Of the “big four” thrash bands of the 80s (Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth), Anthrax never seemed to quite find their niche. The mainstream success of Metallica eluded them, but they were never content to remain firmly in the underground like Slayer. They were one of the few metal bands to take rap seriously (and humorously!), they wore their punk influences on their sleeves a bit more than some of their contemporaries, and their clowning antics sometimes bordered on those of a novelty act.

Still, if I had to pick a personal favorite of that era, I’d go with the ‘Thrax. I am extremely catholic in my Anthrax love – I can groove with the earlier Joey Belladonna stuff, but I also really dig the heavier later stuff with former Armored Saint singer John Bush.

Unfortunately, Anthrax recently lost a lot of credibility with fans by staging a reunion tour with Belladonna not long after releasing what many felt to be one of their best albums (2003’s We’ve Come for You All) with John Bush. Still, their back catalogue is chock-full of thrash gems, a few of which I offer for your consideration.

“Madhouse”

“Among the Living” (live 1987)

“Antisocial”

“Got the Time”

“In My World”

“Bring the Noise” (with Public Enemy!)

“Only”

“Taking the Music Back”