Anthrax is back with a vengence. First, there was the incredible We've Come For You All, now there's the stellar live DVD/CD, Music Of Mass Destruction: Live From Chicago.
After years of fans asking for a live album, they decided to do it right. The Metro Theater in Chicago has been host to numerous bands' live recordings for good reason. The crowd is always into the show, sold out and the sound is stellar. This show is no exception.
while long-time Anthrax fans would like to see more of the "old-school" stuff done, the track selection is solid and the playing is so tight you couldn't wedge a guitar pick between it. Choosing mostly from the last three studio albums, they don't forget to touch on the classics such as "I Am The Law," "Belly of The Beast" and the super-smash "Anti-Social."
This is a band that MUST be seen live to truly experience. while most of their studio albums are solid if not exceptional, live is where they really shine. Although the mix could use some work, with the guitar being so low during some of the solos that one has to strain to hear it. The cameras are right on Rob Caggiano while he's playing, but it's muted sound-wise.
The packaging is rather impressive, with artwork by comic artist Alex Ross. Included is a highlight CD, limited to 12 of the tracks included on the DVD. If that's not enough, there's 2 "bonus" songs recorded the next day in Flint, MI and a documentary including segments with each band member.
It's a great package, loaded with brutally heavy riffs, great singing and a good performance by a band that's aged exceptionally well. A must-have for a fan of vintage '80's thrash or anyone who's tired of mass-produced pop-metal.
Article comments
1 - Doug Valenta
I know the son of one of this DVD's producers, and I actually got paid to scream my ass off with some other guys in a small room in a mansion on Chicago's north shore to beef up the crowd sounds (the mics used at the show to pick up the crowd didn't have enough presence). That's the story of the first time I ever listened to Anthrax. Also, maybe I wasn't supposed to tell people about that.
2 - Tom Johnson
If that's true, Doug, that might explain why the crowd sounds so unusually loud and aggressive in every chorus of every song. Kinda sad, however, because it might be construed as the band beefing up the crowd's response to what they felt was a lackluster performance. The band sounds great to me, but this certainly is odd.
3 - Doug Valenta
Trust me, Tom, as I suppose one of the few people who's heard the actual crowd tracks, we were just imitating them. Every chant, every roar, every chorus sung-along-to is original. If anything, the real crowd was more enthusiastic, being actual fans of the band, and more than just a little drunk. The recording quality for the crowd was just awful, though, and you'd probably be disappointed if they hadn't done something to it.
4 - Jim S
It wouldn't be the first time a band's overdubbed the crowd.... it's still a worthwhile DVD.