the Noise
15. Antisocial (French version)

"Alive 2" track listing (recorded on summer 2005 reunion tour):

01. Among the Living
02. Got the Time
03. Caught In A Mosh
04. A.I.R.
05. Madhouse
06. Antisocial
07. Efilnikufesin (NFL)
08. Medusa
09. Deathrider
10. In My World
11. Indians
12. Be All End All
13. Metal Thrashing Mad
14. I'm the Man
15. I Am the Law

[Üncle Snake]

In a brand-new interview with Revolver magazine — his first since being "replaced" as the voice of ANTHRAX by his predecessor, Joey Belladonna — vocalist John Bush confirmed that the original idea for the band's current reunion trek was to bring both Belladonna and Bush on tour, as ANTHRAX had planned in 2000, but Bush wasn't interested. "At one time, I had been willing to tour with Joey, but now everything is different," Bush says. "It just wasn't in my heart. I figured I had been in this band 12 and a half years, and we felt positive about what we had done, and we all thought our last album, 'We've Come for You All', was the best record we'd made together. So I just wanted to move forward and do another album."

Bush's refusal to take part in the tour complicates his relationship with the band. He's still officially a member of ANTHRAX, but he's not on retainer and hasn't been given a date to report back to duty. In addition, ANTHRAX released two albums in September, neither of which involved Bush; a double-disc collection of their studio songs with Belladonna, 'Anthrology', and a live album of the reunion tour, 'Alive 2'. In Bush's mind, that doesn't bode well.

"The idea of this reunion tour was to generate a bunch of enthusiasm for the band. But if they get people excited, they're going to want a new record, so they're going to follow up with a new album with Joey," Bush says. "So for me, I look at it as it's over. The last thing I want to do is say, 'Hey, I'll be here if you want me.'"

Strangely, ANTHRAX haven't actually committed to a new CD with Belladonna, which is trying for the man who rode with them to their greatest heights in the Eighties.

"I can't even begin to understand how this all works," Belladonna says. "People are all worried about Bush not being here. I know for a fact he wasn't booted out. I was. I had to go. I had no choice. But the minute I start thinking about stuff like that, I'm not getting anywhere. Right now, I'm just doing the best job I can, and That's what I'm focused on. But I'm not just here for a temporary run. I'm ready for the ride."

[Üncle Snake]

In a posting at the band's official web site, Ian had the following to say regarding Bush's comments:

"Nothing has changed because of an interview that we all participated in four months ago. What it doesn't say is that without this reunion tour, the band is over. No new record, nothing. It would've been impossible for us to continue as ANTHRAX. This tour is a bridge to the future of this band. Don't bother speculating on it. It's all going to come down to the music. We'll start writing and see where it takes us just like we've always done."

In a later posting, Ian elaborates further on his statement, saying, "[The comment about] not being able to continue relates to us not flushing another two years of our lives down the toilet. That's all I can say."

[Üncle Snake]

Shawn Macomber of The Nashua Telegraph recently conducted an interview with ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian. Several excerpts from the chat follow:

On the different reactions to the reunion of the group's "classic" lineup:

"We're not U2. Everyone doesn't love us all the time. I'm not surprised by any of the reactions. Music comes down to two things: You either like it or you don't, and everybody has an opinion. It's a very volatile thing. If we spent our time listening to people outside of the band about everything we do, ANTHRAX never would have even made our first record. So I have to go with what my heart, my gut and my soul are telling me."

On touring with JUDAS PRIEST:

"The only way I can look at this tour is from the point of view of myself as a 16-year-old kid going to JUDAS PRIEST shows. That's how I feel whenever I'm around these guys, even though I've known them for years. It's a win-win situation for us. The shows are killer, and we get to hang out with our heroes."

On the relationship with his bandmates:

"Well, the only way it’s really progressing is on a personal level. We haven't really tried to move forward musically or creatively in any way. I can honestly say we're in a better place, personally, than ever before. I just basically attribute that to the fact that we've grown up. Things that seemed important 15 years ago definitely aren't as important now."

On the John Bush-era material:

"I absolutely miss those songs from 'Sound of White Noise', 'We've Come for You All' and the other records we did with John Bush. I can't wait to be able to play those songs again."

