Among The Living [VINYL]

After my original copy of this album was lent to a "friend" and never returned, I got round to buying this deluxe edition of Among the Living.So the album. Among the Living is regarded as Anthrax's top album, and one of the best thrash albums of all time. And it's not hard to hear why. Full of blazing riffs and great lyrics, it also has some cross-over appeal due to the fun nature of this album. Even non-thrash fans [like my sister] like Anthrax because of this. They are far and above the most melodic of the thrash bands, crafting songs that straddle the line between thrash fury and party-rock anthems. This can be largely attributed to Joey Belladona's vocals; coming very much from a more Rock background as opposed to a metal vocalist. This gives his voice some great flexibility. Unlike many other thrash bands, Anthrax make me want to jump around in my living room when I put this album on, theirs so much energy to this album and the sing along hardcore-punk choruses are brilliant.Every track on the album is a mini-masterpiece. The title track, Indians, Caught in a Mosh, EFILNIKUFESIN (N.F.L) and of course the mighty I Am the Law are staple parts of the Anthrax live set. Loud, fun and heavy this is an essential album for any metal fan, and a great place for people interested in metal to start out with.The bonus tracks on this deluxe edition are nothing special, a few demos and some live tracks. The production on this edition is also excellent, really bringing the songs to life. But the real gem of this edition is the Live DVD. Shot in 1987 when this album was originally released, it showcases the Anthrax live show in towering form. If watching this DVD doesn't make you want to jump around and mosh like a lunatic, you have no soul.

Despite what you think or feel about this album, like Metallica's Master of Puppets, Among the Living is always going to be hailed as the pinnacle, the essence of all Anthrax is. And it's kind of true (if a little insulting), despite the fact that their best album lay a few years away. But Among the Living is a truly powerful and essential album.The title track is an astounding monster that is possibly one of the best tracks they've produced. 'Caught in a Mosh' is a thrash classic, and very punky. 'I Am the Law'. What can I say? Judge Dredd. Chunky riffs. Job done. 'Efilnikufesin' - another thrash classic. 'Skeletons in the Closet' is not quite as good but only by a hair. 'Indians' is one of my personal favourites. Catchy, riffy and heavy. As is 'One World' and 'ADI' - the latter being a huge behemoth of a track that should get more recognition. The closer is just the best closer of a thrash album ever - bar perhaps a couple from Metallica(!).It's not just great, it's wordlosingly great.

Love Anthrax. This was the CD that got me into thrash metal when I was 15. Im 43 now and still bloody love it. Stage diving days are over :-). Caught in a mosh and I am the law still float my boat as much. Great to see the concert that I had on VHS!! Great memories that quite frankly Im not ashamed to say I will never 'grow out' of this music. Love it.

Anthrax had kind of disappeared off my radar over the last decade or more however having watched their sets at this year's Sonisphere festival then they were truly back! My wife loved their set on the main stage so much that I was ordered to buy the back catalogue! My first choice was the fantastic ATL. The CD arrived quickly and was in excellent condition as per the seller's promise. When the wife first played it then from the opening bars of the title track I felt compelled to mosh around the dining tableSuch a good album and should be in everybody's collection (incidentally this is - or was - in my old tapes collection from my teenage years but I had not bought the digital version)

It is purely a really good album.

Great cd

Arrived on time and s expected

Excellent