 ANTHRAX
The Greater of Two Evils
Sanctuary Records 2004
www.anthrax.com
Read the John Bush interview
Read the Joey Belladonna interview
Live Antrax pics
What’s the 4-1-1?
Live in the studio remakes of Neil Turbin/Joey Belladonna-era tracks.
Set list was chosen by fans via Anthrax’s official website.
Genre
Hard rock / thrash / metal
The Good
One of the best aspects of The Greater of Two Evils is that you get an even mix
of familiar classic Anthrax and some of their more obscure tracks. “Caught
in a Mosh” sounds just as rage inducing as it did in the past. Who can
forget its thunderous pounding drums and rapid-fire riffage? Twenty years later,
the gang hasn’t lost a step. The opening riff to “Among the Living” is
just as ominous, while Bush’s low registering vocals add that little
touch of evil that was missing. “Keep it in the Family” was one
of my favorite Belladonna-era Anthrax songs that were originally hard to find,
until Attack of the Killer B’s was released. I like the way the rhythm
builds from a heavy chugga-chugga to an all out thrash explosion.
Current guitarist Rob Caggiano and longtime guitarist Scott Ian play well
off of each other on “Indians”, but I have to give Belladonna version
the edge on this one. “Madhouse” recalls the days when guitarists
muted the old E string and hammered away. Bush gives it more of a kick in the
ass with his forceful delivery. “N.F.L.” is another one of those
obscure tracks, but it’s seems to be a fan favorite. The song is more
effective with John’s deep, rough vocals when he says ‘nice fucking
life’ than Belladonna’s helium induced vocals did. Anthrax really
tosses out the thrash on “Gung-Ho”. The guitars are spewing such
frantic rhythms that I couldn’t even begin to describe them properly.
Robb is just phenomenal when he busts out his solo. The Bad
Those royalty checks to Joey Belladonna and Dan Spitz are going to dry up real
soon (I’m sure Neil Turbin doesn’t see much anyway).
The Verdict
It’s always a gamble when you try to out-do yourself, but Anthrax seemed
to pull it off. I’m not just saying that because I prefer the Bush-era
Anthrax either. Let face it, music technology has come a long way in the past
15-20 years. The production on the remakes is great, and the band performances
are flawless. The remakes are just plain better with John Bush on vocals.
Having said all that, I do subscribe to the theory that you shouldn’t
try to change the past. Music is the soundtrack to our lives. Songs you listened
to and enjoyed growing up are tied to memories and events that you experienced
back then. If Anthrax with Belladonna was the first concert you saw live, then
you’ll associate Belladonna material with that fond memory. Nothing else
would be acceptable to you. Another example would be if you had your first
kiss while “Caught in a Mosh” was playing on the radio. Highly
unlikely, but you see where I’m going. Bush’s version would be
crap in you mind. History should be preserved, but somehow I believe that the
entire Belladonna/Turbin catalog will slowly disappear. Did You Know?
After leaving Anthrax in 1984, Neil Turbin went on to drive a cab in New York
for six months.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Anthrax - We've Come for You All
--George Dionne
|
