Reviews (page 2 of 7)
I've given out a decent number of 5-Star ratings on this journey, but I don't think i know the words to many of them as instinctively as I do with Among the Living. Joey Belladonna's approach and Scott's stompy guitars made them stand out from the pack. They were fun, and serious, and provoking all in the same album. Caught in a Mosh? Mosh. Indians? MOSH. Listen to the version from Alive 2 in 2005. Anthrax remains the hardest ever!
I'm a shameless thrash fan, but Anthrax has never been one of the bands I reach for when I want to hear it. Joey Belladonna's vocals come too close to hair metal for my tastes, and their attempt to copyright the NYHC mark in the late '80s was something I found unforgivable. Putting all that aside it's hard not to love this. The riffs and intensity are undeniably great. It's probably time I give their back catalog more of a chance.
BEST THRASH ALBUM EVER
i liked even though i dont usually listen to this genre
Anthrax goes harder than I expected.
Among the best.
Whilst this would not be the Anthrax album I would put on the list since I am a devout believer in a Spreading The Disease supremacy, Among The Living is a phenomenal, and underrated thrash album. Come to think of it Anthrax are very underrated as a whole. They never took it as serious as the rest of the Big 4 but they were just as talented. The drumming is some of the best in the thrash metal business. The riffs and solos, despite not being as good as a Megadeth for example, are still really great. And Belladonna's vocals are probably my favourite out of the Big 4, perhaps even in Thrash Metal as a whole. Some lovely basslines thrown in there too I'd recommend this album amongst others to people getting into metal because it's a very good and an accessible way into the genre Anthrax > Slayer btw
Smeller.
My favorite thrash metal album from my favorite thrash metal band! I hadn't listened to this in years, but it was all still fresh in my head from the many times I played the cassette when I was a teenager. It's difficult to be objective here. I just think the whole album is amazing. If I were going to nitpick, some of the lyrics are a bit cheesy and over-earnest, especially when they are dealing with social issues. I prefer the fictional story driven lyrics like the title track, I Am the Law, and a Skeleton in the Closet, but really the music is top-notch throughout the entire thing. It's the perfect blend of clean vocals with some shouty choruses, and melodic instrumentation. I love it, and after I'm finished with this challenge, I plan on revisiting all the Anthrax albums I've heard before, and some that I haven't.
Have loved this album since I was 10-11 years old, favorite Anthrax album.
I think this would still piss off my parents in 2025.
gotta be one of my top ten favorite uncle/nephew bands
Great album 5 stars
Great album from start to finish. Standout songs: Caught in a mosh I am the law Medley
Anthrax
licking envelopes rn
My Big 4 ranking: Anthrax (live) Megadeth (recorded) Slayer (4 songs) Ride the Lightning
I remember initially not being impressed with the album when I first bought it. This was an album I wore out in the CD player until it broke through to me. The style here is actually Thrash and coming from later Metallica, and even the albums they released at this time, I wasn't prepared for that and the roughness of it. It took some time to appreciate the awesome bass riffs here and Benante's drumming that doesn't sound too complex but is more creative than a lot of the other Big Four's songs at the time. It takes a special band to respond to Master of Puppets with a album containing a song about Judge Dredd. Awesome stuff. My only real critisicm of the album is that the last two songs should be swapped. Horror Of It All is too strong a closer to be the penultimate song. Highlight: Caught In A Mosh
I like metal (and punk and hardcore and hardcore punk). Anthrax is not my favorite, but I enjoy them more than 90% of this list, so they’re going to get all the stars in comparison. If I’m honest, I’ll admit that some of the lyrics are so ridiculously unsubtle and blunt that they feel like parody when they scream about “crying for the Indian.” I prefer RATM for actual protest songs, I guess. The instrumentation is great, if not challenging compared to a lot of metal on this list (like Sepultura). Still, it’s not Britpop or Prog.
One of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time.. an absolute masterpiece. In 2005, the Among the Living lineup reunited for the last and recorded a show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ and release as a DVD Alive 2. I can actually be seen moshing during Indians.. such an incredible time!
Classic metal!!!
Repeat listen
I've listened to Anthrax a lot so I'm biased on my opinion. So let's go back in time when I first heard Anthrax. I didn't like them compared to the other big four in thrash metal at first. Joey Belladonna's vocals and the backing vocals were different and their style is closer to hardcore punk than heavy metal. After a while it grew on me. Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth had their bay area thrash metal style while Anthrax is from New York. Of course they sound different. Anthrax got awesome riffs and excellent drumming. Joey's vocals are a nice change from the otherwise harsh vocals in thrash. Among The Living is probably their best album and probably got their best songs on it. This is a good introduction to something different than Metallica.
Of the Big 4 Thrash acts this is the one I am least familiar with, and that's a shame because I was able to enjoy these guys straight away unlike Megadeth where learning to enjoy/tolerate Dave Mustaine's voice has the same timeframe as learning to enjoy running. Unlike basically every other contemporary metal band, Anthrax's band members all seem to be good people for some weird reason? Anyway, this fucking rocks. I loved heavy metal in high school, Iron Maiden especially, and if I wasn't hyperfixated on them I would have adored this if I had listened to it. The album doesn't have a great amount of musical range but the band know what their strengths are and they excel at them. Each song had me looking up the lyrics, the chorus of each song is catchy and the whole thing is thoroughly entertaining. As far as criticisms go, Side A is better than Side B which becomes apparent on relistens but it's not by a great margin. There wasn't a song on here that I didn't enjoy, I couldn't sit still for the entire album and each time I finished it I wanted to start it again. I love this album. Highlights: Among the Living, Caught in a Mosh, I Am the Law, Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.), Indians, Imitation of Life
Oh baby, it's Anthrax time. I haven't listened to this whole album before, but I am quite familiar with the group as a whole. As a teen, I wouldn't have considered Anthrax to be heavy metal based on the vocalist's delivery, but with time and a greater context of the album as a whole I can't think of it as anything else. Caught In A Mosh is the main single that people would recognize, but I recommend Imitation Of Life as a personal favorite. Something about the tone that accuses the listener of not thinking for themselves was more pointed than the usual recommendations of freewill you usually hear
Anthax is one of the best thrash metal bands, their discography is great! Among the Living is one of their best-known albums, the fiery guitar in their songs is what makes them so well-known in the genre. In fact, I think I am the Law is one of their greatest. Their lyrics express the rebellion that everyone should have.
