Anthrax Songs Ranked
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The group is considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene from the 1980s and is one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer; Anthrax is the only one of the four from the East Coast and often credited as one of the early thrash metal bands to emerge from there, along with Overkill and Nuclear Assault. The band has released 11 studio albums, several other albums, and 26 singles, including collaborating on a single with American hip hop group Public Enemy. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Anthrax sold 2.5 million records in the United States from 1991 to 2004, with worldwide sales of 10 million.
Anthrax’s lineup has changed several times over their career. The band has had a number of vocalists including Neil Turbin, Joey Belladonna, Dan Nelson, and John Bush. Founding member Scott Ian and early arrival Charlie Benante, who joined Anthrax in 1983, are the only band members to appear on every album. Bassist Frank Bello has played on every album, except for the band’s debut Fistful of Metal, which featured Dan Lilker. After briefly rejoining the band from 2005 to 2007, Belladonna returned to Anthrax once again in 2010, and the band has since recorded two more studio albums with him: Worship Music (2011) and For All Kings (2016). Here are all of Anthrax’s songs ranked.
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20. A Skeleton In the Closet (Among The Living, 1987)
“This song is just plain awesome! Everything about this song is great and the gang vocals in the chorus are sick. Tempo changes, punchy bass with a pick, great lead and backing vocals, perfect guitar tone, Anthrax at their very best.”
19. Gung-Ho (Spreading the Disease, 1985)
“This… is… not only the greatest masterpiece of Anthrax, but one of the greatest metal songs of all time in my opinion. The proud of Metal genre.”
18. Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.) (Among The Living, 1987)
“This song is just so totally crazy! When these guys get their stuff together it makes for some tight headbanging fun. Amazing vocals and chorus on this one.”
17. Keep It in the Family (Persistence of Time, 1990)
“Excellent rhythm work on this track. The bass and drums compliment everything nicely. Finally the lyrics and vocals are great. Very anti racist lyrics, great opening riff, amazing solo, and belladonna’s vocals fit well.”
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16. Be All, End All (State of Euphoria, 1988)
“The lyrics and guitar are amazing, and I don’t think Joey belladonna has sounded this good in any other anthrax song. I absolutely love this song. just listen to it it’s the perfect metal song.”
15. A.I.R. (Spreading the Disease, 2016)
“This song is truly great. If Anthrax can keep producing music like this then they are going to exceed their own incredibly high standards.”
14. Antisocial (State of Euphoria, 1988)
“The best, definitely, although it is a cover. Great drums, savage riff. I play this to my brother and other people who I don’t like. Great song.”
13. Medusa (Spreading the Disease, 1985)
“Wow, absolutely incredible, everything a metal song needs. Pounding, thrashing, incredible riff, perfection in the vocals, extremely catchy too. This is a masterpiece of heavy metal!”
12. Only (Sound of White Noise, 1993)
“This song is, by far, one of Anthrax’s classics. Absolutely love the intro, the verses and chorus… in fact everything about it! And the riff is so magnificently different and unique that it really catches your attention. Give it a try, it’s definitely a song worth investigating”
11. Armed and Dangerous (Armed and Dangerous, 1985)
“The beginning maybe is a little slow but once the heavy part kicks in this song is badass in every possible meaning of the word. Awesome song altogether.”
10. The Devil You Know (Worship Music, 2011)
“Really good guitar in this song! Epic beginning with a drum solo great lyrics and maybe the best chorus they have ever written.”
9. Fight ’em’til You Can’t (Worship Music, 2011)
“City authorities in your area have reported that the bodies of the dead are rising from their graves and attacking the living! Best intro to any song! One of the best solos of all time! Best anthrax song ever! Such a great song from start to finish. Great song to workout too.”
8. In the End (Worship Music, 2011)
“Probably one of the most deep songs by them. Although recent, the song has all the more meaning as it was dedicated to Ronnie James Dio and Dimebag Darrel. Awesome song overall! Definitely the crown jewel of “Worship Music” and one of their best songs.”
7. Belly of the Beast (Persistence of Time, 1990)
“This is the MOST CATCHY SONG they have by far! Better than “Caught in a Mosh” “I’m the Man” or “Indians”. Anthrax simply has not marketed this one very well. I think the the lyrics are about the anti-Christ I’m not too sure. But I care less about lyrics. Its all about the tune for me! If you are an Anthrax fan who hasn’t heard this one, then I highly recommend this one! Mark my words, I guarantee you’ll like it!”
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6. Got the Time (Persistence of Time, 1990)
“This should be the best of time, the rhythm was very good for head banging. Great guitar melody. Awesome tunes for the spirit of metal thrashing mad.”
5. Among the Living (Among the Living, 1987)
“Simply best song from their best album. Great opener, awesome intro and then Belladonna vocals with amazing riffs from Scott and his company. Dynamic and heavy.”
4. I Am the Law (Among the Living, 1987)
“My favorite anthrax song because the bass line is really powerful and the lyrics are amazing. . Great main riff, superb vocal melodies.”
3. Indians (Among The Living, 1987)
“This song is epic. It gets me pumped up and want to smash tables and throw dinner plates. Awesome Vocals by Joey Belladonna. The main riff in this song is a masterpiece.”
2. Madhouse (Spreading the Disease, 1985)
“Brilliant song the best of anthrax specially the combination of voice and guitar solo. Such an amazing intro guitar riff, vocals, and the solo. The video was kickass.”
1. Caught in a Mosh (Among The Living, 2016)
“This is an awesome song. This is probably the best Anthrax song. It’s hardcore and you want bang your head to it. Truly a metal classic. This song is a lot more addicting than drugs! Listen to this song, for people who haven’t”