Among The Living

I'd been holding off listening to this album for a while because I was sure I wouldn't like it. And while it's surely not my style of music, we've listened to so many worse albums in the interim that I don't think I can just damn it with one star. Were this a 10 star system, I'd probably give it a 2 - MAYBE a 3. But in this 5 star system, I've got to go with a 2, because it's not nearly as bad a some of the albums that have been virtually unlistenable. So cheers to Anthrax. You've earned this 2 by not sucking as much as others!!

Rips so hard I want to black out on Bud Light and worship Satan

“Among the Living” by Anthrax (1987) Never heard this album, nor anything by Anthrax, as far as I know. Since I’m not very familiar with the thrash genre, these comments will be limited in context. The musical settings are appropriately harsh and foreboding, evoking the rage of the generation that had had just about enough of Ronald Reagan. High energy and aggressive beats. Makes me want to just sit back and listen. A little Anthrax in the morning! Very entertaining, with plenty of variety in tempos (mostly fast) and rhythms (mostly driving) with extremely abrupt turns and shifts. No toe-tapping to this music. The only dancing one could do to these rhythms would be in a mosh pit. Drums and bass very disciplined, and excellent lead guitar colorings. Nice synchronization of rhythm guitar and bass. Drum work displays significant virtuosity; very well rehearsed. Overall, the band is talented, consistently able to carry the creative motivation of each song to its intended effect. Excellent technical production. Drums recorded with good separation and depth. Good mix. Lead vocals are suitable for the genre, a little weak on diction. Backing vocals are crisp, with good pitch control and range. “I Am the Law” is appealing, intentionally derivative of the artistic theme of the Judge Dredd character from “2000ad”. Musically and lyrically it captures the milieu. “N.F.L.” is a generationally appropriate homage to the life and death of John Belushi. Kind of a “thrashumentary”—a fitting tribute. I think Belushi would have liked it, and then paid tribute in return by satirizing it. The intro to “Medley: A.D.I./Horror of It All” all is a refreshing variation in the album’s sound texture, before jolting back into the thrash style. Nice work on acoustic twelve string. The Anthrax approach to musical and lyrical composition seems to be “commentary” on well-chosen cultural events and the common themes of rebellion and “anti-establishment” protest. But they don’t express it as well as predecessors Bob Dylan, Stephen Stills, Joni Mitchell, etc. Lacking subtlety and nuance in its moral judgments, Anthrax would seem somewhat immature to more thoughtful adolescents and young adults, who might be put off by the denunciatory and condescending sermonizing. “Imitation of Life” is a great example of this shortcoming, but it runs throughout the album. Overall, a good album, but not on par with Black Sabbath or Metallica. I liked listening to it. 3/5

A thrash classic. I feel like Anthrax gets a lot of disrespect; some say they shouldnt be considered one of the big 4 of the genre. I disagree (though a good case can be made for Testament in their place, but that's not important) they put out a lot of solid albums and this is the best of them all. It's a lot of fun.

Though I don’t necessarily mind Thrash, it’s hardly my thing; but this was surprisingly catchy and almost punk-ish at times.

Today is my birthday. I woke up in anticipation. Would my birthday album be one of my all-time favorite classics, maybe something by Pink Floyd, The Beatles, or The Velvet Underground? Or would I be thrilled to discover some masterpiece that I wasn't already familiar with? No, it turns out to be this garbage. Ugh. This is awful. My birthday is ruined! 1 star.

Reminded me a lot of a slightly worse Metallica

The brutal rhythm guitar work of Scott Ian and the explosive drumming of Charlie Benante relentlessly push the songs along while still maintaining a solid groove, and more than make up for some lyrical awkwardness. Among the Living remains arguably Anthrax's foremost achievement.

Can tell you that it’s more fun listening to Anthrax, than being infected by it.

Had a teacher who was a roadie for anthrax

Fucking metal. Great rhythms and riff. It's just powers through, every track with driving energy. My only complaint (and why I'm not giving it 5 stars) is that it does lack variety.

Listening to this just feels like wasting time, I am not on this thrash metal wavelength at all. The songs are more meaningful than they sound like they would be, the socially conscious themes and such. And there's a lot of technical skill, particularly in the speed of the playing. But as they say, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Did not enjoy.