## In-Depth Review: *Among the Living* by Anthrax ### **Overview** Released in 1987, *Among the Living* is Anthrax’s third studio album and a landmark in thrash metal. It marked the band’s full embrace of thrash, blending East Coast hardcore energy with Bay Area technicality, and stands as a defining record of the genre’s golden era[4][5][3]. The album is both a tribute to their influences and a bold statement of their own identity, featuring a unique mix of humor, social commentary, pop culture references, and relentless musical energy. --- ## **Lyrics** ### **Themes and Storytelling** *Among the Living* is renowned for its eclectic lyricism, which draws from a variety of sources: - **Pop Culture & Fiction:** - “I Am the Law” is a tribute to the comic book antihero Judge Dredd, capturing his uncompromising nature with lines like “I am the law, and you won’t fuck around no more”[4][6]. - “Among the Living” and “A Skeleton in the Closet” are inspired by Stephen King’s *The Stand* and *Apt Pupil*, respectively, reflecting the band’s love for horror and literature[4][6]. - **Social Commentary:** - “Indians” addresses the mistreatment of Native Americans, with lines urging respect and recognition of historical injustices[4][6]. - “One World” warns of nuclear annihilation, echoing Cold War anxieties. - “Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)” is a protest against drug abuse, inspired by John Belushi’s death[4][6]. - **Personal & Everyday Struggles:** - “Caught in a Mosh” channels frustration and communication breakdown, using the mosh pit as a metaphor for life’s chaos[4][6]. ### **Style and Tone** Anthrax’s lyrics on this album are notable for their mix of serious and playful tones. The band often uses humor and irony, even when addressing weighty topics, which sets them apart from their more somber thrash peers[6]. Critics have described the lyrics as having a “childish veneer” or “cartoony tone,” but this youthful energy is also cited as a key part of the album’s enduring appeal[3]. ### **Pros** - Wide thematic range (pop culture, social issues, personal angst) - Memorable hooks and catchphrases (“I am the law,” “WAAAARRRRDANCE!”) - Balances humor with genuine commentary ### **Cons** - Some lyrics can feel juvenile or simplistic, especially compared to the more cerebral work of their peers[3][7] - Occasional reliance on clichés or “kumbaya” messaging (“One World” criticized for this)[7] --- ## **Music** ### **Instrumentation and Songwriting** - **Guitar Work:** Scott Ian’s rhythm guitar delivers razor-sharp, palm-muted riffs that drive the album’s energy. Dan Spitz’s lead guitar provides fiery, melodic solos that add technical flair[5]. - **Bass and Drums:** Frank Bello’s bass is thick and punchy, anchoring the sound, while Charlie Benante’s drumming is a tour de force of double bass, fills, and relentless speed[5]. - **Vocals:** Joey Belladonna’s soaring, melodic vocals set Anthrax apart from other thrash acts, who often favored gruffer, harsher styles. His delivery is both powerful and catchy, making choruses instantly memorable[5]. - **Gang Vocals:** Group chants and gang vocals are a signature element, lending a communal, anthemic feel to tracks like “Caught in a Mosh” and “Indians”[3][5]. While some find this energizing, others see it as repetitive. ### **Song Structures** The album is packed with high-tempo thrashers, but Anthrax also incorporates breakdowns, tempo shifts, and melodic interludes. The songwriting is tight, with each track offering distinct hooks and memorable moments. However, some critics argue that the album peaks too early, with the title track setting a standard that later songs don’t always match[3]. ### **Pros** - Precision and energy in every performance - Memorable riffs and solos - Melodic, accessible vocals - Dynamic arrangements (breakdowns, tempo changes) ### **Cons** - Some tracks feel formulaic or less inspired than the standouts[3][7] - Gang vocals can become monotonous for some listeners[7] - A few songs are criticized for “gray masses of palm-muted monotony”[7] --- ## **Production** ### **Sound Quality** Produced by Eddie Kramer (noted for work with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin), the album boasts a crisp, powerful sound. The production allows every instrument to shine: guitars are sharp, drums are thunderous, and vocals are clear[5]. Unlike many thrash albums of the era, which often suffered from muddy mixes, *Among the Living* is sonically balanced and impactful. ### **Atmosphere** The production enhances the album’s intensity without sacrificing clarity. The mix supports the band’s high-speed attack and ensures that even the busiest passages remain distinct. The clean yet heavy sound was innovative for its time and contributed to the album’s accessibility and enduring appeal[5]. ### **Pros** - Clean, balanced mix with every instrument audible - Retains raw energy while offering clarity - Powerful drum and guitar tones ### **Cons** - Some may find the production too polished compared to rawer thrash albums - Belladonna’s vocals occasionally get lost in the mix, especially during gang vocal sections[7] --- ## **Themes** ### **Key Motifs** - **Rebellion and Authority:** Songs like “I Am the Law” and “Caught in a Mosh” explore themes of authority, resistance, and frustration with the status quo. - **Social Justice and Awareness:** “Indians” and “One World” address historical and contemporary injustices, reflecting a socially conscious edge. - **Pop Culture and Escapism:** References to comics, horror, and celebrity culture (e.g., John Belushi) infuse the album with a sense of fun and relatability. - **Mortality and Loss:** “Horror of It All” is a somber tribute to Metallica’s Cliff Burton, adding emotional depth to the album[6]. ### **Balance of Fun and Seriousness** Anthrax’s willingness to blend serious topics with humor and pop culture references gives the album a unique personality. This approach makes the album accessible and enjoyable, even when tackling heavy subject matter[5][6]. --- ## **Influence and Legacy** ### **Impact on Thrash Metal** - *Among the Living* is widely regarded as a cornerstone of thrash metal, helping to define the genre’s sound in the late 1980s[5][4]. - The album’s fusion of hardcore punk energy, technical thrash musicianship, and melodic vocals influenced countless bands in the metal and hardcore scenes[4][5]. - Its success helped bring thrash into the mainstream, alongside albums by Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth-the so-called “Big Four” of thrash[5]. ### **Cultural Influence** - The album’s pop culture references and humor set Anthrax apart from their peers, making them more relatable and broadening their appeal[5]. - Songs like “Caught in a Mosh” and “Indians” became anthems, with phrases entering the metal lexicon and live shows becoming legendary for their energy. ### **Enduring Appeal** - Decades after its release, *Among the Living* remains a staple of Anthrax’s live sets and a touchstone for new generations of metal fans[5]. - Its blend of energy, technical skill, and personality ensures its place as one of the defining albums of thrash metal. --- ## **Pros and Cons** | Pros | Cons | |----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Iconic riffs and solos | Some tracks feel formulaic or less inspired | | Memorable, melodic vocals | Gang vocals can become repetitive | | Tight, energetic band chemistry | Lyrics sometimes juvenile or simplistic | | Balanced, powerful production | Occasional loss of vocal clarity in the mix | | Wide thematic range (social issues, pop culture, humor) | Album peaks early, with later tracks not always matching the opener | | Influential and accessible-bridged underground and mainstream thrash | Some critics prefer more serious or raw approaches to thrash | --- ## **Conclusion** *Among the Living* is a thrash metal classic that stands out for its infectious energy, technical prowess, and unique blend of humor, pop culture, and social commentary. The album’s strengths-memorable riffs, melodic vocals, tight musicianship, and crisp production-have ensured its enduring influence and popularity. While not without flaws (occasional lyrical immaturity, some formulaic tracks, and a tendency to peak early), the album’s personality and impact far outweigh its shortcomings. *Among the Living* remains a must-listen for any metal fan and a defining statement of what makes thrash metal both thrilling and fun. > “We wanted to make a record that people could go crazy to, but also something that felt fun. Thrash didn’t have to be all doom and gloom-it could have energy and life.” > - Charlie Benante *Among the Living* captures that spirit perfectly-fierce, fun, and unforgettable.
