Anthrax bassist Frank Bello has delivered a massive update on the band’s long-awaited new album, confirming that the record is finally “done” and is now heading into the mixing stage. In a comprehensive interview on July 17 with SiriusXM‘s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, Bello promised fans they would hear a new single before the end of 2025 and hailed the new material as a major step forward, particularly praising a career-best performance from vocalist Joey Belladonna.
“Joey‘s vocals — I’m not even joking when I say this about Belladonna, it’s one of the best singing he’s done on an Anthrax record,” Bello stated emphatically (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “We made sure the melodies, everything is right with this record.”
The as-yet-untitled album will be the first from the thrash legends in nearly a decade, following 2016’s critically acclaimed For All Kings. Bello acknowledged the long wait but assured fans that the new work builds on the momentum of their last two releases. “People who have liked the last two records… I think we took another step from that,” he said. “And this isn’t just a salesmanship thing. I am, as a fan, really proud of the band stepping up like this — musicianship, songwriting.”
After years of delays due to “COVID, side projects, everything,” Bello also confirmed that the band’s full attention is now on Anthrax. He revealed that 2026 is “carved out” for a major touring cycle in support of the new album.
“The record’s done. It’s going into mixing now,” Bello confirmed.
“We’re concentrating specifically on Anthrax,” he affirmed. “Look, there may be shows here and there for other projects and that’s fine when we’re off, but it’s absolutely focused on Anthrax and the record and getting it out there and really making people hear the stuff.”
Fans may not have to wait until 2026 to see the band live. While not yet confirmed, Bello hinted at a potential tour for the end of this year. “You’ll love the tour we’re talking about doing later this year, if that works out,” he teased. “I hope it does. [If it happens, it will be] with a package… It’ll be fun.”
For now, the plan is to begin rolling out new music soon. “You’ll be hearing something before the end of the year, for sure,” Bello confirmed, adding that the strategy is to release “a song and then a song, and you tease it out” before the full album drops.
