The Metal Files

I remember stopping in Unicorn Records on Saturday afternoon in 1986 and perusing Drew’s used cassettes. he had Spreading The Disease in there for $3.99 and I bought it based on a few reviews I had read in some metal magazines. Needless to say I was blown away and became an Anthrax fan instantly. I went through several copies of that cassette between 86 and the time it came out on CD. I always had a copy handy in my car between 86 and 88. It was a great album to listen to on the way to school.

Fistful of Metal – 1984
I heard this album shortly after hearing Spreading the Disease, I believe from Daniel’s older brother if memory serves me correctly. I’ve always liked this album a lot. Very raw. Very heavy. Coincidentally, my current guitarist played with Neil Turbin for about 3 years after his exit from Anthrax. (Note the drummer).
9/10

Armed and Dangerous EP – 1985
Exit Turbin, enter Belladonna. It’s a great EP. Listened to it today while in the shower. Raise hell! Not much of a fan of their cover of God Save the Queen but the album showed Belladonna’s range. His versions of the Turbin songs were pretty damned good.
8/10

Spreading the Disease – 1985
I think I have this ranked as my 6th favorite metal album ever. Gung-Ho is a bit goofy, but it showcased Charlie Benante’s incredible double bass stamina. The Enemy, Lone Justice, Medusa, A.I.R. are my faves but I never skip any tracks when it’s in the player.
105/10

Among the Living – 1987
Hmmm. Well, they got better production but something had changed. Seeing them in the magazines looking like goofballs with TMNT stuff on everything sort of knocked them down a notch or 2 in my eyes. The title track, Skeletons in the Closet, Indians, NFL and Caught in a Mosh were the best tracks but they got a bit silly in their lyrics. I did see this tour with Testament opening (Legacy Tour) and was simply blown away by both bands. Charlie Benante was worth the price of admission alone. Then they played I’m the Man. Ugh. What a let down. I’ve hated that song since I first heard it.
7/10

State of Euphoria – 1988
C’mon guys. They really started slipping on this one. I think my favorite song is their cover of Trust’s Antisocial. I guess it’s not a bad overall but it’s far from great. I saw this tour when they opened for Ozzy. They rocked it.
5/10

Persistence of Time – 1990
Ugh. The album hurts my ears in general. Again, their cover song is the best song. They did a version of Joe Jackson’s Got the Time. Belly of the Beast is alright. Saw this tour when they opened for Maiden in 1991. They were alright.
2/10

Sound of White Noise – 1993
Exit Belladonna, enter John Bush. I was a bit thrilled that Bush was in the band…until I heard the album. Only is the only song I like. The rest sucked. Really.
.6/10

Stomp 442 – 1995
What? Pass.
0/10

I stopped caring. Thanks for reading.