Anthrax will release an expanded 30th anniversary edition of 1985’s “Spreading The Disease” on November 20.
Produced by Anthrax with Carl Canedy, the project marked the first Anthrax album to feature singer Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello and included classics like “Madhouse”, “Armed & Dangerous” and “The Enemy.”
The expanded 2-disc reissue presents previously unreleased bonus material including Belladonna's 1984 demo recording of the song "Medusa”, nine "rhythm tracks" from Anthrax recordings also done in 1984 - no vocals, no overdubs or "sweetening," just drums, some guitar, a bit of bass, showing the songs in their naked, most basic form - and eight live songs from the group's 1987, first-ever concert in Japan, held at Tokyo's Sun Plaza.
"We wanted to do something special for our fans to celebrate the anniversary of Spreading The Disease," says drummer Charlie Benante. "We took the idea to Universal a couple of years ago and have been very hands-on with them, creating this special, deluxe edition that we think our fans will really like.”
"We didn't know what we were doing, but we totally knew what we were doing," added guitarist and founder Scott Ian. “I know that doesn't make sense, but it's where we were at, a bunch of 21 year-old kids making our major label debut on a shoestring budget with nothing but a dream and a bunch of songs that we thought killed.
“We were right and our dream came true. Thank you to all the fans that put this record and Anthrax on the map way back when and still support us today. Cheers my friends!"
Anthrax are joining Slayer for a six-week European tour that begins in the Netherlands on October 24.
The band have been in the studio this year working on the follow up to 2011's Grammy-nominated album, “Worship Music.”
The new record is expected to be released in early 2016.
Anthrax
“Spreading The Disease” 30th Anniversary Edition
Release date: November 20
Disc One
“A.I.R.”
“Lone Justice”
“Madhouse”
“S.S.D./Stand Or Fall”
“The Enemy”
“Aftershock”
“Armed And Dangerous”
“Medusa”
“Gung-Ho”
“Medusa” (Joey Belladonna demo)
Disc Two
“A.I.R.” *
“Metal Thrashing Mad” *
“The Enemy” *
“Madhouse” *
“Howling Furries” *
“Armed And Dangerous” *
“Gung-Ho” *
“Soldiers Of Metal” *
“Lone Justice” **
“Gung-Ho” **
“Metal Thrashing Mad” **
“Raise Hell” **
“Stand Or Fall” **
“Aftershock” **
“Armed And Dangerous” **
“Madhouse” **
“The Enemy” **
* Live at Sun Plaza (Tokyo) 1987
** Rhythm track tape, 1984
See also:
VIDEO: Anthrax share album update from the studio
VIDEO: Anthrax play final metal show at Sunset Strip House Of Blues
Anthrax to play final metal show at Sunset Strip House Of Blues
Anthrax launch limited edition bourbon
Search Anthrax at hennemusic
