Among the Living (CD - 1987)

Generally considered the band's best album, Among the Living broadened the scope of Anthrax's subject matter with socially conscious lyrics addressing prejudice, violence, drug abuse ("Efilnikufesin [N.F.L.]," a rip on John Belushi), and the hollowness of the music business, as well as a politically correct ode to the "Indians." However, the band refuses to take itself too seriously, also recording tributes to Stephen King and Judge Dredd. Musically, the band delivers a powerful, aggressive roar driven by impossibly fast riffing and the changing tempos and collectively shouted vocals of hardcore, especially on the classic "Caught in a Mosh." The brutal rhythm guitar work of Scott Ian and the explosive drumming of Charlie Benante relentlessly push the songs along while still maintaining a solid groove, and more than make up for some lyrical awkwardness. Among the Living remains arguably Anthrax's foremost achievement. ~ Steve Huey

When Anthrax released AMONG THE LIVING in 1987, the band was a part of a then-burgeoning heavy metal sub-genre called speed or thrash metal. This was an inversion of glam metal. The band members wore worn-out jeans and T-shirts, their long hair was hairspray-free, and not a smudge of make-up was applied to their unsightly mugs. Their music was dense, borrowing speed from punk and hardcore and mammoth guitar riffing from metal, and featured thought-provoking lyrics. AMONG THE LIVING not only served as Anthrax's commercial breakthrough, but (along with seminal releases by Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer) the album brought this new musical form to the forefront.

The members of Anthrax were a bunch of comic-book-reading, jam-wearing heavy metal fans from NYC, and the music reflects the lifestyle. The band based it's U.K. Top-30 hit single "I Am the Law" on a favorite comic-book character (Judge Dread). "Imitation Of Life," a song about phony people that contains one of thrash metal's strongest riffs, was pointedly directed at '80s glam metal bands. The frantic "Caught In A Mosh" is an album highlight, as are "Indians" (which deals with the plight of the Native American), "N.F.L.," "Skeletons In The Closet," and the title track. minimize