Unlock the Thrills: Scott Ian Reveals the Unstoppable Power of Watching Anthrax Live!
Anthrax is gearing up for the release of their twelfth studio album, set to drop later this year. Scott Ian, the guitarist and sole remaining co-founder of the iconic New York thrash band, is excited about the upcoming European tour in November. They will be sharing the stage with legendary metal acts Kreator from Germany and Testament.
Reflecting on the essence of a good thrash-metal gig, Scott Ian emphasizes the exhilarating anticipation and energy that builds up before a show. He recalls a nostalgic moment at The Ritz in 1987, just before Slayer took the stage, feeling the palpable excitement in the air. The communal experience of screaming along with the band and headbanging creates a unique catharsis that defines the thrash-metal concert atmosphere.
Despite initial skepticism from some purists who dismissed thrash as mere noise destined to fade away, the genre proved its staying power. Scott Ian reminisces about their manager Jonny Z’s persistence in promoting bands like Metallica and Anthrax to reluctant industry executives. The eventual success of thrash bands in selling records and drawing crowds marked a shift in perception and led to a surge in popularity.
Discussing the “Big Four” of thrash—Anthrax, Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer—Scott Ian suggests that the inclusion of Exodus would have been fitting, given their early contributions to the genre. He praises Exodus for their debut album, “Bonded By Blood,” which he considers one of the best among the pioneering thrash acts.
When asked about Slayer’s surprising return from retirement, Scott Ian reveals his initial disbelief, having toured with them extensively on their supposed farewell tour. Kerry King’s nonchalant response to the news of a brief reunion further adds to the band’s unpredictable nature.
Scott Ian’s son Revel, a budding musician, is following in his father’s footsteps with his punk band X-Comm. The proud father expresses joy and excitement at witnessing his son’s musical journey unfold, noting the inevitable influence of Revel’s rock heritage from both sides of the family.
Teasing the possibility of debuting new music from their upcoming album on the upcoming tour, Scott Ian emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the timing and completion of the album. While the band members have worked on individual parts, there is still a collaborative process of finalizing vocals, solos, and rehearsing together.
Regarding the album’s content, Scott Ian hints at a return to their aggressive metal roots, reminiscent of their acclaimed album “Persistence Of Time” from 1990. Fans eagerly awaiting the release can expect a raw and powerful record that embodies the essence of classic Anthrax thrash.
Anthrax’s European tour alongside Kreator and Testament promises a thrilling lineup for metal enthusiasts. The tour kicks off on November 21 in Manchester, with tickets already on sale for fans eager to experience an electrifying night of iconic thrash-metal music.
