Anthrax
We've Come for You All
Sanctuary Records 2003
www.anthrax.com

Read the John Bush interview

Live Anthrax pics

What’s the 4-1-1?
I'm sure you're all familiar with Anthrax. I'm sure this is about the tenth review you've read about their new CD. So I won't bore you with their biography. I won't remind you that Anthrax helped define the speed and thrash metal genre. I won't remind you that it's been seven years since the last Anthrax studio album. I won't remind you that the band was plagued with record label problems just to get this CD released. I won't remind you that Anthrax has had their fair share of line-up changes, including new guitarist Rob Caggiano. I won't remind you about how the whole 9-11 'anthrax scare' affected the band, and how they refused to change their name. I won't remind you that We've Come for You All is being hailed as the big 'comeback' CD for Anthrax. I will tell you, however, if this CD kicks ass or not.

Genre:
Metal / thrash / hard rock

The Good
The first vocal track, "What Doesn't Die" says it all, you cannot kill / what doesn't die / live up to my promise / my full potential realized. That's Anthrax! This opening track lays the blueprint for the fury that's going to be released throughout the album. Beante's double bass drum beat and John Bush's angry vocals tear the track apart like a lion feasting in the wild. Charlie comes out from behind the drum kit to play lead guitar on "Superhero". He lays down a wicked opening riff, while Scott backs him up with his trademark heavy rhythm playing. Bush's chanting chorus is sure to have fists pumping. The CD's first single, "Safe Home" is the least heavy song on the album. It still has all of the Anthrax crunch, but it was clearly intended to be radio friendly. The song writing shows that the gang has matured, and reflects a softer side (and not in a sappy way); you have always been my safe home / I walk, I run, I burn out into you / you have always been my safe home / my whole world has moved on. "Anyplace But Here" is, in my opinion, a perfectly constructed metal song. It starts with a slow acoustic opening, followed by a killer riff, then BANG, metal thrashing power chords. The chorus is catchy and the guitar solo is intricate and intense. What more could you ask for?

Speaking of intense, Pantera ax-man Dimebag Darrell lends a few of his southern-tortured licks to "Strap it On". Bush and company express their fondness for the golden age rock and metal here. Dimebag isn't finished. He returns on "Cadillac Rock Box". The opening is pure Pantera! You'd think that after ten tracks Anthrax would slow it down. The thrashing just continues. "Taking the Music Back" features guest vocals by The Who's Rodger Daltrey (though you really wouldn’t know unless I told you). It's a great metal anthem that addresses the old record label vs. artist battle. The chorus that Bush shares with Daltrey does have The Who written all over it. Anthrax concludes this madness with the title track, "W.C.F.Y.A." You can draw your own conclusions. Be sure to listen for the bonus track at 6m 11s. That's it for the audio, but as a special gift to their fans, Anthrax included some multimedia files. You can view three galleries of concert photos and watch two live performances for "Got the Time" and "Among the Living / I'm the Man / Caught in a Mosh Medley". The CD booklet is packed with lyrics and photos (the new logo is awesome).

The Bad
Not a damn thing!

The Verdict
THIS CD KICKS ASS! Anthrax is back (did they really leave?) with new material that’s loaded with in-your-face metal. The songs are heavy and well written, and are just as viable as any song on rock radio today. They’re right up there with anything by Godsmack, Disturbed, Mudvayne etc... Unfortunately, Anthrax and bands like them, don't get a fair shake because they are lumped into that ‘80 metal’ category. Just because they're older, doesn't mean they're not making great music. We've Come for You All proves that you can only get better as time goes on. I'm not a die-hard Anthrax fan, but this CD is one of the best rock CDs I've heard this year. It's much better than another well-known metal band's comeback CD. You'd be a fool to pass this disc up.

Did you know?
Guitarist Rob Caggiano was taught by guitar virtuoso Joe Stump.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Anthrax - Greater of Two Evils

--George Dionne