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Anthrax - Anthems

Published March 26 2013


*
=Staff's pick

Anthem
T.N.T.*
Smokin'
Keep On Runnin'
Big Eyes
Jailbreak
Crawl
Crawl (Remix)


Genre Heavy Metal
Joey Belladonna
Vocals
Tracks 8
Rob Caggiano
Guitar
Running time 34 Min.
Scott Ian
Guitar
Label Megaforce Records
Frank Bello
Bass
Release 19 March 2013
Charlie Benante
Drums
Country USA
-
Keyboard
Producer Jay Ruston/Rob C./Anthrax
Similar artists ---

Songs originally recorded by: Rush (Anthem), AC/DC (T.N.T.), Boston (Smokin'), Journey (Keep On Runnin'), Cheap Trick (Big Eyes), Thin Lizzy (Jailbreak) and Anthrax (Crawl). Additional personnel: Phil Campbell (guitar), Fred Mandel (keyboard).

New York's heavy metallers Anthrax's new EP, yes EP, features eight songs and thirty-four minutes with songs who have been of major influence to them, as well as two versions of Crawl from their last release, 2011's Worship Music. A cover album rarely gets any or merely little attention from the everyday ordinary fan and this one won't probably either. Since the recordings, guitarist and co-producer Rob Caggiano has left the band to later team up with Danish heavy rockers / metallers Volbeat.

So what about the actual music presented here? Well, the songs are pretty good, but I prefer the original versions of all tracks. Anthrax's versions are dead serious, but must also be seen as something internal. These songs were not once created to fit nowadays newer productions, even if the production on Anthems is not totally updated to sound like this decade's technique. To me most tracks sounds odd and there aren't many bands in this world that can turn already good songs to even better.

This EP is nothing I would recommend to none other than the die-hard fans, who must own every Anthrax item to complete their collections. A release that I won't listen to much in the future, but somehow it's cool just to listen to the outcome of a well known band doing these versions. I can't really see the reason to include Crawl on this release either. I mean, the song is rather good, but what's the point to have on this release? I can't hand out more than 3 chalices, even if it has its memorable moments and the band is doing their best to make the songs justice. I would definitely have preferred a new full length release instead.

See also review of: Worship Music , The Greater Of Two Evils , We've Come For You All , Music Of Mass Destruction

Performance
Originality
Production
Vocals
Songwriting

6

1

5

6

8

 
Summary



3 chalices of 10 - Tobbe


Related links:

www.anthrax.com
www.facebook.com/anthrax