It feels like we’ve been talking about this forever, but Anthrax‘s follow up to 2016’s For All Kings finally has vocals recorded. It’s been a long time coming, especially when you consider the fact that work on the record began back during the pandemic, but we’re now one step closer to getting a name and release date for the damn thing.
News of the breakthrough came during an interview Belladonna had with Rebel Radio 92.5 FM. In said conversation, Belladonna confirmed that his work was done.
“You know what? I finished the vocals. I’m really happy with what I’ve done. And the band sounds great on the record. And as far as I know right now, we’re still finishing up a few things. We’re not even mixing yet, so at this point I’d be just speculating [about a possible release date]. Obviously, things are going in the right form and the timing is right. So, all good. I’m happy. You’re gonna love it.”
To put this all into perspective, we first learned that Belladonna was supposed to begin recording his vocals back in 2023. That was shortly after we’d been told by guitarist Scott Ian that he was hopeful the new record would be done by “by Christmas [or] New Year’s”, but that never came to fruition. Instead, drummer Charlie Benante got involved with the Pantera tribute act that’s been touring around the world, Scott Ian did his thing with Mr. Bungle, Belladonna was doing his solo cover band thing, bassist Frank Bello played a bit with Satyricon, and Jon Donais dropped some new music with Shadows Fall.
Regardless of how long its been in the works or whatever everyone in the band was doing, it’s fucking exciting to know we’re inching ever closer to a world where new Anthrax tunes exist. Cannot wait to learn more.