It seems like such an odd thing to say these days, but I have a tough time listening to a new studio album from Anthrax without John Bush. I am probably in the minority, but I am much more of a Bush fan than a Joey Belladonna fan. I have all the respect in the world for the Belladonna years. The tone was crushing and Among the Living and Persistence of Time remain my two favorite Anthrax releases, but I was never a huge Anthrax fan because I felt like Belladonna held them back. Like I said, I know that I am in the minority on that one. Before The Big Four tour, I even questioned whether or not Anthrax would even be relevant in the metal community anymore. Now, with that legendary tour behind them, they felt like it is the right time to release a new album.

Fast forward to 2011 and here comes Anthrax at us with a new release with Joey Belladonna back on vocals. The guitar tone is still crushing and it is like taking a trip in a time machine back to their relevant years. I am into the album, although I am questioning how much longevity this album will have with me. I have heard major praise for Worship Music, so I was very eager to get my hands on it. Looks like the praise is rightfully earned.

Worship Music is a mixed bag of some stuff that you are used to hearing from Anthrax. Listen to the familiar sounds of songs like Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t and then on the opposite side of things, you have songs like I’m Alive, which sounds like anything but Anthrax. Overall, both styles are handled well.