Anthrax band photo

Anthrax's Charlie Benante Steps Back Amidst Injury, But New Album Roars Ahead

By Jason •
As Anthrax prepares to unleash their long-awaited album, drummer Charlie Benante takes a necessary breather due to injury, leaving fans eager for what's next.

In a somber update from the trenches of metal, legendary Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante has announced he will miss more shows, including the recent Hellfest Open Air Festival in Clisson, France, due to injury. The news hits hard for metalheads, as the powerhouse behind the kit has been a cornerstone of the band’s thunderous sound.

Despite Benante's setbacks, the New York thrash titans are gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated 12th studio album, Cursum Perficio, dropping September 18 via Megaforce Records. It’s been a decade since their last offering, 2016’s For All Kings, which saw them storm into the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. The title Cursum Perficio, translating from Latin to mean “My journey has come to an end,” encapsulates a sense of finality, yet it is also a powerful testament to the band’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

Fans can expect a plethora of formats for Cursum Perficio, from standard CDs to exclusive vinyl variants, each packaged with the iconic pop-up gatefold design. With options like the Target exclusive red zoetrope LP and Metal Injection’s white vinyl, the release promises to cater to collectors and audiophiles alike.

Unleashing their first single, “It’s For The Kids,” the band has already set the stage for thunderous anticipation. The track is a quintessential Anthrax anthem, charged with razor-sharp riffs and a frenetic energy that begs to be experienced live. Ian describes it as a love letter to the fans, encapsulating the raw aggression and catchy hooks that have defined their legacy.

Recording sessions for the album took place at none other than Dave Grohl’s Studio 606, where the band poured their collective heart and soul into the music, crafting a sound that honors their storied past while pushing boundaries. Ian reflects on the journey, stating, “We were supposed to make this in 2020, but the universe had other plans. The joy of coming back together after the pandemic is palpable in every note.”

Benante adds to the momentum, revealing that the album is a culmination of their musical evolution, likening it to the growth from their earlier works to their latest effort. With the hunger to create at an all-time high, Anthrax is poised to unleash a sonic assault that reaffirms their place at the forefront of the metal scene. As they gear up for a future that remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Anthrax is ready to go full throttle.