I did not have a positive view of Anthrax and have never listened to more than a few snippets here and there. There were a lot of negative assumptions that I had back in the day and I am still dealing with those today. I was surprised by the themes that the band chose to address in this album. The songs deal with real issues - surprising themes for thrash metal. Yet they still manage to make it fun. I did not expect this. This album is a bit harder than I usually rock these days but I like and appreciate it. This first time through I was disabused me of my Anthrax misconceptions, the second time through I became a fan.

Thought I would hate this one but turns out I liked it a lot. Liked the music and the lyrics.

Captivating chuga-chuga-chuga rhythm all the way through. They seem fascinated by death but largely against it, which is nice. I liked it!

An already biased opinion as a metal head! The Metallica homages are evident. Crisp, dry drums that are synonymous with thrash metal hammer away with barely intelligable lyrics encourage head banging. A properly adjusted equaliser makes more difference than it has rights to in order to elevate the sound.

This alum was Anthrax awaking as a Big-4 Thrash band (Metallica; Megadeth; Slayer). It was filled with hardcore kick ass but unlike their Big-4 counterparts Anthrax also liked to have fun. My first introduction to them was the succeeding EP called I’m the Man, where they became the first rap-metal band. I use a gavel in my classroom that is inscribed with I am the Law” from this album. Indians might be considered cultural appropriation today but back then it was a stadium anthem to get the crowd cheering. Anthrax when one to create other better (and worse)albums but this one still stands the test of time. Of their eleven albums I’d put this at #5, which should be a “3”. Personal bias stealing this from my brother on cassette included and four great tracks, I’m going to give this a 4!

One of the prime albums in Thrash and helped establish Anthrax as a force to be reckoned with in 4 way of ‘best thrash band’

I’ve always be a fan of Slayer and also partially to early Metallica. I’ve struggled to find a place for Anthrax in my mind - they are ever present in the era but I failed to hear a memorable album until this one. It starts wonderfully with thrash banger after banger - then it evens out to a solid album. Feels like the last two tracks have been forced on and could have done without them. I also went and listened to Reign in Blood, Master of Puppets and Kill ‘em all to place this album in that hall of fame and it fits nicely trailing closely behind the other behemoths. All in all a solid trash album

4 Look, I’ve never claimed to be the biggest metal fan - as of this writing my Summary page on this site even has it listed as one of my least favorite genres. It’s just never been one that’s spoken to me much, and I just don’t think there are a ton of associated albums I would rate highly (see: Pantera). Now, that all being said, this is one of those exceptions. When it comes to the “Big Four” of metal (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax), I’m fully in Anthrax’s corner. I’m not even entirely sure why that is - I can admit they don’t sound drastically different from the others, but there’s something about Joey Belladonna’s contrastingly clean high-pitched vocals and the backing chants that really set the band apart for me. And then there’s the speed of the music - the band rips so hard so fast that I can’t be convinced that there isn’t at least a degree of punk influence in there. Sure, it can be pretty same-y, but the thrash nature makes the album (and individual songs) feel so much shorter than they are. It’s just one rapid-fire flash of moshable material after another, without any hint of slowing down. Speaking of, Caught in a Mosh is not only a highlight of the album and an exemplification of all things that make this band work, but probably one of the best tunes to ever come out of the genre. It’s also a personal favorite of mine to listen to while working out - whenever my Spotify shuffles it in, I know I’m about to absolutely crush my next set (sorry if too bro-y, but if you find yourself at the gym I recommend tossing it in in the queue). Among metal’s best for me, but it might just be because of my punk background. Regardless, I enjoyed quite a bit.

I AM THE LAW

Ga ga ga ga junga ga junga. My inner Beavis is shining. I enjoyed this more than I expected. Doubt I'll ever listen to it again, but I am glad to have heard it before I died.

