Anthrax

"Return Of The Killer A's"
1999, Beyond/BMG

It was inevitable that Anthrax would get the "Greatest Hits" treatment one day, and it was also inevitable that some good songs would not make it to the album. While "Caught In A Mosh", "Be All, End All", and "A.I.R." didn't make the cut, there are still some worthwhile tunes on the CD. The 3 cover songs on the CD (Public Enemy's "Bring The Noise", Joe Jackson's "Got The Time", and Trust's "Antisocial") are some of Anthrax's crowning achievements, while classic originals like "Indians", "Only", and "Madhouse" still rock after all these years. As a rule, greatest hits albums are strictly commercial and leave out many good tunes, but this one is pretty good in my book.

RATING: 8

"Among The Living"
1987, Island

"Among The Living" was Anthrax's first "big" album, catapulting them to headlining status. In terms of sound, think "Master Of Puppets" with more down-to-earth lyrics. The band even salutes British comic book character, Judge Dredd ("I Am The Law"), and takes cheap shots at deceased comedian, John Belushi ("N.F.L."). On the serious side, we get "Imitation of Life", "One World", and the driving "Caught In A Mosh". Straddling the line between jest and sincerity is the immortal "Indians" (gotta love that chorus!)

RATING: 8.5

"Sound Of White Noise"
1993, Elektra

"The Sound of White Noise" was the first Anthrax CD to feature ex-Armored Saint vocalist, John Bush. Although the album sold well and received critical acclaim, the music itself was a bit too murky and undistinguished. While "Only" and "Room For One More" are immediately heavy and catchy, the other tracks are basically pedistrian headbangers (the kind of generic riffing found on the latest Machine Head CD), except for the song named after an imaginary(?) chemical compound.

RATING: 6.5

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