What a pleasant surprise! I don't own and even don't know this album. The image of Anthrax din not appeal to me. And I think I listened to one other album when I was of the right age, but that wasn't my thing. This is! The star of the album is absolutely drummer Charlie Benante. His drumming is phenomenal, he really carries the band and leads them through the tempo changes smoothly as grease. Best songs? I guess the obvious ones: Caught in a mosh, and Indians - that has a nice hommage to Iron Maiden. And maybe the medley. Great!
Good
Don't bother with much thrash now but this must still be one of my most listened-to albums ever. It's super fun, bouncy and catchy, very cartoony, two songs based on Stephen King stories and another about Judge Dredd. A proper classic for me, they don't deserve the shit they get
A great album by one of my favorite Metal bands.
Bought on the day it came out
The year this album dropped, a slew of metal bands started taking over the airwaves. I instantly gravitated to most of them, mainly because they were often close enough to the pop music I'd been immersed in, but also because Back to the Future made me fall in love with guitar solos. Plus, I was nearing teenhood, so their obsession with sex fed right into my hormones. I'm not entirely sure when I found Among the Living, probably in 89 or early 1990. I never heard them on the radio in those days, but thankfully I had a friend who was into them. I do know that it was critical in shifting my tastes though. Zero songs about love and getting laid, which I'd come to believe was the center of the genre. Their lyrics were more thoughtful. They had opinions to share with the world on social issues. And for a nerdy kid who was into horror and comics, the fact they had songs inspired by both completely resonated with me. Oh yeah, and they had a sense of humor too, though they weren't heavily leaning on it. I kept up with them through the 90s, eventually getting to see them play a few times and getting to meet Scott Ian once thanks to my decision to wear my Public Enemy tee to their concert. You could argue Joey's vocals are dated, and while I won't disagree much I think it perfectly fit them at that time. I've lived with their music long enough it's never bothered me, but I'm sure plenty of uninitiated listeners won't be on board. Their loss though. Hopefully the riffs, basslines, and Charlie's beats, all of which are timeless, can still win over new fans. Listening to it again today, I'm reminded there's not a weak song in the bunch. It never loses steam. And, yeah, I still love it.
Exactly what I needed today. Classic thrash excellence.
Hell yeah! That was a wild ride. I love Thrash Metal!
🤘🏼
This definitely scratches an itch. For whatever reason, I've recently been craving a lot of metal, particularly thrash metal. And this is exactly the kind of thing I want to hear.
Took me back to the summer between high school and college. So many great memories associated with this one.
Very good
Oh man, teenage flashback with this one, a real guilty pleasure that I didn't tell anyone I loved. My older brother loved metal and I would sneak his cassettes when he wasnt home, normally was listening to late 80s hip hop but this album is a banger
Genius - nuff said
I AM THE LAW
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
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.
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!!! 🤘🏽
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!!! :)
10
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.
Metallica = earth Megadeth = wind Slayer = fire ...and Anthrax would be water 💦 Just experienced them all yay. Did I got it right?
Another great album
Great album
Drokk it!
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)
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.
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.
Classic metal
Great thrash
Stellar record deservedly cementing Anthrax as one of the Big Four.
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.
Yeah, still great.
Wow, that was an amazing album. For some reason I always ignored them, but this was a great listen.
This ROCKS 5/5
This absolutely whips ass.
Really good thrash metal. Some of the pioneers. Clean and fun
what a nice and relaxing album
Meh
Awesome - like a New York young Metallica
hell yeah
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.
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!
"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!
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
LP
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
Already love it
I love Anthrax
Fajne
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.
Hell yes!! Still as good as when it came out.
This is probably the best thrash metal album I’ve heard.
Used to love a bunch of these songs when I had a metal phase and they still hold up for me
Great album no filler just great thrash
Heavy metal for the win
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.
I played the heck out of this album back in middle school and high school. It still rocks!
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.
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.
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. Melhor Música? O Indians seguido do Caught in the Mosh. Nota: 9/10 Data:10/07/2024
Klassieker onder de metal-albums. Duidelijk te merken dat deze band inspiratie was voor vele recentere groepen. Volume op 11 en genieten!
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.
Yes yes yes
Thrash Classic
Idk yall this kinda rips. I'm learning more about thrash through this list and this is the kinda shit that I'm glad I've come across. What's lost in all the discourse about the album though, is how much these guys were SPITTIN from a political perspective. Love the lyrics. Highlights: One World
I am the law 🪖😠⚖️🔫
Thrash metal written by punks. Nice.
epic
Obviously in terms of like, cultural impact, Metallica is by far the most significant American Thrash band. If you think about it, it’s pretty remarkable that a thrash band got itself so deep into the mainstream. I would argue that Anthrax did something even more remarkable, which is being a big four thrash band that seems like they would be cool guys and fun to hang out with. Imagine hanging out with guys from any of the other three. What a nightmare.
Sometimes guitars sing, sometimes they weep, sometimes they just chime along. Dan Spitz makes guitars scream. Anthrax put the metal in thrash metal with this one. So many good tracks. I can't help but shout along to "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L)."
Legendary album. A little ruogh for commercial play so can't giv eit a 5 star but its an amazing album
i can hear the punk influences, which i like. a nice addition to my appreciation of most metal music
Good old school thrash metal! They are pretty good and deserve to be on the top four of the main bands of metal!
This hit me just right. And I wondered why I never listen to metal or hardcore anymore. Am I soft now? What went wrong?
Once got sent an Anthrax album in the mail, anyway due to a massive misunderstanding the police showed up at my house asking if I had connections to terrorist groups
Cool thrash, would definitely revisit
Pues mucho mejor de lo que esperaba. Este era el típico grupo de heavy que nunca habría escuchado en su época y si no fuera por esta lista tampoco: "Among the Living", "Caught in a Mosh", "I Am the Law", "One World" y "Imitation of Life". Un 4 estrellas ****.
Probably the first time I’ve ever listened to a full Anthrax album and overall it felt like a pretty easy entry point into metal music. Nothing too crazy but still plenty of fast paced heavy rock. Nothing too my usual style but I’m not mad about it being on the list by any means.
My boss's boss's boss called me at 12pm on a Friday saying that I needed to get a research proposal put together and submitted by the end of the business day. I've never done a research proposal and I didn't even know where to submit it. I put on this album, cranked out a great idea, and submitted it with 15 minutes to spare.
The album that propelled Anthrax to the big time, and rightfully so. This is one of the best-sounding thrash albums to my ears - just the right amount of grit but never so much that Scott Ian and Dan Spitz's guitar figures aren't readable. The band picked a fight with producer Eddie Kramer over the mix and I'm happy to say the right party won. From a lyrics standpoint, it's fascinating to hear Ian, well, thrashing about - trying to articulate some sort of coherent moral viewpoint for his frustrations and often lacking the language to do so. It's why he veers from feting Judge Dredd one moment ("I Am the Law") to lamenting the might-makes-right conquest of Indigenous Americans the next ("Indians"). Which is why "Caught in a Mosh" remains so sublime, decades later: it captures the exact feeling of realizing you live in a carceral society - parents, teachers, bosses, the entire medieval Universal Chain of Being weighing down on you. When you realize that, well, you *act out* - and this album is the band doing that, productively, sublimely, for fifty minutes straight.
more metal today. anthrax is said to be one of the greats when it comes to the world of thrash metal music. this is their third album, and the album was dedicated to cliff burton, the bassist for metallica who died in a big bus accident. this album is said to be the first time they've decided to pull no stops and crank things up. it's honestly standard fare, as far as '80s metal music goes. is it solid? absolutely. it makes sense that metallica had these guys as their opening act, if you're about that sort of sound you'll definitely want to keep it in your rock collection... i'm not a complete metalhead here, so while this album is generally high quality, it's arguably not my first pick if someone wanted to blast shit like that and mosh. this album sounds like how guilty gear plays and looks.