Among the Living is the third studio album by American thrash metal band Anthrax, released in 1987. The album is considered one of the band's best works, as well as one of the most influential albums in the genre. It features some of the band's most popular songs, such as "Caught in a Mosh", "I Am the Law", and "Indians". The album showcases Anthrax's signature style of fast, aggressive, and catchy riffs, combined with humorous and socially conscious lyrics. The band also experiments with different influences, such as hardcore punk, rap, and horror movies. The album is praised for its production, musicianship, and songwriting, as well as its energy and attitude. However, not everyone may enjoy this album, especially if they prefer other thrash metal bands such as Metallica. Some may find the album too noisy, chaotic, or silly. Some may also dislike the vocals of Joey Belladonna, who has a more melodic and clean voice than other thrash metal singers. Some may also prefer the darker and more serious themes of other thrash metal albums. Among the Living is an important and worth listening to album for any fan of thrash metal or heavy metal in general. It is a classic and influential album that showcases Anthrax's, but personally I’d listen to Metallica over this if given the choice, and I’m not a big enough metal head to come back to this one.

Damn I liked this. I'm actually shocked. For me this is closer to Never Mind the Bollocks then it is to Paranoid, which I did not expect. The guitar histrionics tend to be short blasts then long drawn out wank-fests. 3 🌟

This album is really, really good. Like Metallica Black album good. Which is why I found it so strange that it's average rating is below a 3. Sure, it's thrash metal and that's not everyone's cup of tea. But there is a lot of melody surrounding their frantic playing, which is why I think they were part of the thrash elite. Same as Metallica. They found a way to make what some though was the devil's music a little heavenly. I have never listened to Anthrax before except for their mash-up with Public Enemy, but I loved the first three songs (title track, Caught in a Mosh, I Am the Law). Pounding but melodic instrumentals (so many good hooks), respectable lyrics and vocals, and enough complex/odd time signatures to make you realize these guys had some real ability. The lyrics were edgier and sharper on side two (Indians, Imitation of Life), where the music was just a little less sharp. But still a great listening experience. Anthrax really nailed it with this album. I think it's an absolute classic.

Nr. 152/1001 Among the Living 3/5 Caught in a Mosh 2/5 I Am the Law 2/5 NFL 3/5 A Skeleton in the Closet 2/5 Indians 3/5 One World 2/5 Medley 3/5 Imitation of Life 2/5 Average: 2,44 Just goes too hard for my personal taste.

The worst band of the big 4. I'd put testament in their place instead. Musically very sound but the vocals suck ass. Other contemporaries embrace the fact they can't sing but anthrax does the opposite. They try to add some catchy singable lines but it just does not work out at all. Musically a 4 Vocally a 1 That leaves me hanging between a 2 and a 3. Because I will not revisit it gets a 2

Too much head banging

Another great album

Fajne

Easily the most underrated of thrash metal’s Big Four. The classic Anthrax lineup is a powerhouse and they never seemed more fully developed than on Among The Living. Their New York-inspired punkier approach to the genre makes Anthrax quite distinct when compared to the other heavyweights - and makes for some perfect stadium singalong choruses.

what a nice and relaxing album

Really good thrash metal. Some of the pioneers. Clean and fun

Partially for nostalgia reasons I still really enjoy this, I used to love all that thrash metal when I was a teenager. I realise why I stopped listening to it as much though, since it does get a bit tiring towards the end despite being just a 50 min album. Great riffs and super fun regardless.

Welcome to my gym playlist, Anthrax

Uh... 5 stars for this one! Thrash metal??? How can you go wrong, love this shit!!! 🤘🏽

Hell yes!! Still as good as when it came out.

This fucking slaps If I was gonna nitpick, I’d say it’s maybe a track too long and I’m not a fan of screechy vocals in metal. Your Dio‘s your Rob Halfords etc. But those really are just nitpicks, this is proper eighties thrash metal and I can’t believe I’ve never heard it before. Gonna listen to more Anthrax. Caught in a Mosh and I am the Law (shout out for the Judge Dredd reference) are highlights, but I don’t think there was a duff track on it and all of it grooves, which is very important. 5/5

9.5/10. It's bloody Anthrax. They are among the big four thrash metal bands!!! The album is dope, and revolutionary. It features a plethora of amazing riffs!!! :)

Metallica = earth Megadeth = wind Slayer = fire ...and Anthrax would be water 💦 Just experienced them all yay. Did I got it right?