On the band's future:

"Believe me, it’s as confusing to me as anyone else. I feel like I'm living in this alternate reality where I'm somehow in two different versions of ANTHRAX at the same time. The only thing that's going to define it for me is the music we come up with, and we'll just have to take it from there."

On playing their greatest hits from their 1985-91 halcyon days in their original form rather than the shortened, altered arrangements of recent years:

"I understand why we did what we did to these songs in the '90s because we had this huge catalog to play from, all the old stuff as well as all the records we did with John Bush, so it made sense. Our attitude going into this reunion was 'Let's play these songs note for note how we played and recorded them in the '80s. Truthfully, they're so much better this way."

On the band's early days:

"People so often look back with rose-colored glasses and say those were the good old days, but back when we first signed our record contract in 1985, those really were the good old days. We've seen it go from a business run by music lovers at all these different labels to two or three corporations run by lawyers and accountants.

"In the '80s we had to fight for everything we got. Nobody knew how to market a band like ANTHRAX at Island Records in 1985. We basically learned together and had huge success together. That couldn't happen today. There is no such thing as a label giving bands a few records to develop their careers. If you don’t go gold or platinum on your first record, you're done, over. Next.

"If that had been the case in the '60s, '70s or '80s, every great band everybody loves and listens to today wouldn't exist. They never would have made it."

[muthagoose]

Anthrax - Another Headlining Date Released

More dates have been released for ANTHRAX's headlining US tour next year with GOD FORBID and SWORN ENEMY. Confirmed dates so far are:

January 6 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
January 7 - New York, NY @ Nokia Theatre
January 13 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
January 21 - Hollywood, CA @ The Avalon

[Üncle Snake]

Anthrax reunion over

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has issued the following statement via the band's official fan club site, CDC:

"Finally, we're going back to work. We're going to Chicago to work our asses off and write a record. It's time. We're ready. One problem... no singer.

"We were offered a direct support slot on a major tour this spring and Joey [Belladonna, vocals] decided he did not want to move forward. The reunion is over. We tried to make it work but I guess that's the problem, you can't 'make' something work. It's gotta be natural and at least becoming a band again and playing live was.

"Over the course of around 140 shows we became a better band than we ever were before from 1984 - 92. The shows we played from April 2005 through October 2006 were incredible and some of the best gigs we've ever played. Doing Donington again was mind-blowing, Graspop was insane, the insanity in Finland, Chicago, Milwaukee, three times in L.A.!!!, three times across Western Canada!!, Glasgow!!!!!, London!!!, the Nokia show in NY, the Starland show in NJ, JUDAS PRIEST!, ROB ZOMBIE!, Gigantour!!, Australia!!!, Japan!!!!!!, really, there's not a bummer in 19 months.

"Thank you from the very depths of my soul for being the best fans in the world. We got to relive something that I never thought we could and it turned out better than I ever thought it would. We didn't have to force it, it just happened and it was great.

"My curiosity was piqued by the idea of what ANTHRAX would sound like now with Joey singing. Over the last few months we've discussed this endlessly to no avail. The problems that were there could not be fixed no matter how hard we tried and in the end Joey made the decision.

"I know a lot of you out there are disappointed by this and that's the last thing we ever want. None of us want to disappoint. If we were meant to make a reunion record we would've. Some things look easy on paper but the reality is that they are impossible and what works for one band doesn't work for others. Maybe we could've forced something and cashed in on a new record but that's not the way we operate.
My reality is I feel we have some unfinished business with the 'We've Come for You All' lineup and I will do my best to finish it.

"I hope you can find it in your hearts to support all of us in whatever happens going forward.

"Charlie [Benante, drums], Frankie [Bello] and I are excited about creating new music and for now we will focus on that and write another killer ANTHRAX record."

ANTHRAX's most recent studio album, "We've Come for You All" (featuring John Bush on lead vocals), was released in May 2003 through Sanctuary Records in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast in Europe. The CD shifted just under 10,000 copies in the U.S. during its first week of release to debut at No. 122 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The 2005 reunion of the "classic" ANTHRAX lineup of singer Joey Belladonna, guitarists Scott Ian and Dan Spitz, bassist Frank Bello and drummer Charlie Benante was followed by the release of the band's most comprehensive "best of" collection ever issued, the two-CD retrospective "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)", which shifted just over 2,700 copies in its first week of release back in September 2005. Meanwhile, the group's first video compilation, the DVD "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991) The Videos" (both on Island/UMe), sold less than 950 units in its initial week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Similarly, the band's live CD and DVD packages, "Alive 2 (2005)" (on Sanctuary Records), which document the group's summer 2005 reunion tour, opened with less than 1,100 and 1,700 copies, respectively.

