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Anthrax is an American thrash metal band formed in New York City in 1981. Along with Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth, Anthrax is considered one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, being one of the most influential and respected bands in the genre. Known for their raw energy, intense lyrics, and a unique blend of metal with other styles, Anthrax helped shape the sound and attitude of thrash metal in the '80s and '90s.

The band was founded by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker, who quickly became the creative forces behind the group. The band's initial lineup went through several changes, but the classic Anthrax lineup solidified in the mid-'80s with Scott Ian, Charlie Benante on drums, Frank Bello on bass, Joey Belladonna on vocals, and Dan Spitz on lead guitar.

Anthrax's first album, Fistful of Metal, was released in 1984 and featured an aggressive sound that captured the essence of emerging thrash metal. However, it was with the second album, Spreading the Disease (1985), that the band really began to gain notoriety. This album included tracks such as "Madhouse" and "A.I.R.", which showcased the band's ability to combine fast, heavy riffs with memorable choruses.

In 1987, Anthrax released Among the Living, which is widely considered one of their best albums and a thrash metal classic. This album cemented Anthrax's position as one of the genre's leading bands and includes some of their biggest hits, such as "Caught in a Mosh," "Indians," and "I Am the Law." The lyrics of Among the Living address themes such as urban violence, social issues and cultural references, including homages to Stephen King and the comics, which have become a trademark of the band.

One of the characteristics that distinguish Anthrax from other thrash metal bands is their willingness to experiment and cross genres. In 1991, the band collaborated with rap group Public Enemy on the song "Bring the Noise", which was a major hit and helped popularize the fusion of metal and rap. This collaboration was groundbreaking and showcased Anthrax's ability to challenge musical norms and push the boundaries of what thrash metal could be.

During the 1990s, Anthrax underwent further lineup changes, including the replacement of Joey Belladonna with John Bush on vocals. Although this change altered the band's sound somewhat, Anthrax continued to release solid albums and maintain a loyal fan base. Albums such as Sound of White Noise (1993) and We've Come for You All (2003) showed that the band still had a lot to offer, with a sound that evolved to include influences from hard rock and alternative metal.

In 2005, Joey Belladonna returned to the band, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Anthrax. In 2011, they released the album Worship Music, which was widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike, and was seen as a triumphant return to their thrash roots. The album includes tracks such as "Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't" and "The Devil You Know", which captured the essence of the classic Anthrax sound while showcasing the maturity the band had achieved over the decades.

In 2016, Anthrax released For All Kings, an album that further solidified their position as one of the most enduring and respected metal bands. The album was well-received and included powerful tracks such as "Breathing Lightning" and "Evil Twin", showing that Anthrax continues to be a vital force in the metal world.

Throughout their career, Anthrax has been a band that has not only helped define thrash metal but also contributed to its evolution, embracing new influences and staying relevant in different eras of music. With a combination of musical ability, clever lyrics and an irreverent attitude, Anthrax secured their place as one of the most important bands in metal history.

The band continues to tour and create new music, staying true to their roots while continuing to explore new directions. Anthrax's legacy as pioneers and innovators in thrash metal continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans around the world.