Ok
311/1001 Anthrax - Among the Living Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ This falls on the right side of metal for me, where the vocals aren't impenetrable and it goes hard. I'll be delving more into this.
Good OG thrash
I was vibing
When i was younger I thought this was just noise, but i appreciate the musicianship behind the noise now.
16 year old me thought this was th greatest album ever. 52 year old me isn’t THAT positive but I understand why I thought that. Pummeling riffs, lyrics about the films and books I read and energy by the bucketload. Genre defining stuff
Some solid old school thrash with rather intelligent politically charged lyrics, even if the way the words are delivered can feel bone-headed at time. Albums like this kill any argument that heavy metal is for the dumb. The riffs on this thing are exceptional and you can tell within minutes into opener 'Among The Living' that the band are not going to let the sound stagnante by how often they charge things up. It almost makes you think you are going to be hearing a heavier prog album before those vocals kick in. Considering that I have never quite gelled with Megadeth, I'm very pleased at how much fun I had with this today.
Really good. Mixed on vocals
Yo! Closer to a 5 than a 3.
Anthrax is another band that I've dabbled with but not listened to a whole lot of. Pretty solid thrash. "Caught in a Mosh" is probably the best song. I'm digging "I Am The Law" and "One World" too. Sweet riffs, nice vocals, great production, really quite good. Some very good lyrical depth here too. Maybe I should listen to more Anthrax...
I AM THE WALKING DUDE
Not my usual go to music, but I enjoyed this! Some great guitar in here 4 ⭐️
Among the Living 3.7 Caught in a Mosh 3.5 I Am the Law 3.5 Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.) 3.6 A Skeleton in the Closet 3.4 Indians 3.6 One World 3.3 A.D.I./Horror of It All 3.7 Imitation of Life 3.6 Score: 3.544444444
I grew up through the late 80s and early 90s as a childhood Metal fan. I scrawled Anthrax and their logo into school books. I later became a DJ in Metal bars. And yet, I have never listened to an Anthrax album. I knew maybe 2 songs by them as a kid. I bought a greatest hits CD for DJ purposes, but thought it was pretty poor. So here we are, my first Anthrax album proper. The problem with Anthrax, for me, was that they didn't have anything that madr them special when compared witht the other Big Four of Thrash. They didn't have the intensity of Slayer. The technical skills of Megadeth. The songwriting chops of Metallica. They always felt like the add-on. The stupid Metal cliché fan's favourite band. Which isn't fair, of course. But listening to this album, it does little to change my mind. The songs are simply not as fast, angry, or as good as what the other bands were making. Which leaves the open question of their inclusion in the Big Four. Why not Annihiliator, or Kreator, or Exodus, or Testament? Another issue may be the production quality. Comparing this to the other thrash big boys of 1986, this sounds thin. Weak. Not as full or chunky. It has a lot more in common with your garden variety thrash bands of the time. Sure the songs are decent, they playing is great, and I love all the Stephen King references. More listens are deserved, I suspect. It feels like a 3 star album when I think of Master or Reign, but as this list is light on Metal, I'll give it another star.
ANTHRAX MENTIONED?? Ngl it’s not the same listening to them after hearing them perform live 🔥
Yesssss!! The title track was a great intro to this album. Super steady riff, great drums. I don’t usually listen to heavier stuff, but I did enjoy this. Caught in a mosh was a super fast, fun track that honestly I could imagine moshing to. I am the law was also epic. I liked that NFL had more melodic elements to it. Some of that guitar was so smooth, so great. A Skeleton in the Closet had some really great drumming. Indians was good and I really liked One World. The Medley had so many great moments to it, it’s hard to pick out a few favourites. Imitation of life was a good way to close the album! Sick guitar solo. Overall, a pretty enjoyable time that didn’t feel as long as it was. 4/5 ⭐️ 118/1089
This is a tough one. I loved this record back in the day, and they solidified east coast metal. But listening again songs like caught in a a mosh, Indians and NFL among others are so corny. And this record sounds like shit no balls. All that said it’s a million times better than some of the shit I’ve heard here. 4 stars.
Monster riff after monster riff. The hardcore influences are evident and it’s got that NYC toughness. I’m also a bit biased as I used to be a metalhead, so is this an automatic favorite of mine. My one gripe is the songs are bit long, but that is common for heavy metal.
Не ще да ги слушам сега, ама звучат като нещо което бих слушал ако бях на 16 през 90те
A touch aggressive for a 6am walk but did enjoy it. Fave was Caught in a Mosh. Want to revisit in the car when angry.
Haven't really heard much of these guys but enjoyed this one
Антракс на мій смак сильно слабший за інші гурти з четвірки. Мені не дуже подобається вокал, він іноді такий занадто хевіметальний. Також не те щоб є якісь прям феноменальні хіти чи гітарна робота, така, щоб аж іскри летіли, чого очікуєш від трешу. Що подобається, це коли заходять в сторону кросоверу та панку. Є прямо дуже такі рухливі та качові пісні. З цієї перспективи альбом має свій прикол. Може, давно не слухав, але цього разу через це сподобався більше ніж зазвичай.
# Album Name: Among The Living # Artist: Anthrax # Rating:4/5 # Comments: Wow, quite shocked with this one. I hate the last slasher album i got but this was a hidden gem. This bangs hard. # Top Tunes: ATL / Caught in amosh / i am the law / NFL / Indians / ADI # Would I listen to it again? Yes
You know, I really like thrash metal so I'm a little embarrassed that I never gave Anthrax a listen. I've known about them since I was a kid but I just never picked up an album, The vox aren't the greatest but the rest holds up right next to any other great thrash album, 4 stars!
Fun '80s thrash metal doesn't offer much opportunity to be dull, it's not Metallica but it's got a satisfying amount of weight Sometimes it's just the right time to have a good time
Fantastisk metal av typen thrash. Drøye riffs og drivende rytmer, samt en stilig punk-estetikk. Top 3: Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.), Caught In A Mosh, Indians
++: Among the Living, Caught in a Mosh, I Am the Law, A Skeleton in the Closet, A.D.I./Horror of It All, Imitation of Life +: One World +-: Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.), Indians 8,8/10
Some good old thrash
I hadn't heard an Anthrax song before this but I had heard of them and just assumed that all their songs after the equivalent of "noise". This was a lot better than I expected.
good for working to
Nice to get some metal. I like that it's just a constant stream of songs with no stops in between. Keeps the energy up.
