ANTHRAX - FOR ALL KINGS
YOU GOTTA BELIEVE
Scott Ian described "For All Kings" as "the most metal album they have recorded in years". As clichéd as that statement is, It's actually correct.
For All Kings is Anthrax most metallic sounding release since 1990's Persistence of Time. The album starts with an intro befitting an epic Manowar intro, that then leads into some thrashing riffs with the song 'You Gotta Believe' and for a moment it feels like we're back in the eighties moshing to 'Among the Living' all over again.
It felt very fresh with some fast ripping riffs and Joey Belladonna's vocals sounded good again and not as processed as he had done lately.
But things doesn't stay within this thrash realm for that long. No, the band still falls into the alternative rock swamp. Maybe this was done to bridge the gap between the Bush-era fans and the Belladonna-fans. But overall For All Kings are an improvement and that came as a bit of a surprise to me who thought the band was completely dead creatively.
Even if they are probably the most vibrant of the big four bands when it comes to their live gigs. The track Breathing Lightning it's the big hit on this disc and also the best song on the album even if the Foo Fighters-like chorus doesn't do it for me.
Joey Belladonna's vocal lines are a bit off on this album, they flirt a little too much with the mainstream rock sounds of today. In my opinion Anthrax doesn't need sing-along choruses to make memorable songs.
The album is tighter than Scrooge´s wallet on Christmas, which is expected. Today it's way harder to hear any sound difference between a Megadeth, an Exodus or an Anthrax album when most bands have similar production values and sound.
But I also need to press the importance of newcomer Jonathan Donais from Shadow Fall, he brings some pure expression with his strong soloing and lets not forget about the rhythm section of Benante and Bello, they really show their skills here.
Even if the band has some way to go, I think For All Kings is Anthrax best record in the last 25 years. Just listen to the tracks You Gotta Believe, For All Kings, Breathing Lightning or the speedy Zero Tolerance. So welcome back Anthrax!
Rating:
| INFO |
Label: Megaforce Year: 2016 Country: U.S.A. Duration: 59:37 Tracks: 13 Genre: Heavy Metal Reviewer: Ruthless Rating: 3/5 | ||
| TRACKS | LINEUP | |
| Joey Belladonna - Vocals Scott Ian - Guitars Jonathan Donais - Guitars Frank Bello - Bass Charlie Benante - Drums |
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