Back in 1987, Metal was not my thing and I resented the Goth bands who were introducing Metal influences... But I heard 'Indians' and liked it so much I bought the single, and then the 'Among The Living' album. And finally I'd found some Metal that I liked. 36 years on I still like it very much.

Yes yes yes

Bangin

I'm somehow much more familiar with Slayer and early Metallica than with Anthrax, that I always saw as second fiddle in the genre. Glad 1001albums changes this situation. I love Reign in Blood and Master of Puppets, and Among The Living deserves its rightful place at their side. Everything is really good: strong rhythm section, fast and precise guitar riffs, good singing (although I find it sometimes a bit too prominent). Really enjoyed this time Among the Living.

Klassieker onder de metal-albums. Duidelijk te merken dat deze band inspiratie was voor vele recentere groepen. Volume op 11 en genieten!

Great album

Classic metal

Epá, isto é um senhor álbum, nem sou um grande fã de anthrax mas este álbum esta carregado de Bangers atrás de Bangers. Um álbum clássico, tem reunidas das melhores músicas da banda sendo que devido ao meu estado de espírito foi tão bom de ouvir. São claramente a banda mais fraca dos Big Four, mas não deixam de ser maus e merecem de ser considerados nesta lista. As guitarras são geniais, a bateria também, a voz do senhor encaixa-se no que eles pretendem executar musicalmente. Muito surpreso, foi muito bom e tendo em conta isto tudo vou dar um 9. Onde surge o problema? É que dei 8 ao Master of Puppets , pontuação errada que não merece, devia ter dado o 9. Mas não vamos falar de erros passados. Melhor Música? O Indians seguido do Caught in the Mosh. Nota: 9/10 Data:10/07/2024

Used to love a bunch of these songs when I had a metal phase and they still hold up for me

Wow, that was an amazing album. For some reason I always ignored them, but this was a great listen.

This ROCKS 5/5

Yeah, still great.

Stellar record deservedly cementing Anthrax as one of the Big Four.

This absolutely whips ass.

Great album no filler just great thrash

Como todo el trash metal, me pareció chistoso, pero he de admitir que sí termina haciendome querer regar sangre por todas partes XD y convertirme en un no-muerto sádico. Nunca había escuchado un disco de estos abuelos del trash, fue una buena experiencia aunque este subgenero de plano no creo que entre a mis playlists de metal, supongo por esa insistencia en hacer un sonido sucio que no es realmente sucio remanente del punk pesadon que no me convence. Pero en fin, divertidín disco. Mood: Que llueva la sangre.

Heavy metal for the win

Meh

Awesome - like a New York young Metallica

Im pretty certain I’ve heard Anthrax before, but I couldn’t say which songs. I definitely remember expecting them to be a screamy/growly band and being surprised that they were not. It should hopefully be fun to hear an album in full, so let’s listen! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Caught In A Mosh, I Am The Law, Indians What if all those hippies who sang about wanting peace and love went a different route and instead started a thrash metal band? The answer is Anthrax. This whole album has the running theme of wanting peace and getting rid of all discrimination, but it goes about it angrily instead of with acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies. There is not a single bad song on this album. The vocals are great (I was less keen on the high pitched power screams, but otherwise they’re great), the guitars and bass are low and dirty, and the drums are like machine guns. Loved this album.

hell yeah

One of the forefathers of 80's Thrash Metal. Their music definitely has an 80's quality to it, but it still stands the test of time. ROCK ON!

One of those albums that I've heard more times than I've had hot dinners. Covered most of it live at some point, it's a rhythm guitarist's dream. Scott and Charlie really knew what they were doing here. I prefer spreading the disease but both are 5/5 albums anyway.