Fast songs, heavy guitars, high pitch drums - what more could you want? Well, apparently different vocals. Might be the reason I never got into this band. Still liked this.
Favorite: Skeleton in the Closet Got to see them live earlier this year and they were absolutely incredible. Indians was definitely their best live song. It was really cool to see such legends play.
Not what I expect at all. I don't know why I had the idea that anthrax were much heavier on the scream bandwagon, but this grabbed me in.
Repetitive but fun x2!
Review - I've tried listening to Anthrax so many times and never liked them. The riffs are good but the singing is like a mix of the worst aspects of classic arena rock/NWOBHM vocals and hardcore punk vocals. And the first track here was terrible. But then, being forced to persevere with a whole album... it gets so good. This album is great. Eventually, when you listen to enough of this stuff, it all makes sense. Thank you, 1001 Albums Generator, for finally making me understand Anthrax. Rating - 8.5/10 Need to listen? YES
I quite enjoyed this! I found myself headbanging and tapping along a decent amount. It's not massively my thing, but I had a good time with it in the moment. Big guitars. BIG drums. Big energy. 3.5 rounded up.
Heerlijk raggen!
Just a fun fucking time
I'm not much of a metal fan, but liked this one. And it keeps better with every listening. Nice surprise.
Anthrax, of the Big Four bands, has the cleanest sound. They manage to sound loud, noisy, and dirty, but you can also hear all the instruments in just the right amounts. It doesn't even sound like a "thrash" metal band...
Excellent! This shows that metal isn't noise but layers of musicality
this slaps
I really enjoyed this album. I'm a big fan of early metal, much bigger than I thought I'd be before starting the album a day thing. This was a really good listening experience for me. It's definitely at least a 4.5 for me.
Sarcastic yet joyous protest metal with maximum riffage. It warms my GenX heart.
I liked this? I hadn't ever heard an Anthrax song before today, but it kind of hit a sweet spot for me. It rocked hard without pummeling me into submission. There was enough melody for me to grab onto something. And I never got tired of it. Usually metal albums suffer (IMO) from the fact that they feel like they have to metal all the time. But that didn't bother me with this one. There was enough variety I kept wanting to hear more. I don't know that the lyrics were particularly deep but they also didn't bother me. Anyway, I found myself nodding along if perhaps not exactly banging my head. Thumb's up.
The double drum pedal sure gets a work-out - the drumming is on balance miles better than the vocals or guitar work. Either way. good fun for the most part, Indians was my favourite song (I'm sure I remember it from Guitar Hero or something) (also, what was all that about). Struggle to place or rank it - I enjoyed it, it thrashed through, 3.5 or so is fair.
This has almost got a bit of an emo, post hardcore punk sounding quality going on. With the more melodic singing in-between the heavier parts. I quite enjoyed it. Although it is thrash metal, there's a bit more to it I reckon. Decent. Indians and caught in a mosh are the standouts, but I enjoyed it all. 4
Metal clear rock for me. Enjoyed
Honestly, I don't think I heard of anything by Anthrax (maybe never even heard of them) prior to today. This album was fun! Great energy from their guitars and drums!
Hell yeah, I didn’t know what to expect but I guess it’s one of the big 4 of thrash so they must’ve been good. The energy is great and was engaged the whole way through. One thing I find that is just a preference is I think some of the musical ideas didn’t have a great musical pay off to me and was left being a bit unsatisfied but that’s a me thing (I find Metallica scratches the itch better for me). To me it’s 4 stars but again this will probably be 5 to many people
It's pretty fun, not my favorite thrash band tho Will I listen to again: 85%
Liked it
I got into this record in junior high school. They are the perfect band for that age. Heavy but also silly. This is their best record probably. The melodies and drumbeats on Indians seem to be inspired by colonial movie versions of Indigenous people, but the grooves really work. I suspect most Indigenous people wouldn’t mind, but my opinion doesn’t matter. I find the production a little thin. A product of the time I suppose. The fidelity of Anthrax records would improve over time. Also, the rhythm section of Benante, Bello and Ian is the best in all of thrash in my opinion.
worked out to this, very good
Anthrax classic tongue in cheek approach to thrash metal
Smells like Camel cigarettes and Aqua Net. Sounds like the stoner neighbors beat up 79 Chevette.
Not a bad track on this album and 4 stars might be too low but while all the tracks are strong there isn't a song that stays with you all day like you get from one of the other big 4 whose albums tended to have 2 or 3 standout tracks(Metallica, Megadeath, Slayer if you aren't into thrash) . If this had been Persistence of Time it would have been a 5 star without thinking. I know its weird to love a band and think their best song is a cover but Got the Time is such an amazing track on that album. I can see why people would think this is their best and I doubt there are two anthrax albums so I feel a bit conflicted giving it a 4 star review but they are at their best on the next album.
Yeah man. Anthrax fucking rules.
Sick
I'm not an Anthrax guy, hadn't heard the songs outside of the well-known ones but this goes hard. When they groove, it really snaps into place like on the title track and Medley: A.D.I./Horror of It All. Songs go on a bit too long at times. I'd sooner reach for Slayer than Anthrax ten times out of ten, but this is still a good representation of 80s thrash.
Me ha molado aunque puede llegar a ser un poco repetitivo. Me suena un poco raro como esta mezclada la voz con el resto, debe ser cosa del Trash Metal
Strong strumming. Some good melodies. Still: I prefer Metallica
I've realized I like thrash metal in small doses, but a whole album is mostly too much.
Pretty great. My favorite Anthrax record.
I was going to give this a 3 or 3.5 (on rateyourmusic), but I actually liked the end of the album better than the beginning, and it really tipped it up to a 4 for me. I still don't really like thrash music all that much, but I am now convinced of this album's place with Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, et cetera. I was also impressed with the production and clean execution of all the parts. The singing was the worst part for me, as I wanted something with more "character," but I did get used to it more towards the end.
Felt like I was being held hostage by this, but then I started to enjoy that
Morbid and thrashing. Love it.
pretty standard thrashy high BPM 80s metal that becomes weirdly compelling if you keep listening. took me about half the album before it started to click. appreciate their focus on social issues- even if some of lyrics sound like PBS kids educational rap at times. not sure if I could tell this apart from Megadeth tbh 4/5
Tight and fun - Anthrax doing what Anthrax does!
This was just what I needed yesterday. Among the big 4 of thrash, Anthrax really holds their own position. And strangely compared to their brethren - Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer - their lyrics are actually pretty positive and life-affirming, which I always appreciate in thrash.
Among the Living, while having a weaker track here and there, is a thrash album that very much leans into being fun-oriented and being less serious, technical, and fast as other thrash acts at the time. However, this isn’t a bad thing as Anthrax still brings meaningful tunes and killer riffs and instrumentals
SPEEEEEEEED.
108 Oh, el metal de los 80s. Lo amé a ratos, esos tucatucas de la batería. Lo raro es que no me haya gustafo tanto la voz. No sé si es la voz en sí o el procesamiento de la voz que hizo que se sintiera desinflada con respecto al resto.
Could be 5/5 but yesterday I listened to it really loud in my headphones, and today my girlfriend brought another man in my house saying she asked me about open relationships yesterday and I nodded excitedly
The Big-4's runt of the litter. An undeserved reputation.
