ANTHRAX — Fistful Of Metal (review)

ANTHRAX — Fistful Of Metal album cover Album · 1984 · Speed Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Pelata
All I have ever known of Anthrax was the Ninja Turtle, Judge Dredd, surfer-shorts wearing "NOT!" thing from the late 80s and early 90s. I liked some of it. Among The Living and Spreading The Disease had some great stuff on them. State Of Euphoria and Persistence Of Time a little less so. Then the John Bush era happened and I loved Sound Of White Noise but was left cold by most of what came after. All during this time, and as recently as a week ago, I heard people make reference to how Fistful Of Metal was the "best thing they ever did". After years of never paying attention, I decided to listen to this album from start to finish. After 4 spins front to back, I can now agree that, yes...Fistful Of Metal is the best thing Anthrax ever did.

Recorded in 1983 and released in 1984, Fistful Of Metal is pure, undiluted American Power Metal up there with early output from Savatage, Lizzy Borden, Fates Warning and Metal Church. Remember, the term "Thrash Metal" didn't really take hold until later on, and this album doesn't really bear all the traits of what would later be dubbed Thrash. This stuff is like Judas Priest after lifting weights and getting pissed off. Angry, aggressive, powerful Heavy Metal. Vocalist Neil Turbin is a wailing melodic maniac blending Paul Stanley-like NY attitude with Halford-esque screams. The guitars riffs and tempos move along at driving mid to fast speeds. This is not "get your ass kicked in a pit" Metal, this is "wreck your neck on the front row" Metal complete with denim vests, leather gloves and sweaty, tangled hair!

Verdict: I love it! Old school, ass-kicking Heavy Metal from one of America's most lauded Metal bands. They may have gone on to make some questionable moves and so-so albums, but Fistful Of Metal proves that at one time, Anthrax had the goods!
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