[Üncle Snake]

Mark Carras of RockMyMonkey.com conducted an interview yesterday (Jan. 24) with ex-ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Rock My Monkey: Okay, so I guess Scott Ian [ANTHRAX guitarist] has made an announcement saying that basically you guys were preparing to record, they wanted to record a new album, and basically he says that he doesn't make any specifics, but he said that you made the decision not to record the album, and not to continue with it.

Joey Belladonna: I haven't really done anything really, to be honest with you. It's really not my group so I don't, I really don't want to comment on any of that, really, to be honest with you. I think it's all insane what's going on. It's not my band.

Rock My Monkey: But was there talk of recording a new album?

Joey Belladonna: They want to do a record regardless. That's been the whole plan. They have to have a record sometime. They need a record, right?

Rock My Monkey: Right, right. Absolutely.

Joey Belladonna: Regardless they would do a record sometime. Whether it was with me or somebody, ANTHRAX was going to do a record, I would assume.

Rock My Monkey: Was there any choice by you, was there any decision by you, or even an offer made to you to record that new album?

Joey Belladonna: I'm sure there's possibilities for me to do a lot of things. It's just — there's always a lot of circumstance that they place when you're doing it, When you do that stuff. I don't think that you just make a record, you know? Unless you're in a situation, you've been, you know, it's a just an ongoing thing, you've been doing it for years. Like the old days, you just kind of go in and do one. It's obviously a little different, because I wasn't in a band for quite awhile. Likewise thing with same Danny [Spitz, guitar], too. I'm not even the only one to be considered, but I don't think it's all about me.

Rock My Monkey: But you're saying that you would be… Would you be excited to record a new ANTHRAX album?

Joey Belladonna: Oh, absolutely. I would have loved to do one, yeah. I mean, but again, and all due respect, there's a lot of circumstances that take place to do that kind of stuff. There's a lot of things involved. Just think about it, you know. You have to have material, you have to have a reason. You have to have everything. You have to have a place to do it, the circumstance. All the basics have to be there. Again, it's not for me to decide any of that stuff. So I don't decide it. It's not my band. And you have to know that I was not there. I wasn't in that band. They asked me to come back and do a reunion. So that's about all I know. It's hard for me to really answer anything specific here.

Rock My Monkey: Now, it sounds like, I mean, there's a communication problem, because you're sounding like you… it sounds like Scott Ian put out an announcement before everything was really talked over with you. It sounds like you really aren't aware of this.

Joey Belladonna: Yeah, I mean, regardless of how aware of things I am, if they want to move forward regardless of things in place for them they're going to do that. They can do whatever they want. Likewise, really. That's what it boils down to. Again, I really, it's too hard to make light of everything that needs to be done, and anybody's case, really, unfortunately.

Rock My Monkey: Would there be, for you, is the door always open, is the door always open to return to ANTHRAX? Did the reunion, did the way that this ended this time, did it put any kind of bad taste in your mouth? Are you always open and excited to return to that microphone?

Joey Belladonna: Well, I always will. I mean, god, it didn't take me five minutes to say yes to something. It's just, when you're doing that type of thing, it takes a lot of people to put it all together, I think. It's not just me. There's other people involved, and they have to enjoy the circumstances, and have to know they want to go ahead. I think when they first started, I think they were trying to be real careful, of doing it how much they were going to do it, and how long it was going to take place. And I think, with all due respect, I think we did a good run. Eighteen months was a nice chunk of run. It was pretty lengthy. Some bands maybe would have done two months, and then they end it. They do that one run, and that was cool. Then again, it's not a problem. I just can't predict anybody's path and what they want to do, and how they want to do it, and whom they want to do it with, you know? It goes with anybody's band, I think.

Rock My Monkey: Is there going to be a full solo Joey Belladonna solo tour coming up? What can fans look forward to hearing from you over the next year?

