Questions
Who founded Anthrax and when?
Anthrax was formed on July 18, 1981, in Queens, New York City, by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker.
Where did the band get its name?
Scott Ian reportedly found the word anthrax, a disease, in a biology textbook and picked it because it sounded sufficiently evil.
Are they one of the Big Four of thrash metal?
Yes. Anthrax is counted among the Big Four of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, the genre’s most influential 1980s bands.
Who is the classic lead singer?
Joey Belladonna was the lead vocalist during the classic era from 1984 to 1992, and he has returned to front the band in later years.
Who was their very first singer?
Neil Turbin was Anthrax’s first vocalist, joining in late August 1982 and recording the debut album Fistful of Metal in 1984 before leaving that August.
What are their most famous albums?
Among the Living (1987) was their gold-certified breakthrough, and Sound of White Noise (1993) was their highest charting release, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200.
Did Anthrax really team up with a rap group?
Yes. Their 1991 collaboration with Public Enemy on Bring the Noise became a hit and is credited with helping lay the groundwork for rap metal and nu metal.
What was their early rap song?
I’m the Man was a rap-metal hybrid released as a B-side with the I Am the Law single, part of the band’s early embrace of rap music.
What is the Not Man mascot?
The Not Man is the band’s bald caricature mascot, reportedly derived from a rubber children’s toy called Magic Monster, and it was revived in May 2026 in the single It’s for the Kids.
What was the S.O.D. side project?
Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.) was formed in 1985 by Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Dan Lilker, and singer Billy Milano, and they reportedly recorded the pioneering crossover album Speak English or Die in three days.
Did they have a connection to Cliff Burton’s death?
Anthrax toured Europe with Metallica in 1986, and their Swedish show reportedly took place the day before the bus accident that killed Metallica bassist Cliff Burton.
How did they react to the 2001 anthrax scare?
During the 2001 anthrax attacks the band reportedly joked about changing their name to something more friendly, like Basket Full of Puppies.
When did John Bush sing for the band?
John Bush replaced Joey Belladonna in 1992 and was lead singer from 1992 to 2005, then again briefly in 2009 and 2010.
How many records have they sold?
Anthrax sold 2.5 million records in the United States between 1991 and 2004 and around 10 million worldwide.
Is there new Anthrax music coming?
Yes. Their twelfth studio album, Cursum Perficio, is set for release on September 18, 2026.
