Live Review and Photos by: Gina Finstad
Anaheim’s House of Blues erupted in pandemonium as Anthrax invaded the stage Monday January 23rd 2011 bringing their “Anthrax Army” in true madhouse form. Lines formed early and wrapped around Downtown Disney as the sold out show kicked off at 7:15pm sharp with a powerful opening by Death Angel followed by the massively explosive performance by Testament. Both opening bands gave the crowd indefatigable energy that enthralled the audience leaving then charged for Anthrax’s epic performance.
Fronted by returning vocalist Joey Belladonna, Scott Ian on rhythm guitar, Charlie Benante on drums, Frank Bello on Base and Dan Spitz on Lead Guitar; the bands in your face/no holds barred attitude roared through the rafters of the House of Blues as the band cranked out hits not only from their massive 15 album discography but introduced their new album “Worship Music” which debuted on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums charts at #12; the album and the track “Fight’em ‘Till You Can’t” both went to #1 on Media guide’s Metal charts. Currently their album is releasing its second single “I’m Alive”.
The set list included Earth on Hell, Fight on, Caught in a Mosh, Antisocial, I’m Alive, The Devil You Know and for their encores they gave us Madhouse, Metal Thrashing Mad and I am the Law. With each song Front man Joey Belladonna gave his soul to each song pushing out emotion in each lyric. Guitarists Scott Ian, Dan Spitz and Frank Bello provided heart pounding rifts that dominated the crowd while drummer Charlie Benante pounded out heavy beats and rock solid rhythms that was mirrored back through the crowd as they pounded their fists in echo. Crowd surfers poured towards the stage throughout the night just wanting to get close to the band. The house was standing room only and even finding room to do that was a challenge. The smell of denim, leather and Jack Daniels permeated the arena as Anthrax lead their army into a metal wonderland that left the crowd clawing for more.
If you missed this show Anthrax is touring across the states and will be featured at the Rockstar Mayhem Festival coming to Los Angeles June 30th and July 1st 2012.
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