Pretty good stuff, I should listen to these guys more often
One of the greatest thrash albums ever released hands down.
Barely takes a breath, crazy and blistering. Vocals sound 80s power ballad at times
Thrash metal rock. By one of the best.
Caution, speed kills!
This was great. You definitely have to be a metal fan to enjoy it but I think it combines the heavy instrumentalism of the Megadeths, Metallicas and whatnot of the time and adds in some explicit and unfortunately largely still relevant social commentary instead of just being miserable and focusing on the personal experience. Of course both kinds of content are fine, but it's cool to see this kind of band get that far in to society's problems rather than just doing the traditional "I'm sad and mad" bits. I don't know how to quantify this but because of the all agreed upon (Im assuming) stances on drugs, crime, the treatment of native populations, the obvious callout to politicians with fascist ideas, etc, the band seem to be all super in to it. The instrumentation is crisp, the singing is rapid fire and pronounced with not as much full on screaming as some of their contemporaries. Favorites were "I Am The Law", "Indians", "A Skeleton In The Closet", and "Imitation of Life" though the rest bangs too.
The biggest problem of this album is the mixing. Wikipedia says the band and the producer didn't agree on the sound - to me it sounds like the producer isn't a heavy music listener and he just mixed this as a pop album. If it was my band, I wouldn't agree with it either. The result - everything is too clean for thrash music, especially painful with the back vocals totally not fitting in. But overlooking the the unfortunate mix, the music is pretty cool and interesting. It's mostly carried by the strength of the guitar, that still sounds interesting and fresh today. I agree with other reviewers that the singing isn't what I'm looking for, but it's not as bad as some people say it is. Overall, I'd probably go back to listen to this again at some point!
Probably Anthrax's best album. Though I do prefer Spreading the Disease over this one, it doesn't detract from the quality of this one.
I love when metal is this fun. Clear tracks, tight arrangements, and of course energy for days.
Listening to this while driving is a dangerous passtime
A very solid thrash album. Thrash isn't my favourite genre as it's the punkiest end of the metal spectrum, but this is good.
I have never been a big fan of them I like a few of their songs and live they are a different beast I really like the instrumental just not so much the singing.
I was a metalhead in the 80s, this came out in my Sr year and it was a regular jam for me and my posse.. I think it’s by far the best Anthrax record, and will always have a place in my heart. That said, it has not aged consistent with my current musical taste, but still really enjoyed a nostalgic head bang!!!
I read another review that described Among the Living as thrash metal bordering on punk rock and I kind of like that. This album shredded the legs of my acid washed jeans.
Music to collect Secret Tapes to (affectionate) Fav songs: Among The Living, Stuck In A Mosh
My favorite Anthrax album and probably my favorite non Metallica album from the Big 4 although Reign in Blood may be ahead of it. Anthrax makes thrash fun
3.5 08.10.2025
In order to be among the living, you have to approach the situation as though you were speeding towards death. Anthrax took one more step towards metal immortality with this all killer, no filler collection of songs that waste little time in getting its points across and putting a stamp on them with the admittedly infectious musicality on display. For most bands, they would just rest their laurels upon this release and while Anthrax are most surely entitled to do such a thing, there would be plenty more of where that came from with them. Favorites: Among the Living, Caught In a Mosh, N.F.L., Indians, One World, Imitation of Life.
Haven’t heard this one in awhile. Still holds up for me
Not my favorite Antrax album but still top notch
I need to check out more of Anthrax's stuff. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
Landmark album for me personally.
Great metal album
Listened Before? Y FUCKING ROCK ON!!! This album is a thrash metal classic and one of the big four at their prime. What's not to love? Maybe some of the themes, but I don't care. This one is full-out balls-to-the-wall metal from beginning to end. Awesome! Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Caught In A Mosh, N.F.L.
Favourites: Among The Living, Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.), Indians
I don't listen to a lot of thrash metal but this I quite enjoyed this.
Among the Living by Anthrax is a thrash metal classic that doesn’t just punch hard—it swings with personality. From the opening title track to the ferocious closer “Imitation of Life,” the album is packed with relentless riffs, spitfire vocals, and a sense of urgency that feels both chaotic and precise. It’s easy to see why this record helped define the genre. Tracks like “Caught in a Mosh” and “Indians” are not only anthemic but also carried by that signature Anthrax blend of aggression and groove. There’s a tightness to the musicianship that keeps it from ever spiraling into noise, with Scott Ian’s rhythm work and Charlie Benante’s drumming forming a rock-solid core. Listening to this again felt like stepping into a time machine. I first heard it in my late teens, and it made me feel like I could take on the world—or at least wreck my bedroom. Now, with older ears, I still love the raw energy and unapologetic attitude, though a couple of tracks feel a bit dated or lyrically clunky. Still, it’s hard not to admire just how fearless it all is. It might not be my absolute favorite thrash record, but it holds a firm place in that upper tier. A 4 out of 5 feels right for something that shaped a movement and still packs a mean punch.
I am a fan of heavy metal and it has been a long time coming for me to dip into Anthrax. This is a good album. It's interesting to hear the state of the genre in 1987. You can certainly hear the influences of hardcore in the rhythm structures and Iron Maiden throughout. Great riffs, fun songs. Standouts for me were the Judge Dredd-themed 'I Am The Law' and 'Medley: A.D.I/Horror of It All'. The most interesting thing I found about this one is what the recording sounds like. The drums and bass are very clean and prominent and Scott Ian's guitar sounds a little bit thin and distant (I had this cranked on Spotify in my car; maybe it sounds thicker on vinyl). Some texture is missing from the guitar sound, but that may be due to this being early in the evolution of thrash recording. Modern Metal frequently features distorted vocals as well (Death's Scream Bloody Gore also came out in 1987, so the style was somewhat new, yet) but I was surprised to hear Joey Belladonna singing in more of a Bruce Dickinson style, mostly in his upper chest range but occasionally pushing to a high belt (possibly a falsetto mix? I can't do it well, so I'm not sure). In all, a classic of heavy metal but one that will sound slightly less heavy by standards 38 years later. You can hear each musician distinctly, though, and that's a treat in the case of Anthrax.
This is a great thrash album. Wonderful energy--it just keeps going. I like this a lot better than the other Anthrax album on here. This reminds me a little of Rust in Peace--it just keeps coming. A few stand out tracks here, including the first one.
Favorite track: "Medley: ADI/Horror Of It All"
For years I thought this devil worship music, and to think all they wanted to sing about was the plight of the Native Americans. Who knew?!
4.5 stars really. Great riffs, and a powerful album for understanding that being an angry rebel delinquent actually stems from being more grounded in reality. Very relatable in many ways.
Liked this WAY more than I expected to. I'm not a huge metal guy, but if it was all like this, I'd probably listen to more.
This album kicks ass. It starts fast, ends super fast with Imitation of Life. A must listen for anyone who says they like heavy metal. 3.72/5 stars = 4.
this fucks
Decent thrash album, Anthrax is the best out of the big 4 if you ask me.
Tricky. I feel like it's in line with most albums of its type I have listened to. I'll give it a questionable 4, as I've enjoyed it more than less, it was a good background listen.
