Scott Ian performs with Anthrax at Rock On The Range in 2015. Damien Dennis/The Pit
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]s it just me, or is today’s metal – at least what’s deemed popular – nothing more than a bunch of 30-something year olds whining like they’re still in high school?
While I like many of those bands, their music lacks the intensity and power that the pioneers of the genre honed. When I listen to metal, I want the world to know I am out to not just knock the world around like my punching bag, but I want to take it for my own.
Luckily, Anthrax drops For All Kings this Friday (February 26, 2016) and it packs the necessary punch of heavy metal I’ve been looking for, as I’m sure so many others have.
And if you’re doubting me, the first spoken lines of the album – from the song “You Gotta Believe” – speak exactly to what I am saying: “You can die screaming or you can give me what I want. I’m gonna get it, get it either way and I can’t let it be.”
Those lines alone embody what metal has meant for me and so many others over the years. For All Kings is seemingly an entire album devoted to not letting the world hold you down and staying ambitious and true to your own goals.
But it’s also a collection of face-melting metal that can get the blood pumping, flowing and spewing.
My favorite track off For All Kings is “Zero Tolerance,” which blends an old-school style of heavy metal with a sense of modern energy. And let’s not forget this inspirational message in the latter half of the tune:
“Zero tolerance for extremism – in the name of religion
Zero tolerance for racial hate – no police state
Zero tolerance for politicians – on the left and the right
Zero tolerance for killing children – what would your god say to that mother f*****s?”
For All Kings drops on February 26. Photo courtesy of Anthrax
My second favorite is “Blood Eagle Wings,” which to me is about struggling with one’s personal demons and, more importantly, conquering them. The song is catchy in chorus and verse, and amplifies the heaviness by 10.
The final verdict on Anthrax’s new album For All Kings is a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This album is an early contender for metal album of the year in my opinion.
For All Kings is a 13-track album that will speak to true metal fans, both old and new. More information on how to purchase the album is available at www.Anthrax.com.
Anthrax hits the road with Iron Maiden through the month of March for a tour of South America before returning to the United States for the spring festival slate, including a stop at Carolina Rebellion.
