ANTHRAX — For All Kings (review)

ANTHRAX — For All Kings album cover Album · 2016 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Unitron
Anthrax - For All Kings

"For All Kings" is the eleventh studio album from legendary thrash metal band Anthrax. Five years after vocalist Joey Belladonna's comeback album with Anthrax, "Worship Music", Anthrax finally returns with power on full blast. This time it's heavier with a powerful punchy production.

While the previous album "Worship Music" had a balance between thrash and more classic heavy metal elements, "For All Kings" is pretty much a full-return to thrash albeit with classic metal and groove metal elements being mixed in. A good description would be a combination of "Worship Music", "Persistence of Time", and a bit of the John Bush-era sound. Before moving into the brutal thrashing of 'You Gotta Believe', the album harkens back to the classical strings of the beginning of 'Be All, End All' from 1988's "State of Euphoria" with the intro 'Impaled'. The political 'Zero Tolerance', which is probably my favorite on the album, sounds straight out of "Persistence of Time".

Anthrax must have been listening to a bit of Meshuggah, and one listen to the brutal skull-crushing riffing in 'Suzerain', showcases that. However, in typical Anthrax fashion, they combine that brutal crunch with soaring melody. 'Evil Twin', another favorite of mine, is also a real thrashing and groovy treat. The more classic metal elements come in with 'Breathing Lightning', 'Blood Eagle Wings', and the majestic Iron Maiden-esque opening of the title track.

Overall, there's not much else to say. This is a killer album, and any fan of Anthrax should give it a listen. Anthrax has always managed to get the perfect combination of thrash, melody, and groove into their sound like no other band has done quite like them. This album proves that Anthrax is still at the top of their game, and remains the most consistent of the big four of thrash. Hope you found this review helpful.

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Unitron wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Sometimes albums take awhile to grow, but sometimes they just don't click.
Kingcrimsonprog wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I really struggle with this album. Its missing something for me. Worship Music still excites me, this one its a chore to get through. I do keep going back hoping it'll click though
Unitron wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Some of the riffing Suzerain definitely sounds very Meshuggah-esque. This album is certainly worth a full-listen, especially if you like thrash with melody.
Tupan wrote:
more than 2 years ago
After your review, I want to listen the entire album (there are songs inspired by Meshuggah, really?). Blood Eagle Wings is fucking great!

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