Anthrax: Audiobiography

Formed in '81 on the streets of New York, Anthrax, along with thrash icons Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer, married punk speed with metal precision and forged a new subgenre. Fast-forward ten albums, multiple lineup changes and 30 years later, and the band are not only touring on a successful return-to-form (both sonically and as a squad) on 2011's Worship Music with famed frontman Joey Belladonna back at the helm, but they've also managed to headline the Jagermeister Stage at this summer's Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. That's where Google Play caught up with Belladonna and iconic axeman and lyricist Scott Ian to talk about where it really took off for them as a band: on 1987's Among the Living.

"It was a really exciting time," explains Ian. "[Among the Living] was our third album...and obviously I felt like we made a great record, but [that] we really found ourselves as Anthrax." With Ian injecting his colorful take on pop culture lyrically, whether it be references to Judge Dredd or Stephen King, or more serious observations about the life of John Belushi ("Efilnikufesin") or dedicating the whole album to sadly departed Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, the band found their niche and the world took notice.

Watch as Belladonna and Ian pridefully look back on the making of their definitive album, telling stories of working with legendary producer Eddie Kramer while "living in some crazy big Scarface cocaine house straight out of Miami Vice," explaining the inside joke that is "Caught in a Mosh," the live show-defining moment of "Indians" and much more.

To celebrate the band's career, we're offering Among the Living staple "Caught in a Mosh" absolutely free for a limited time, and we've also got some choice Anthrax albums for sale below. Don't miss out! – Jen Guyre, Google Play

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