Anthrax (American band)

Anthrax
Anthrax performing at Wacken Open Air on August 3, 2013
Background information
Origin	New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres	Thrash metal speed metal groove metal
Years active	1981 (1981)–present
Labels	Megaforce Island Elektra Sanctuary Nuclear Blast
Associated acts	The Damned Things Armored Saint Stormtroopers of Death Deathriders Nuclear Assault Public Enemy Megadeth Metallica Volbeat Pantera Slayer Shadows Fall Overkill
Website	anthrax.com
Members	Scott Ian Charlie Benante Frank Bello Joey Belladonna Jonathan Donais
Past members	List of Anthrax band members

Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The group was considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene during the 1980s. Of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands (the others being Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer), Anthrax were the only band from the East Coast. As of 2016, the band has released 11 studio albums, several other albums, and 26 singles, including collaborating on a single with American hip hop group Public Enemy. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Anthrax sold 2.5 million records in the United States from 1991 to 2004, with worldwide sales of 10 million.

Noted for its live performances, Anthrax signed with the independent label Megaforce Records, which released the band's debut studio album in 1984. Lilker soon left the band to form Nuclear Assault, and was replaced by roadie Frank Bello. Vocalist Neil Turbin was replaced after two years by Matt Fallon who was then subsequently replaced in 1985 by Joey Belladonna. With a new lineup, the band recorded Spreading the Disease (distributed by Island Records) in 1985. Anthrax's third album, Among the Living, was released in 1987 to critical praise. The band experienced another lineup change in 1992, when John Bush replaced Belladonna as lead vocalist. Sound of White Noise was released the following year, peaking at number seven on the Billboard 200. Studio recordings during the 1990s saw the band, influenced by other genres, experimenting with its sound.