Joey Belladonna: Just right now, I'm just in the beginning stages of doing something. Just carrying on musically. So I'm just going to keep busy as much as I can. I don't know right now what I'm doing, or what's happening. I am, there is a band in place, and I am trying to take it on the road for sure. Everything is open. It's all open.

Check out the entire interview in text and MP3 format at RockMyMonkey.com.

[muthagoose]

ANTHRAX: Singer Announcement Coming End Of June

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has issued the following update:

"I've been in the studio recording and mixing Pearl's [Aday; Ian's fiancée and daughter of legendary crooner Meat Loaf] album with Joe Barresi. He's halfway through the mix. Should be done late next week. Sounds so fucking great.

"Working on ANTHRAX, working on Retox [the New York City club which was opened by Ian and club owner Mike Diamond, who started Snitch, Pangaea and Vela], boxing, etc. etc.

"Can't wait to get to Chicago in two weeks. More new ANTHRAX songs. Singer announcement end of next month. It will be in our fanclub (the CDC) first. Great chat there yesterday. It's cool to talk to people directly.

"'Lost' finale ruled.

"Coen Bros. movie 'No Country For Old Men' looks amazing. Great book.

"Got my Angus SG. So killer!

"I'll be at Retox again June 14."

ANTHRAX announced its split with vocalist Joey Belladonna in January less than two years after the group's classic lineup reunited for a "25th anniversary" tour.

[muthagoose]

It's Official: COREY TAYLOR Is Working With ANTHRAX On New Album

SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor has confirmed that he has been working with ANTHRAX on material for their upcoming studio album. Speaking to Germany's Rock Hard magazine, Taylor said of the possibility that he will become the new ANTHRAX singer, "It's been banded about. I'm not saying anything right now because all it's been is just talked about. Obviously, I'm really good friends with those guys. It kind of started as a joke. And then the more we talked about it, the more serious it got. I'm gonna at least help them out. It's kind of a dream come true — ANTHRAX is one of my favorite bands. We're just kind of taking baby steps right now. I know that we worked on about eight or nine songs together that I've written lyrics for, and there was a song that I had actually written for them that I was just gonna give them the music for, and once this kind of happened, I had to turn around and write lyrics for it myself. But there's nothing definite right now. It's one of those things where it's like we're just gonna kind of play it by ear and just see what happens. So there's nothing definite. It's something that we're talking about — it's something that we kind of wanna do. But I'm in two huge bands right now. So it's like I barely get enough time to sleep, let alone do another band. . . I'm gonna be busy, period. I'm just kind of honored that they would even consider me. These are people that I grew up listening to, these are guys that I had the privilege of getting to know on a real basis. To have them look at me and go, 'You know what? We would love to work with you,' it's such a huge compliment. It kind of makes me feel like I've come a long way in my life."

[muthagoose]

COREY TAYLOR Will Not Sing On New ANTHRAX Album

ANTHRAX has abandoned plans to utilize the services of SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor on its next album due to scheduling conflicts with Taylor's other projects. ANTHRAX is said to be currently looking for a new singer to join the fold, although this has not yet been officially confirmed by the band or its management.

ANTHRAX split with singer Joey Belladonna in January, less than two years after reuniting with him and other members of the band's "classic" lineup of the '80s and early '90s. Vocalist John Bush had been a member of the band before that, from 1992 to 2005.

Taylor confirmed that he was working with ANTHRAX on material for their next studio album in a June 2007 interview with Germany's Rock Hard magazine. Asked if he would become the group's vocalist, Taylor said, "It's been bandied about. I'm not saying anything right now because all it's been is just talked about...It kind of started as a joke. And then the more we talked about it, the more serious it got. I'm gonna at least help them out. It's kind of a dream come true — ANTHRAX is one of my favorite bands."

Taylor said in June that he and ANTHRAX were "taking baby steps," but that he had written lyrics for eight or nine songs. He also admitted that while he was interested in singing for ANTHRAX, "I'm in two huge bands right now. So it's like I barely get enough time to sleep, let alone do another band."

Taylor is currently on the road with STONE SOUR and is scheduled to regroup with SLIPKNOT later in the year. It is also unlikely that Taylor would be able to record with ANTHRAX since he is signed to Roadrunner Records (ANTHRAX is believed to still have a European record deal with Nuclear Blast).

