ANTHRAX — Among The Living (review)

Album · 1987 · Thrash Metal

4.5/5 · 2020-12-28
UMUR

"Among The Living" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US, New York based thrash/heavy metal act Anthrax. The album was released through Megaforce Worldwide/Island Records in March 1987. It´s the successor to "Spreading The Disease" from 1985 and features the same lineup who recorded the predecessor. "Among The Living" was produced by prolific producer Eddie Kramer, who among other things had worked as producer on some of Kiss mid-70s releases. One of the artists that Anthrax have often cited as a great influence on their music.

Hiring an elite level producer has payed off big-time, as "Among The Living" features an incredibly well sounding production, which provides the material with the best possible opportunity to shine. It´s hard-edged, powerful, and organic sounding, and it´s one of those rare cases where there is a perfect symbiosis between the material and the sound production. Considering that "Among The Living" is an early 1987 thrash metal release, it´s quite the achievement.

So with a sound production like that there are no excuses not to deliver amazing musical performances and intriguing songwriting, and thankfully that´s exactly what Anthrax do on "Among The Living". While the band maintain a melodic heavy metal element on most tracks (which is in large part due to Joey Belladonna´s voice and singing style), which was also present on the two preceding album releases, they turn up the thrash metal elements on this album. It´s both much faster, more raw, and more aggressive than anything featured on the early releases by Anthrax. When that is said Anthrax aren´t exactly "lords of darkness", although many of the tracks feature dark subject lyrics. Both the title track and "A Skeleton In The Closet" for example feature lyrics inspired by novels by horror author Stephen King ("The Stand" and "Apt Pupil" respectfully). "I Am The Law" features lyrics inspired by the dark comic Judge Dread, while "Indians" deal with the native American issue. "Caught in a Mosh" pull in a more light topic direction though, and it is basically an ode to moshing (not completely unlike "Toxic Waltz" by Exodus).

The musical performances are on a high level on all posts. The playing is tight, raw, and powerful and Belladonna delivers a strong and distinct sounding vocal performance, which is a major part of the identity of the band´s sound. He has a tendency to sound a little strained, and his voice is probably a bit of an aquired taste considering the raw staccatto singing style of a lot of other contemporary thrash metal vocalists, but he has a pretty unique vocal style, which arguably sets Anthrax apart from the crowd. Belladonna is complimented throughout the album by "riot gang" backing vocals/choirs delivered by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Frank Bello. That part of the band´s sound works really well, and provides the vocal part of the album with good variation and a powerful crossover edge (or a hardcore influence if you will).

So upon conclusion "Among The Living" is a high quality release by Anthrax, which shows great development on all parameters. Powerful and memorable material, a well sounding production, and a band on fire, delivering intense musical performances like there´s no tomorrow. "Among The Living" is simply THE Anthrax album I would direct uninitiated listeners to and if not THE, then at least one of the peaks of their career. A 4.5 star (90%) rating is deserved.