Among the Living Songs Ranked
Among the Living is the third studio album by American thrash metal band Anthrax. It was released on March 22, 1987, by Megaforce Records in the US and by Island Records in the rest of the world. The album is dedicated to Cliff Burton of Metallica, who died in a bus accident six months before its release while on tour with Anthrax as the opening act. Anthrax members often described the album as their major breakthrough, as it catapulted the band from being a small club attraction to arena and stadium stars. Critics acclaimed the album and promoted the band among the Big Four of Thrash Metal elite. The band’s second Gold record, Among the Living, was certified Gold by the RIAA on July 31, 1990. Here are all of Among the Living songs ranked.
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9. One World
“The album continues with another blistering and awesomely blazing thrasher in track seven, “One World” as it is anchored by a spree of furious, blazing, machine-gun-like riffing, pounding, rampaging thrash beats, rumbling, pounding bass, and soaring vocals, and is also further highlighted by a mighty and addicting chorus, plus another sweet, ripping and wailing, melodic solo to boot.”
8. Medley: A.D.I. / Horror of It All
“The album’s eighth track, “A.D.I./Horror of it All” is another favorite of mine, and a whopping 7 minute and 50 second epic that begins with a beautifully exotic acoustic guitar intro before going into a crushing, stomping thrash fest complete with muscular, crunching, chugging, thrashy riffs, pounding, ear-ringing bass lines, catchy heart-thumping drum beats and soaring, piercing melodic vocals abound.”
7. Efilnikufesin (N.F.L)
“Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)” which is another one of my favorites that tells about actor/comedian John Belushi’s drug addiction and death. This song is an excellent thrasher that boasts fast, catchy, chuggy riffage, rumbling, ear-pounding bass lines and fast, thumping drum beats, and incredible vocals from Joey of course leading the way, and is also highlighted by an awesomely catchy shout-a-long chorus, plus a cool, sick, screeching, winding solo to boot.”
See more: Anthrax Album Ranked
6. A Skeleton In the Closet
“A Skeleton in the Closet” is also another incredibly catchy thrash number which is based on the Stephen King novella “Art Pupil” from the collection “Different Seasons”, and it has since been made into a movie as well.”
5. Imitation of Life
“The album’s final track, “Imitation of Life” is an excellent closer that is heavily anchored by some killer mid-tempo riffing in the beginning before seguing into an full frontal thrash assault with furious, savage, breakneck riffing, grumbling, plucking bass lines, raging, frenetic drumming, plus wild, intense and soaring vocals deliveries from Joey, as well as killer anthemic choruses to boot, and of course a lean and mean, winding, ripping, and ear-shredding guitar solo from Spitz (and one of his best solos I might add) as well which adds the icing on the cake on this awesome closing track.”
See more: Anthrax Songs Ranked
4. Among the Living
“Among the Living”, starts off the album with an at-the-time-obligatory acoustic intro which segues into a monster mosh pit riff. The lyrics themselves are fairly vague and could refer to any decisive struggle that pits man against man except that it explicitly references the Walking Dude from King’s novel (it should also be noted that the cover of the album is intended to represent Randall Flagg). Nonetheless, the song is anthemic in both it’s content and the enthusiasm with which it’s sung and played.”
3. I Am the Law
“I Am the Law” which is a tribute to comic book hero Judge Dredd. It slows things down to a more bludgeoning, mid-tempo pace with a very fun and brutal main guitar riff, and fun lyrics and excellent vocals from Joey throughout.”
2. Indians
“Indians” is another smoking classic. There was nothing really new about sympathizing with the plight of Native Americans in 80s metal; Maiden, in fact, did a better job lyrically with “Run to the Hills” five years earlier. But Anthrax injected some righteous venom into their riffs, and catching them live, when Scott Ian yelled “WARDAAAAANCE!!!” just prior to the breakdown, you’d better either be ready to slam or sipping Cokes in the back of the stadium.”
1. Caught In a Mosh
“Caught in a Mosh” which is easily one of Anthrax’s greatest songs and a huge concert favorite even still to this day. It starts off with a really awesome mid-paced riff, and then bassist Frank Bello comes in with a killer, little bass solo which then leads into another barrage of smoking fast, breakneck riffs and rapid fast drumming that speak pure thrash.”