"Fistful of Metal" is the debut album by American thrash metal band, Anthrax. It was released in 1984 on Megaforce Records and produced by the band with Carl Canedy. The line-up for the album was Neil Turbin (vocals), Dan Spitz (guitar), Scott Ian (guitar), Danny Lilker (bass) and Charlie Benante (drums).
The first ever album from one of thrash metal's pioneer bands was unleashed to the public in January 1984, and with that cemented Anthrax's place as one of the 'Big 4' alongside Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth. This was the only Anthrax album to feature Turbin and Lilker, who were both replaced by Joey Belladonna and Frank Bello respectively.
While this is a good Anthrax album, it's not as polished as you'd think coming from an important metal band, but it's not alone. Most of the early 1980s thrash albums were of the same production quality; raw and energetic. That's in a good way, too, as you can hear a band like Anthrax likes to have fun while recording music.
What can you expect on the album? How about a cover of Alice Cooper's "I'm Eighteen"? Or a heavy metal classic and Anthrax live favourite, "Metal Thrashing Mad"? If that's not enough, let's start right at the beginning. "Deathrider" has that thrash metal onset that a lot of bands would kill for. Scott Ian's monstrous riff is quickly followed by Benante's furious drumming, bringing you into a song that must be a joy to perform live. The same can be said for the slide riff on "Panic" which is some of the best thrash metal you're ever likely to hear.
"Fistful of Metal" is a very good album. Anthrax do thrash metal the way they want to do it, and I'm one of those that loves the way the band created this album. If you like your music hard and heavy, this is a must-buy. It plays a huge part in the creation of thrash metal and our music collection should have this album for its song quality and its importance.
- Deathrider
- Metal Thrashing Mad
- I'm Eighteen
- Panic
- Subjugator
- Soldiers of Metal
- Death From Above
- Anthrax
- Across the River
- Howling Furies
Comments