Volume 8: The Threat Is Real

by Anthrax

Overview

Ignored by all but diehards, Stomp 442 found Anthrax in creative freefall, shackled to ideas that had ceased to be interesting years ago. Apparently, the band realized they were in dire straits -- that's the only explanation for the ambitious cavalcade of sounds on Volume 8: The Threat Is Real, the follow-up to Stomp 442. Coming on the heels of Anthrax's blandest effort, the whirling array of styles on Volume 8 is welcome, but it also hides the fact that the group hasn't exactly bounced back from a songwriting slump that first reared its head on Sound of White Noise. Sheer energy and attitude go a long way, however, and for a while the album is genuinely engaging. The speed metal has actual bite, and the departures, from the heavy percussion of the opener, "Crush," through the country stomp "Toast" to the unlisted acoustic closer, "Pieces," are nearly all successful. The problem is, the entire thing adds up to less than the sum of its parts. At first, the revitalized and newly creative Anthrax is enthralling, but soon it becomes apparent that all of the change is on the surface -- beneath the stylistic games, there aren't many memorable songs. Still, the surfaces are quite appealing, suggesting that Volume 8 is a transitional album that will lead Anthrax into new, uncharted territory. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	02/26/2021
Label:	Megaforce
UPC:	0020286233343

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Anthrax   Primary Artist
Scott Ian   Scratching,Guitar (Electric),Guitar,Vocals
Phil Anselmo   Vocals
Charlie Benante   Guitar,Tom-Tom,Tremolo,Talk Box,Theremin,Percussion,Slide Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic),Harp,Drums
Frank Bello   Bass,Vocals
Dimebag Darrell   Guitar
John Bush   Vocals
Dave Femia   Tom-Tom
Paul Crook   Guitar

Technical Credits

Scott Ian   Lyricist,Photography,Composer
Phil Selway   Composer
Anthrax   Arranger,Producer
Thom Yorke   Composer
Mark Weiss   Photography
Charlie Benante   Composer,Photography
Frank Bello   Composer
John Bush   Composer,Lyricist
Paul Shatraw   Assistant Engineer
Brian Smale   Photography
Tim Gabor   Art Direction,Illustrations
Peter Cassidy   Composer
Paul Crook   Producer
Chris Sheldon   Mixing
Kurt Brecht   Composer