AnthraxIt was a long time between albums for Anthrax and even longer between EPs. While I thought this EP was just that, an EP, it turns out it’s actually a bonus disc to be added to ‘Special Edition’ release of their last album. Thankfully it will be available both as a package along with ‘Worship Music’ and separately on CD or Vinyl.

The format is as follows: 6 covers and 2 versions of “Crawl” to wrap things up. The first version is the album one, the remixed version starts a bit more softly and has much more gentle verses thereby making the guitars on the choruses sound more powerful owing to the difference between the two. There also appears to be a string section backing up the guitars for added depth, making the latter version feel fuller and perhaps better than the original. But at the end of the day that’s more a matter of taste than anything else, as the song is the same, all that changes is how it’s played.

And with that said, onto the Anthrax versions of other bands songs.

Having never been a Rush fan, I have never actually heard the original version of “Anthem” so have nothing to compare it to. Granted I could go look for it online, but I’d rather just comment on what I know. Joey’s vocals take on the distinct patterns that Geddy Lee uses on regularly and hits all the high notes sans problem. Scott and Rob double up on the guitar rhythm and allow the lead to rise up hit higher notes than Joey manages, all the while Charlie get to play all the random off-beats and fills that Neil Peart is renowned for.

Another track from ’75 is AC/DC’s “TNT” which they cover with great gusto. The guitars are heavier and crunchier, but the most noticeable difference is the smoothness of Joey’s voice when compared to the raspy screeching that was Bon Scott’s trademark and possibly AC/DC’s defining feature.

Boston’s “Smokin'” is from ’76 and even includes an organ lead break, but as I have no liner notes for the album I’m not certain who’s actually playing the organ here. The song itself is a lively rock ‘n roll number and they manage to capture its vibrancy and enthusiasm brilliantly. Again I’m not familiar with the original, but like with a lot of Anthrax covers over the years, I found that when I eventually got around to listening to the original band’s versions, they paled in comparison.

I’m realising as I go along here that Journey’s another band I’ve heard plenty of songs by, but “Keep On Runnin'” doesn’t appear to be one of them. What’s also blatantly apparent is that Joey’s vocals fit the 70’s stadium rock as well as they did the 80’s thrash metal they are actually synonymous with.

A band that’s been around as long as I’ve been alive is Cheap Trick and “Big Eyes” finally gives Frank’s bass a chance to rumble to the fore as the driving rhythm of the song. What I found amusing is that Charlie’s opening salvo had me thinking they were going to be breaking into “Indians” for a second or five, until the guitars join him and took the song down its own path.

I’m pretty certain that everyone’s heard Thin Lizzy’s version of “Jailbreak” and the Anthrax version does it justice. It’s certainly not as raw, while sometimes a polished version of song may lack its original energy, in this case it allows each element of the track to stand out, from the vocals, the steady drum tempo to the distinct and familiar guitar rhythm and continuous harmonious lead throughout.

“Crawl” just seems so much heavier than the rest of these tracks, even though by Anthrax standards it’s a ballad, but as I covered them earlier in the review I’ll just sum up by saying this is a great album. Even though it’s not an all-out thrash affair, I like learning what inspired bands to make the music they do and to listen while they pay homage to their influences.

 (8/10 – Marco Gaminara)

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