Anthrax Brings The Noise to Seattle

Who would have guessed that thrash metal pioneers Anthrax would still be churning out albums and playing to packed theaters forty years after forming in New York City back in July of 1981? Yet here we are, getting ready to get our fill of some great heavy metal.

Anthrax, who are made up of Joey Belladonna (vocals), Scott Ian (guitar), Frank Bello (bass), Jonathan Donais (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums), brought round two of the 40th Anniversary tour to the Paramount Theater in Seattle. Though the band has had numerous lineup changes, the current lineup has been together since 2013.

Anthrax gave the fans a solid set from their extensive catalog. Opening with title track of their third studio album Among the Living and then jumping right into “Caught in a Mosh” caused not only a moshing frenzy but also a good amount of crowd surfing. The security working the show were kept busy making sure those who were surfing didn’t get hurt.

The band played many a fan favorite – “Keep It in the Family”, “I Am the Law”, “Indians”, “Madhouse” – as well as some of their favorite covers – “Antisocial”, “Got The Time” and “Bring The Noise”.

The band hasn’t lost the tenancity or the energy that they are famously known for. The stage was adorned with colorful lighting, risers and a back drop with artwork depicting each of the band’s releases.

Supporting Anthrax were Black Label Society (also known as BLS) – Zakk Wylde (guitar / vocals), Dario Lorina (guitar), John “JD” DeServio (bass) and Jeff Fabb (drums) – put on an incredible, heavy performance. To say they were amazing is an understatement. The Seattle Chapter of the BLS Doomcrew – which is what the band affectionately calls their fans – was in full effect and the band did not disappoint them.

BLS played some of their heavier cuts – as well as some tracks that those who may not be too familiar with – with much energy and intensity. BLS performed “Destroy & Conquer”, “Destruction Overdrive”, “Funeral Bell”, and “The Beginning…At Last” back to back without any break in the action.

The highlight of their set was when Wylde took to the piano and the band performed a ballad that was originally dedicated to “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott (who was killed on Dec 8, 2004) – formally of Pantera and Damageplan. The song has since been also dedicated to Abbott’s brother Vinnie Paul Abbott (who passed way on June 22, 2018) – also formally of Pantera and Damageplan as well as Hell Yeah! BLS finished their hour long set with “Suicide Messiah” and “Stillborn”.

Opening the show were San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal legends Exodus – Steve “Zetro” Souza (vocals), Gary Holt (guitar), Tom Hunting (drums), Jack Gibson (bass), and Lee Altus (guitar). Exodus put on a crushing – albeit short – set that mainly focused on their debut 1985 album Bonded By Blood but they also made sure to include a few tracks form their latest release Persona Non Grata.

It was an excellent night of heavy metal. Make sure to check out the show if it comes near your town!

Anthrax Set List
Among The Living
Madhouse
Metal Thrashing Mad
Keep It in the Family
Antisocial
I Am the Law
Hymn 1 / In The End
Only
Got The Time (Joe Jackson cover)
Bring the Noise (Public Enemy Cover)
Indians
Hello There (Cheap Trick cover)

Black Label Society Set List
Destroy & Conquer
Desrtruction Overdrive
Funeral Bell
The Beginning…At Last
Heart of Darkness
A Love Unreal
You Made Me Want to Live
In This River
Trampled Down Below
Set You Free
Fire It Up
Suicide Messiah
Stillborn

Exodus Set List
The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)
A Lesson in Violence
Blood In, Blood Out
Blacklist
Piranha
Prescribing Horror
Bonded By Blood
The Toxic Waltz
Strike of the Beast