I'm not well versed in speed metal, thrash or whatever this is. But it does not sound much out of date at all. Perhaps due to how little the genera has progressed or maybe how ahead of time these guys were. Possibly a bit of both.
This is like Metallica if you took Lars Ulrich and made him lead singer. Yes, I am trying to say the instrumentals of this album absolutely rocked but the singer was atrocious. The breakdown in I Am The Law was incredible though. Once you get used to the bad singing, this thing isn't so bad. Good listen. It definitely grew on me as the songs rolled by. I'd rate this a 3.5 if I could, but alas. You can have your 4.
Superb the guitar work on my highlight tracks, and the instrumentals throughout the album were solid to great. Many songs had a good momentum that thumped along and switched up at the right intervals. Enjoyed the solos on NFL and Skeleton in the Closet. The lead vocals don’t gel with me. Lyrics are generally quite basic too. Highlights I am the Law, Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.), A Skeleton In The Closet, Medley
Just an all round great thrash album. I told my Dad a known thrash enjoyed i was listening to this today, he proceeded to listen to it as well as he hadn't listened to it in a few years. When I asked him for a review for this he called me a faggot 8/10
High octane, speed trash, intense rock. Keeps your energy way up. I've been learning I'm a fan of this style. I liked the message of the lyrics too. Well done
One summer, this tape was permanently borrowed from a friend's older brother (by said friend), and we skated the weakest curbs in our suburban town to it. I tried some other Anthrax on for size later on, and even though some of those albums are arguably better (e.g. Persistence of Time), they never quite fit or brought me back to those small ollies and aborted kickflips. But Among the Living still does. "Caught in a Mosh" and "I Am the Law" are my favorites — no surprise there. We were the perfect demo for hardcore, popular horror fiction, and comic books. We weren't yet picking up on subtleties in the text, so something like "Indians," which now feels a bit too simplistic, actually got us thinking about Indigenous politics. "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)" hits different now, but it's still a cracking track. Songs like "One World" and "A Skeleton in the Closet" are excellent glue tracks — they might not stand out like the singles, but they showcase how tight Anthrax are and deliver exactly what you want from a band like this. And so back to me: I turned out to be a better skater and snowboarder a few years later, and I'd find music even more crushing than this. But I'm always instantly filled with joyful nostalgia to be Among the Living whenever it comes on.
I never really liked a metal album until now. Most of the time I feel like it's just indiscernable noise and there is no song structure, but I really liked all of these songs and found that there was something to follow. I would definitely listen to this again - I'm shocked at how much I liked this!
I've never given Anthrax a fair chance because I cant get past the vocals. I'd lump Anthrax in with Megadeth where if they had a good vocalist, they would be an incredible band. That said, this album is super solid. No bad songs, a lot of punk influence comes through. Fun and catchy songs, good hooks and riffs. After a couple listens, the vocals weren't as annoying.
Pleasantly surprised
Great
Nice metal album!
As one of the big 4, this is really the album that cemented them as a top thrash metal band. Fast, pummeling riffs that don't forget to groove and hilarious lyrics - it's what I want from my metal bands. Also, there's a song about Judge Dredd - what's not to like? Best Tracks: Caught in a Mosh; I Am The Law; Indians
Saw Anthrax open for Iron Maiden in the early 90’s - they are even better, live. That being said, I haven’t really listened to much of their catalog. I enjoyed this - really liked One World in particular.
Iron Maiden meets Black Flag. Love the face melting solos, driving drums, intense bass and rhythm guitar. Vocals and lyrics are occasionally goofy but still technically impressive, appreciate the Stephen king references too. Surprised how much I enjoyed this
Day500 - i’m feeling thoroughly thrashed and ready for the next five hundred albums
Rocks
This has all the right ingredients to be a pretty killer album - slightly let down by vocals IMO.
As serious as a lot of thrash metal bands can be, Anthrax just feels more fun. Yes, the lyrical subject matter is still pretty doom and gloom, but the vocal style brings a bit of levity. Constantly underrated. Among the Living is Anthrax firing on all cylinders. Absolutely deserves to be here.
A blast, but I still think it's weaker than the best albums from the others in "The Big Four." Some cool song concepts, though.
Out of the Big 4 of thrash, Anthrax is the one that didn't catch my attention as much as the other 3, but this record is amazing and packed with energy.
i only knew them from the tony hawk pro skater 2 soundtrack before this. not a big thrash guy but this is pretty great.
Way better than expected. This kind of goes crazy, kind of a vibe. Caught myself head bopping without realizing about 3 tracks in and I hardly stopped head banging.
slapped
I've never heard an anthrax album all the way though. It's pretty awesome.
could i write poetry to this? y i did. it was bad middle school poetry but that’s not their fault
YES.
It started so hard, but then became uninteresting??
Galloping guitars Stampede on metal wastelands Yelling all the way
Solid album.
Hell yeah finally some good shit. You could run through a brick wall after listening to this
A good thrash album, could hear a lot of Metallica and maiden vibes in it. Will have to listen again.
Opening riff for “Caught in a Mosh” sounds strikingly similar to the opening riff to Nirvana’s “School,” or vice-versa. Strong riffage, killer double-bass, but still have a tough time with the vocals.
This album goes hard. I ramped the volume up and enjoyed it! I think I’ll add a couple of tracks to my weight lifting playlist. Not quite as good as MetallicA, but I’m biased I guess.
This gets an indirect nostalgia bump. In the mid nineties, in my early and mid teens, I went through an only-metal phase. Of the Big Four thrash bands, I loved Metallica, liked Slayer, actively disliked Megadeth, and was just kinda meh about Anthrax. I think that was probably just because their mid nineties output was all I got exposed to? Those were the days when it was not trivially easy and free to dig into a band's back catalog, which is a shame, because I woulda liked their early stuff quite a bit, I think. 😞 Wouldn't have rated them above Metallica or Slayer, tho. 😏 Fave tracks - "Among the Living", "A Skeleton in the Closet", "Indians" (A thrash metal answer to Iron Maiden's "Run to the Hills", right, although the singer has Native American blood so it's less dicey, heh.)
brabo em
C'est rigolo. Bon fit avec mon état d'esprit matinal. Le mix est souvent dégueulasse, surtout le drum. J'ai l'impression que mes speakers rushent avec les basses fréquences dans certaines tounes. Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.) à 1m19s, c'est particulier. Un peu trop long, j'aurais pris 15 minutes de moins.
I've listened to less Anthrax than the other 3 of the Thrash greats, but this album is still an absolute ripper. It's a bit catchier and poppier than most, but without losing its edge at all.
This is technically excellent, but not my thing.
Anthrax is definitely my least favorite of the big four thrash bands. But this def has its moments especially when it goes a bit power metal. Album cover is cool as hell too.
These guys rock. The album is very very good, borderline a 5, just needed one more epic tune.
Some really catchy and hard tunes here, and there is good musicianship. If I had been a teen in the 80s, I could see this being one of my main things.
