4 keepers
.444 keeper avg
Though my knowledge of Anthrax was limited at the time, I think "Persistence of Time," the current album when I was introduced to thrash, was a good place to start. Too bad it took thirty years to get back to their masterful third album. The choruses of "Caught in a Mosh"**** and "Indians"**** are just one big hook, and made both instant classics and live staples (despite the latter's cartoon-y introduction). The punchline chorus "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)"**** displays a goofy sense of humor and the extra-aggressive "A Skeleton in the Closet"**** is surprisingly melodic despite being one long blast-beat. Though guitarist Scott Ian's writing, like Iron Maiden's Steve Harris, was mostly inspired by pop culture (film and novels), "Indians" and "One World" show a social consciousness creeping in.
One trait of a good album is its failures being more notable than its successes. Open title track is a lackluster tribute to the popular Stephen King novel "The Stand," and allows the great gang-scream "I'm the walkin' dude!" chorus to fall apart by the end. Despite a funny verse in Ian's depiction of superficial L.A. "Imitation of Life," the most memorable part is Joey Belladonna's tuneful scream. Finally, "I Am the Law" (inspired by Judge Dredd) and "A.D.I./Horror of It All" are (mostly) slow and relatively clunky, except for Dan Spitz's tuneful acoustic introduction to the latter.
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