[muthagoose]

New ANTHRAX Singer:
'The Naysayers Are Gonna Be Shut Down'

ANTHRAX has issued a press release officially announcing its new singer, Dan Nelson (as first reported by BLABBERMOUTH.NET back on December 6). Nelson (Photo#1, Photo#2), 32, is a virtual unknown, having fronted several local bands in the Long Island/New York area, including DEVILSIZE and ME, MY ENEMY. Drummer Charlie Benante says, "Rob [Caggiano, ANTHRAX lead guitarist] called me and said, 'I have a singer, you should check him out.' We gave him a shot, and he floored us."

After a successful reunion tour with returning vocalist Joey Belladonna in 2006, there were rumors of recording a new album with that lineup. However, talks fell through and the band was left, once again, without a frontman.

"I was actually looking for a band," commented Nelson. "Long Island is a pretty dead scene. I was in UNBROKEN, and through that I met Rob a couple years ago. I had gone through some stuff on a personal side where I took time off from the music. When I got back to the scene, I couldn't find a band, so I contacted Rob through MySpace and offered my services. We sent music back and forth, got together, and jammed for 10 hours straight. After 10 hours, he said, 'I think you'd be right for ANTHRAX."

"There's no place else I'd rather be right now," Nelson said. "It's a great vibe. I feel great, and I'm ready to go. It's lit that much more of a fire under me. I'm getting to live the dream, and it feels amazing. I can't wait for all these people who think ANTHRAX is done to be proven wrong. The naysayers are gonna be shut down, and the true-blue fans are gonna be pleased.”

Guitarist Scott Ian commented on the new singer saying, "It feels great working with Dan. The first time we jammed, we ran through a bunch of old songs, songs from the John Bush/Joey Belladonna eras. Right from the first second Dan started 'Room For One More' we knew. We said, 'Now that we've got that, let's work his ass off.'"

ANTHRAX, featuring Nelson on vocals, guitarists Ian and Rob Caggiano, bassist Frankie Bello, and drummer Benante, is currently working on all-new material. "We wrote these songs and they fucking kicked ass," says Benante. "It was cathartic. We also want to take our time. This record will be under the microscope, more so than the others. We want to make sure it's 100% perfect."

In other news, two classic ANTHRAX records — "Sound of White Noise" and "Stomp 442" — are going to be available on iTunes on December 18. They will be expanded editions with bonus tracks, and it's the first time the records will be released digitally. The online versions of the albums will also include commentary tracks from the band members themselves!

ANTHRAX has not yet announced a release date for an upcoming album, but the band is in the middle of the writing process, so stay tuned for more updates.

[muthagoose]

Anthrax Drummer launches his own line of coffee

ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante has issued the following update regarding his recent venture into the coffee market which includes his newly launched "Monthly Coffee Crew":

"By becoming a member of my Coffee Crew you will receive 2 x 12 oz. bags of my personally selected Fair trade, Certified Organic coffee at your doorstep each month with exclusive access to promotions, merchandise and personal correspondence available to Charlie's Coffee Crew only."

Charlie has launched his own line of coffee and coffee products, which includes a a blend of Central American, African and Asian coffees roasted to a dark color. Head to this location for more information.

store.legendscupcoffee.com/chbemococrco.html

[muthagoose]

Scott Ian: New Songs Are 'F**kin' Pummelling!'

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has told www.Kerrang.com that the band has already written eight songs for the follow-up to 2003's "We've Come For You All".

"We're really happy with the eight songs or so that we've finished," he said. "And we hope to write five or six more killers!

"It's fuckin' pummelling!" he added. "It sounds like ANTHRAX from 1987 through a 2008 sound system, if that makes any sense!"

Scott Ian will take part in a meet-and-greet following PEARL's performance at the Barfly in Camden, UK on March 21.

PEARL is the band fronted by Pearl Aday, Scott Ian's fiancée and daughter of legendary crooner Meat Loaf. The group's current lineup is completed by Eric Bradley (THE YOUNG ROYALS, JERRY CANTRELL) on lead guitar, Eric Andrews (ROYAL FEVER, 286) on drums, and Dominique Davalos (THE GO-GO'S, THE BLUEBELLES) on bass.

"I love playing guitar in PEARL," Ian told Kerrang.com. "It's much more akin to the stuff I grew up on like AC/DC, THIN LIZZY, AEROSMITH, LED ZEPPELIN etc. It's a much less disciplined style of guitar playing than what I am used to in ANTHRAX and so much fun to be able to just be the rhythm player like Malcolm Young!!