"Among the Living" is the third album by heavy metal band Anthrax. It is considered their breakthrough album and thrust them into the thrash metal top four bands which also included Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. The album was dedicated to Metallica's bassist Cliff Burton whom they were friends with. Anthrax members include Joey Belladonna (lead vocals), Dan Spitz (lead guitar. Vocals), Scott Ian (rhythm guitar, vocals), Frank Bello (bass, vocals) and Charlie Benante (drums). Commercially, the album hit #62 in the US and #18 in the UK and critically, received much acclaim. Guitar and thunderous drums open "Among the Living." A standard metal-sounding slow pace and then Kaboom! The pace drastically picks up and we're into thrash. A crazy guitar solo. Lots of crazy guitar solos throughout this album. Their anthem "Caught in a Mosh" has a similar slower start with a strumming acoustic guitar before the thrash onslaught. Comparing the mosh pit to life struggles. Drummer Benante standing out. "Efilnikufsin (N.F.L)" doesn't even bother with a slow start. An epic guitar solo. A protest test song about drug abuse. No not the football league but read it backwards (nice f'n life). Side two begins with "Indians." Thrash with a decent melody. Die, cry for the Indians. "A.D.I./Horror of It All" is a tribute to Cliff Burton. And, yeah this does sound like Metallica circa "Master of Puppets" era. A song split into acoustic and thrash halves. Yeah, this is a great album and worthy of elevating them into the thrash elite. Great drumming,. Great guitar. Great vocals. Pace changes. Interesting and different lyrics for this style. An album to put your children to be to? Well, not quite. Annoy your neighbor? Absolutely.

so fucking fast and loud! Love it. I've never loved Anthrax as much as their big time contemporaries, Slayer, Metallica, or Megadeth. Something about the vocals... which makes me want to give this a 4. But they deserve the 5!

Liked this way more than expected. More punk and hardcore than other thrash metal, which suited me. Also more fun than the other overly serious big four thrash acts, and metal in general. I like this better than every Metallica album I’ve listened to. A lot of surprising turns and speed shifts in the songs and less indulgent guitar wankery than feared. Powerful, tightly packed bursts of thrash. I also like the political lyrics and varied singing styles, especially the hardcore-styled back up vocals. Even veers into rap rock territory and does it right. Surely inspired hardcore I like. Chuga-chugg-chugg have a surprise five!

LP

I played the heck out of this album back in middle school and high school. It still rocks!

Unreal thrash album. Has to be one of the best of its era and genre. Unrelenting and full of bangers. Can't believe I haven't listened to it since I was a kid. What I love about it the most is that it actually sounds fun. Might be the slightly clearer singing style or the midsong shifts in dynamics but it doesn't get bogged down in the whole murky and muddy sound of similar thrash bands trying to be the most evil or badass sounding. Noticed a NY Hardcore/punk influence on this with the overlapped vocals and gang shout style which maybe adds to the fun of it. Get the impression they don't take themselves too seriously. Standouts: All of it but especially... Among the Living Caught in a Mosh A Skeleton in the Closet One World Imitation of Life Low Points: Couldn't name one. Loved every moment. So fucking good.

I'm not typically a thrash metal fan but this album surprised me! The first song Among the Living had me a bit worried for the rest of the album but it kind of warmed me up for what was to come. I can't say I comprehended all the lyrics, but what I could hear were very progressive, very liberal ideas. It always surprises me for some reason when a metal band has progressive lyrics because I feel like metal at some point became associated with machismo. But more often than not you have these lyrics that nobody can hear or understand and because the music is so fast and loud a certain type of person adopts this as their music. There is a guy I work with who loves System of a Down, Pearl Jam, and Rage Against the Machine. He plays them all day every day and he is clearly a right leaning republican. It kills me. He has no idea. Anyway, I should have never judged Anthrax by their deadly chemical powder name because I surprisingly enjoyed the messages they scream on this and the thrash they exude. For anyone not into thrash, this is maybe the best there is.

10

I wore this tape out when this album was new. Killer album. An all time favourite for me. Listened thru twice and it still holds up. One of the greats in this genre. Dedicated to Cliff Burton. 'Nuff said.

First two tracks are standouts, bass intro on Caught in a Mosh is killer. N.F.L., Indians and One World also very good, crushing riffs throughout.

