Anthrax

For All Kings

Release:

Tracklist:

  1. You Gotta Believe
  2. Monster At The End
  3. For All Kings
  4. Breathing Lightning
  5. Suzerain
  6. Evil Twin
  7. Blood Eagle Wings
  8. Defend / Avenge
  9. All Of Them Thieves
  10. This Battle Chose Us
  11. Zero Tolerance

'For All Kings' is a record that’s as diverse as it is satisfying: a feast for the ears, and something of a victory lap for a band that bears the unique distinction of inventing what they do while still being the best at what they do. From the straight-ahead, no-nonsense fury of 'You Gotta Believe' and 'Evil Twin' to the sprawling, heavy-riffing masterpiece of 'Blood Eagle Wings' (original working title, 'Epic') to its stately title track, »For All Kings« was - as Joey reveals - as much fun to record as it was to listen to. Chalk it up to the masterful efforts of Grammy-nominated »Worship Music« co-producer Jay Ruston, whose credits span the likes of STONE SOUR, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, and STEEL PANTHER, among others.

It’s about more than just the music though, and true to ANTHRAX form, »For All Kings« isn’t just infused with pop-culture references, but deeper subtexts that bespeak the thoughtful artistry that underpins everything that they do. As Charlie explains, while ANTHRAX’s 11th studio record doesn’t have a running theme, there’s a significance to it all that comes straight from the heart.

Look closely at the album artwork, and you’ll notice the fingerprints of one such hero in the band’s life - the inimitable work of godlike comic artist and longtime ANTHRAX supporter Alex Ross, whose immortal depictions of classic DC and Marvel characters are in a league of their own.

There’s an interesting parallel there, because there’s little that ANTHRAX does that doesn’t have a story or thought-process behind it. Take 'Blood Eagle Wings,' for instance, and consider the wide-eyed imagination that inspired it.

'Evil Twin' isn’t just influenced by the shocking state of international affairs, but by the emotions accompanied by the realization that you suddenly have everything to lose.

The result is an album that’s as ferocious as it is sublime, as current as it is classic. From the straight-ahead thrashing brilliance of opener 'You Gotta Believe' and 'Breathing Lightning' to the seven-minute majesty 'Blood Eagle Wings,' »For All Kings« is the quintessential ANTHRAX record, and proof positive that you can’t keep a good band down.