Anthrax at Irving Plaza

Vocalist Joey Belladonna has rejoined Anthrax -- again!

Anthrax is among the granddaddies of thrash metal, and was New York’s prime representative in the field throughout the 1980s. Formed in 1981, Anthrax, along with Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Sepultura and so many others, pushed heavy metal music beyond what Judas Priest and Motorhead had accomplished. In the ensuing years, many newer bands became thrashier and more extreme, seemingly dating Anthrax to a period that now in comparison no longer seems so wild. Over the past 32 years, Anthrax changed line-up many times and even altered the direction of its music several times while recording 11 studio albums and performing at some of the world’s largest heavy metal festivals.

Anthrax’s pair of tour-ending concerts at Irving Plaza allowed the audience to conclude what can be said of very few bands – after more than 30 years, Anthrax sounds better than ever live. Although the first half of the concert harked back to the landmark 1970s era of Iron Maiden or Dio, the rest of the concert was speedier and harsher, focusing on what made Anthrax one of America’s thrash pioneers. Returning vocalist Joey Belladonna sang with extraordinary range, new touring member Jonathan Donais shredded on lead guitar and rhythm guitarist Scott Ian, bassist Frank Bello and drummer Charlie Benante powered the onslaught. At a time when many metal bands growl lyrics and thrust a wall of furious white noise to grand effect, it was refreshing to hear a classic thrash band combine melody and clarity with the adrenalin-pumping pulse of true thrash.