Ondanks dat ik wel van het bestaan af wist van de "Big Four" van de thrash metal, had ik eigenlijk nog nooit wat geluisterd van Anthrax. Ik was ook erg verrast dat het heel erg richting de hardcore punk gaat. Het mixt eigenlijk (glam)metal met hardcore punk en het staat niet in de hoogste versnelling, maar hanteert een tempo dat je nog bij kan houden met headbangen. Ietwat gedateerd, je hoort dat het uit de 80s komt, maar eigenlijk moddervet. Ik vind dit veel beter dan Megadeth of Slayer. 4 sterren plus een bonuspuntje

I’m not a huge thrash metal fan but this was actually really good. I loved the high octane wild energy and this has honestly potentially introduced me to a genre I never would have been interested in if it weren’t for this album.

4.5/5 Outstanding metal, which is written, performed and produced fantastically. There are no bad songs, and the album flows really well. Among The Living 3.5/5 Caught In A Mosh 4/5 I Am The Law 4/5 Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.) 5/5 A Skeleton In The Closet 4/5 Indians 4/5 One World 4.5/5 Medley: A.D.I. / Horror Of It All 5/5 (FAV) Imitation Of Life 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)

Drokk it!

This is probably the best thrash metal album I’ve heard.

Great thrash

Already love it

In another life, Anthrax would have easily been the top of the Big 4 for me. I just love their humor so much. Metallica only pulls on nostalgia and showmanship to win.

Thrash Classic

Another classic. Love the first half of this album and enjoy the second half to a lesser extent. “Talking to you is like clapping with one hand” is burned into my brain from my dad. Also s/o for talking about the mistreatment and evil done to Native Americans, this and Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden were the first concepts in my young mind that the US is historically fucked

Damn, what a great album. I only listened to a little Anthrax back in the day - I remember hearing "I'm the Man" a ton of times. This album features a tight band with massive riffs, catchy hooks, great singing, and slightly cheesy lyrics (although songs like Indians, One World, and ADI/Horror of it all certainly take on serious topics). The reliance on pop culture (Judge Dredd, Stephen King books) is probably where it gets cheesiest, but it just ROCKS. Joey Belladonna skirts the line of cheesy metal singer but he's so good it works. This also took me down the rabbit hole watching videos of I'm the Man, I am the Law, Caught in a Mosh, and multiple videos of them playing Bring the Noise with Public Enemy. Awesome. I'll forgive the cheese, because it's part of what makes the album fun, and give it a 5.

I love Anthrax

Probably my least favorite of the Big Four, but goddamn if it ain’t still a masterpiece that they got here. Hats off to the drums and rhythm guitar in particular; they elevated this to a 5 for me.

Viel besser als gedacht. Teilweise richtig kluger Pop aber auch darüber hinaus

I live my life by a few simple rules, and one of them is: if it's good enough for Beavis and Butthead, it's good enough for me. Best track: Caught in a Mosh

Ik was erg benieuwd hiernaar, als een van de grote vier. Lijkt ook wel erg op Metallica, de grootste verschillen zijn veel meer tempowisselingen (leuk) en een stuk mindere vocals (minder leuk). Het is zeker wel iets waar ik in kan komen, maar voor nu 4 sterren.

Isn't what I would usually listen to, but that might have to change now. Really fantastic.

Tasty thrash metal treat if you need a punch in the face, and today I needed one. Guitarist Scott Ian described this album as... “It really felt like we were being guided by the power of metal and it was out of our hands. Satan was channeling his will through us and we couldn’t help but succeed.”

I didn’t care for the opening track, but their style grew on me as I listened to the rest of the album. Probably my least favorite of the Big Four, but growing on me a bit.

If you want something to get your heart racing so much that you start to see a bright light hurling towards you... this is the album for you!

This is a really solid thrash album and possibly the last good American thrash album of the 80s.

Like a slightly worse Metallica

Oh shit man you guys made me like a metal album. There's a lot of DNA here for later pop-punk especially. I love the energy and the fact that you can actually hear the vocals

This album and Iron Maiden sent me on a pretty gnarly metal tangent that distracted me from this list for a bit. Anyway this is some top notch thrash. I can see why they're part of the "Big 4" of metal. Their politically edged sound is so complimentary to the hyper aggressive sound that bands like Metallica and Megadeth were offering at the same time. There's a purity to this level of thrash that beckons you to listen to more. 4.5

3.5/5

Solid thrash record. Probably my favorite anthrax album.

Pretty good