Glacially Musical: Concert Review: Anthrax at the Pageant in St. Louis September 22, 2016 -photos and words by Danny Nichols

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Concert Review: Anthrax at the Pageant in St. Louis September 22, 2016 -photos and words by Danny Nichols

Frank Bello and Joey Belladonna of Anthrax

On a Thursday night in September St. Louis, Missouri witnessed two of the Big Four of thrash metal, Anthrax and Slayer, on a night which both celebrated the long tradition of the genre and showcased the newest material from these legendary bands.

This was the fifth time I had seen Anthrax, and once again they delivered with authority. Anthrax are touring in support of their new album and the set list reflected this, with four of the nines songs they played coming from "For All Kings".

A fifth song came from the also recently released "Worship Music". By the time they played the two covers they made famous, "Got the Time" and "Antisocial", this left only two songs left from which to represent their massive catalogue of influential and beloved music. Yet in many ways this was exactly the point. Anthrax is more than their epic backstory. They continue to be relevant,writing and performing songs as well as at any point in their history.

Scott Ian

Anthrax ripped through their set with energy and conviction. They never miss a note and play every song as though it were their last. Wedged between fellow heavyweights Death Angel and Slayer on the bill, nothing less than an optimal performance would suffice.

Jonathan Donais

Singer Joey Bellodonna's voice is as powerful as ever. Iconic guitarist Scott Ian commanded the stage as he aggressively pounded out riff after riff. Band newcomer Jonathan Donais of Shadows Fall fame cemented his place in band lore via the new album and tour. And of course the definitive thrash rhythm section of bassist Frank Bello and drummer Charlie Benante were right on time. Anthrax is one of my favorite bands, so I may have gone into the night less than objective, but by my estimation they stole the show, and were the premium band of the night.

Frank Bello

A seminal moment, which should be on the itinerary of any metalhead, occurs during Anthrax’s performance of “Indians”. Before the final bridge of the song, with only feedback wafting in the air, the audience waits in anticipation as singer Joey Belladonna fires up the crowd.

Joey Belladonna

Once the band is convinced everyone has been whipped into a fever pitch, guitarist Scott Ian steps up to the microphone and screams the next line of the song, “WAR DANCE!!!!” The thundering guitar riff kicks back in at full volume prompting many into the audience to break into a mosh pit sufficient to make a true tribal warrior proud. It is nearly impossible to observe this and not be compelled to hurl yourself into the fray. It is both the defining moment of any Anthrax show, and a signature event for the entirety of the thrash metal scene.

"War Dance!"

The crowd was on their feet and cheering wildly when Ian announced they would be back soon as headliners. I look forward to an expanded set, which features a few more selections from their classic material, but hope it is not at the expense of their new stuff, which is every bit as great.