"Besides," Ian added, "Pearl doesn't need any help up front. She's got it in her blood! Huge voice and presence and the band fucking rocks!"

[Vise Evans™]

It's a mad house.

[Ponyone]

With the recent thrash metal revival, Anthrax needs to lay down a killer album and show this 'new school' how shit is done.

I miss the old Thrax, I really do

[muthagoose]

ANTHRAX To Take Part In Long Island Meet-And-Greet

Sam Ash in Huntington, NY is celebrating their grand reopening on Thursday, April 24 in epic fashion with discounts, artists and industry reps to help them commemorate the occasion. Randall, Washburn, Samson and Zoom have joined the festivities, bringing in thrash metal icons ANTHRAX to sign some autographs and mingle with the customers.

As New York natives, the members of ANTHRAX had been consistent customers of Huntington Sam Ash as kids and are excited to lend their time to help them ring in a new era of cutting-edge merchandise and unrivaled service.

Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Rob Caggiano and Dan Nelson of ANTHRAX will be appearing at 7 p.m.

A staple within the Long Island music community for over 40 years, Huntington Sam Ash has revamped their historic location, remodeling the interior and adding stock to ensure they can offer the best gear and best service at the best prices.

The party goes from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature refreshments, giveaways, prizes and heavily discounted gear in addition to the artists and brand representatives attending. So don't miss your chance to find some incredible deals and meet some of the biggest names in the industry.

[muthagoose]

ANTHRAX: Announces Weekend Shows With IRON MAIDEN

Metal legends ANTHRAX have announced a short spring tour, kicking off with a warm-up club show at Chicago's Double Door on May 28, 2008. The Chicago warm-up show will be the band's first live performance with their new singer Dan Nelson. In addition to the band's classic hits from their 25 year career, ANTHRAX will for the first time ever perform brand new material from their current writing sessions.

After the warm-up show, ANTHRAX will then fly to Los Angeles and join IRON MAIDEN on their "Somewhere Back In Time" world tour. ANTHRAX is supporting IRON MAIDEN at the May 30 and May 31 shows at Irvine, CA's Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

ANTHRAX's Charlie Benante says: "Playing with IRON MAIDEN again is such a thrill or us! We can't wait to be a part of these two magical nights." Guitarist Scott Ian adds, "It is an absolute honor to be asked to open the Irvine shows for the Kings of Metal IRON MAIDEN. ANTHRAX's tours with IRON MAIDEN are my all-time favorites. Up The Irons!!!"

Lastly, bassist Frank Bello exclaims, "I saw them 2 weeks ago and sang every word. They're better then ever!! I can't wait to play with them again!! Good times!!"

ANTHRAX is currently writing for their new album. This will be their first studio album since 2003's "We've Come For You All", and also their first album with Dan Nelson on vocals.

ANTHRAX spring 2008 tour dates:

May 28 - Chicago - Double Door (warm-up show)
May 30 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (w/ IRON MAIDEN)
May 31 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (w/ IRON MAIDEN)

[muthagoose]

ANTHRAX To Enter Studio In October

ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante has issued the following update:

"Lemme have an iced venti americano with six pumps of vanilla and leave room for cream. This has been repeated from my mouth daily throughout the summer; how do I say this in Japanese?

"I am going to Japan and Korea; I am psyched! I think everyone knows that Japan is one of my favorite places to play. If it was closer to the USA, I would move there. The people, the food, the way they package your scone (that sounds weird), the toys, the gear, the electronics, I could go on. It's an awesome place. This will be the first time playing there with Dan [Nelson, vocals] in the band, he is going to shit himself! I am very EXCITING!

"We will be playing a bit of everything, old and new and a surprise or two. Dan, Frank [Bello, bass] and Rob [Caggiano, guitar] have this great samurai sword dance that they will do at the start of the show, it's very Cirque du Soleil... oh shit, that was a surprise...DAMN!

"Korea will be a first for ANTHRAX; we have never played there before. I am looking forward to this. I know it's going to be a very big show, I am ready!

"We're entering the studio in October to start recording. We wanted a Halloween vibe. I wanna do my drum tracks dressed like Ringo."