Thrash Metal. Interesting lyrics, decent tunes, but not the greatest voice.
this album fuckkksss, i don't understand why it has such a low rating here, unfair. maybe y'all haven't listened to it loud enough🙂↔️🙂↔️
Fantastic guitar mastery, excellent changes in tempo and dynamics. Hardly a big criticism, but the overall effect is a bit polished, the vocals aren’t my favorite, and the lyrics are on the nose. Overall, though, very solid work.
+1 for an entire track devoted to Judge Dredd
Wow. I liked this much more than I anticipated. I'm typically weary of metal due to the guttural porcine singing - but maybe I just have a bias due to more modern metal. I have so very little experience with the genre other than a short stint in my middle-school "edgy" years. This album just hit today.
Its like Metallica mixed with SoaD. A lot harder than Metallica and much closer to more modern metal at times. 7/10
I liked this album a lot more than I thought I would. Thrash has always been a "love-it-or-hate-it" genre for me, and this album is no exception to that. The best parts/songs are the ones that sound the least thrashy, I never understood blast beats and why they have to be in every song. But a good album nonetheless, though I definitely think this solidifies Anthrax as #4 of the Big 4 for me. Top tracks: Caught In A Mosh, Indians, Medley: A.D.I. / The Horror Of It All
I never really listened to Anthrax, but this is awesome.
I listened to one of my friends rant about Phish shows over hearing this album in the background, so I didn't pick up much of the finer details. Still, first impressions are strong. Probably an 8
Yet more proof Metallica fucking sucks. I like this a lot! Other than I Am the Law, a song which has absolutely gotten an innocent killed by a cop as it played in his head
What a crazy mess! I enjoyed this a lot. Part heavy part thrash, definitely metal.
Far better than Megadeth, not quite Metallica. The voice sound mixing seems a little off, but it's not too distracting. The music here is fast, furious, changes on a dime, and is endlessly creative. Songs will have multiple parts at different (fast) tempos. This happens in each song here, and my favorite was probavly Imitation of Life. A Skeleton In the Closet was also really good. Maybe I needed some thrash after a week and a half in the 60s, but I really enjoyed this listen.
норм, четкий альбик. подойдет для экстремального спорта.
Quintessential thrash album. 50 minutes of speed and chaos. This was great to listen to after slamming espresso and dealing with a bunch of stressful stuff at work.
10/12/24 I have never really listened to an Anthrax album and it wasn't actually too bad.
Sounded a lot like a Metallica
Songs i know: 0 Songs i like: most of em Praise be to koffi for delivering us this muted power chord, face melting riffing, shredding wonder of an album. First time being exposed to this album and won't be the last, an absolute beast of an album.
Never listened to an Anthrax album. Loved this especially the thrash bit at the end of I am the Law, will listen again. It’s up my street
Anthrax are the only band out of the big four that I don't really know anything about, so I am glad to finally listen to them. This album has some great riffs and grooves, but I think the singer is really what is holding me back. I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if it had more traditional metal singing like Slayer instead of the hardcore/punk inspired singing. He isn't a bad singer, he is actually pretty good. I just think I would enjoy this album a lot more if was sung in a different style. Low 4.
Lika bra, om inte bättre än samtida Metallica, definitivt bättre än Iron Maiden. Detta hade varit mitt soundtrack om jag varit lite äldre.
Stripped-back and goofy fun.
i think if this album were about half as long it would be perfect to me highlights: among the living, caught in a mosh, one world (oct 23 2024)
Outstanding album, lots of energy and great riffs.
I listened to this on a chilly Tuesday morning while working, and banging my head, thrashing about, and screaming your work day away was a blast. This album is fun, energetic, and serves as a musical pick-me-up. Favorite Song: "A.D.I./Horror Of It All".
I've listened to this album like three times but not written a review, so let's just say that it's a very enjoyable metal album and move on 4/5
Hell yeah! You can't go wrong with 80s thrash metal. Of course, thrash metal was largely defined by 4 specific bands: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and the focus of this review, Anthrax. Despite being part of the "big 4", Anthrax isn't really talked about as much is its contemporaries. I mean, when it comes to peaks, they were never really as innovative as Metallica, as technically impressive as Megadeth, or as heavy and intense as Slayer. That's not to say that they weren't innovative, impressive, or heavy. I think Anthrax is definitely all of those things. However, their main appeal to me is how fun they are. Among the Living is a fun album. You just put it on and headbang for 50 minutes. Sometimes that's all you need. Of course, I don't want to downplay the great qualities that this album has, so I won't. The vocals from Joey Belladonna are enjoyable. Not quite as good as someone like James Hetfield's vocals, but he's probably a better vocalist than Dave Mustaine. The sound is great. It's a pretty consistent album in terms of tone, but when the sound is so great it hardly even matters. The lyrics are pretty good too. There's some solid variety. From commentary on the poor historical treatment in the song "Indians" to a Judge Dredd tribute in "I Am the Law." It's great! Anthrax definitely belongs in the pantheon of all-time great metal bands. I love this, and I want more. Give me more metal. Please. High 4/5.
I can appreciate the representation that metal gets on this list. There aren’t a lot of them, but the ones they have are generally very solid choices. Who the kings were of the 80s thrash and speed metal era aren’t really debatable. It has always been, and always will be, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. But out of these four, I feel the latter definitely gets the least representation and love. I wouldn’t say for any particular reason. They just haven’t had the staying power of the other three. But they are equally as good in many regards. This album is also dedicated to Cliff Burton. Which really highlights how beautiful metal can be while simultaneously being so aggressive. The performances on here are incredibly strong. And super powerful. Slayer is the closest thrash band to straight death metal. Megadeth and Metallica balance the heaviness with some softer sections. Even delving into acoustic stuff every once in a while. But Anthrax on this record is straight speed and thrash for 50 minutes. So many incredible double bass parts all over this thing. Plus, this might have the best sounding production out of all of the big 80s thrash records. It sounds massive, and the bass guitar tone is super dense. I’ll be honest though. The vocals aren’t amazing. I’m not sure why most metal bands during this time had singers with relatively high range. James Hetfield is easily my favorite thrash singer of the main four. But he doesn’t exactly have much competition, since the other three aren’t amazing. But this is still a quality release from one of 80s metal’s most kick-ass bands. Rating: 7/10
I’ve heard of this band but have never listened to them. I enjoyed this album and will check out more of their work when I have some free time.
Classic thrash! The music is killer. The vocals don't really go with the music, in my personal opinion, but it clearly has worked for them and their fans. I have never really listened to a whole album from Anthrax, but I dig this one. 4 on the music.
4 stars
I might be wrong here, but Metallica were your older cousins, telling you scary stories and introducing to bits of life that perhaps your parents didn’t want you to know about. Slayer was the weird guy up the street who you should avoid but was too compelling with horror stories who lived in a creepy house and couldn’t be ignored. Megadeth was the lunatic up the road, spouting conspiracies and railing against immigration and the gubmint. But again, compelling. Anthrax were the goofy guys, barrel of laughs, just great fun to be around. What and how you you were laughing about was a whole other thing, again, probably not parent approved, but there you are. And that’s this album. Heavy? Yes. Intense? Yes. But a self deprecation and humour that isn’t apparent on the other three. Most people will only need to hear this once, but it’s a good listen. 3.5.