The long wait for new material from thrash metal legends Anthrax is nearly over. In a recent appearance on the “100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” podcast, drummer Charlie Benante offered a promising update on the band’s eleventh studio album, confirming that the record is in its final stages and slated for release early next year.
Speaking with host and Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, Benante revealed that the band has “pushed the envelope” on the follow-up to 2016’s For All Kings, suggesting that the decade-long gap between releases will be justified by the quality of the music.
“We have a new Anthrax record coming out early next year,” Benante stated. “There’s one song left to be mixed on it, and not because it’s our record, but God, this record is so good. And I know it took a long time to make, but I think people will really be surprised and they will really grasp this and just be, like, ‘Oh my God. This is worth the wait.’ At least that’s what I think.”
The recording process has been a meticulous journey for the band, involving sessions at Dave Grohl‘s Studio 606 in Northridge, California. Benante noted that hearing the album take shape as a cohesive whole has been a rewarding experience.
“A couple of months ago, I started to listen to all of [the songs] in the order that I think we’re gonna put the record in, and it’s, like, ‘Wow, this is really good,'” Benante said. “It’s the best thing when you could put them all together and it just flows. So I’m really excited about it… We pushed the envelope on this record too, so I’m happy about that.”
A key component of the new album’s sound is the return of producer Jay Ruston, who has worked with the band since their creative resurgence on 2011’s Worship Music. Benante offered high praise for Ruston, comparing his influence on the band to the role the legendary “Fifth Beatle” played for the Fab Four.
“Jay‘s done the last few Anthrax records, and he’s become… We talked about George Martin before, and Jay has become that [for us],” Benante explained. “And him and I have been working very close on this record.”
With mixing nearly complete, Anthrax is poised to end their longest-ever drought between studio albums. The new record will mark the band’s first full-length release in ten years.
