Introduction
“Worship Music” by Anthrax is a pivotal album in the heavy metal genre, released on 12th September 2011. This album marked a significant moment in the band’s history, not only for its musical content but also for its lineup changes and the return of vocalist Joey Belladonna. Its release was highly anticipated, and it delivered a fresh sound that both honoured Anthrax’s legacy and embraced modern metal influences.
In this article, I will delve into the genesis of “Worship Music,” explore its recording process, and examine its commercial performance and critical reception. We will also look at the album’s singles and track analysis, its influences and legacy, and the subsequent developments in Anthrax’s career. Let’s start with a detailed overview of the album’s key attributes.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Release date | 12 September 2011 |
| Album title | Worship Music |
| Genre | Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal, Groove Metal |
| Total runtime | 65:43 |
| Number of tracks | 13 |
| Record label | Megaforce, Nuclear Blast |
| Recording studio | Unknown Studio |
| Producer(s) | Rob Caggiano, Jay Ruston |
The impact of “Worship Music” on the music industry was profound. It was hailed as a return to form for Anthrax, and its reception helped solidify their place in the metal scene. Charlie Benante, the band’s drummer, described it as their “most emotional album.” This sentiment was echoed by critics who praised its blend of thrash and melodic elements. Notably, Joey Belladonna stated, “It’s a record that feels like Anthrax, yet it also pushes us forward.”
The Genesis of “Worship Music”
Firstly, let’s explore the genesis of “Worship Music.” The album was born out of a period of significant change for Anthrax. Prior to its creation, the band had faced lineup changes and uncertainty. The departure of vocalist Dan Nelson and the temporary return of John Bush left fans wondering about the band’s future. However, the reunion with Joey Belladonna brought a renewed sense of purpose.
The musical environment leading up to the album was vibrant. Heavy metal was experiencing a resurgence, with many classic bands releasing new material. Anthrax’s previous works, such as “Among the Living”, had set a high standard. This album sought to build on that legacy while introducing new elements.
The creative contributors to “Worship Music” were crucial. Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, and Frank Bello played pivotal roles in songwriting and instrumentation. Rob Caggiano and Jay Ruston, the producers, also significantly influenced the album’s sound. The table below outlines the band members and their roles:
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Joey Belladonna | Lead Vocals |
| Scott Ian | Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals |
| Rob Caggiano | Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals |
| Frank Bello | Bass, Backing Vocals |
| Charlie Benante | Drums |
The recording costs were financed by Megaforce and Nuclear Blast, but the total budget remains undisclosed. Financial challenges were common, yet the band overcame them. The album title, “Worship Music,” originated from a TV show, as Benante suggested. The artwork, designed by Alex Ross, captured the album’s essence with its bold imagery.
Recording Process
Meanwhile, the recording process of “Worship Music” was as intriguing as its conception. The sessions took place over several years, from 2008 to 2011, at an unknown studio. This lengthy timeline was due to lineup changes and the desire to perfect the album’s sound. Producers Rob Caggiano and Jay Ruston brought their expertise to the project, having worked with numerous artists in the metal genre.
The recording sessions were not without challenges. The departure of Dan Nelson led to a reworking of vocals, and Belladonna’s return required adjustments. An interesting anecdote involves the song “Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t,” which was recorded multiple times to capture the right energy. Below is a table listing other albums produced by Rob Caggiano and Jay Ruston:
| Producer | Artist | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Caggiano | Anthrax | We’ve Come for You All | 2003 |
| Jay Ruston | Stone Sour | Audio Secrecy | 2010 |
Commercial Performance and Reception
Upon its release, “Worship Music” achieved notable commercial success. It debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, selling 28,000 copies in its first week. This was Anthrax’s highest chart position since 1993’s “Sound of White Noise.” Internationally, the album performed well, reaching number 6 in Finland and number 13 in Germany.
To provide a clearer picture of Anthrax’s studio albums, the table below lists their albums, sales, and release years:
| Album | Sales (US) | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Fistful of Metal | – | 1984 |
| Spreading the Disease | – | 1985 |
| Among the Living | – | 1987 |
| State of Euphoria | – | 1988 |
| Persistence of Time | – | 1990 |
| Sound of White Noise | – | 1993 |
| Stomp 442 | – | 1995 |
| Volume 8: The Threat Is Real | – | 1998 |
| We’ve Come for You All | – | 2003 |
| Worship Music | 100,000 | 2011 |
| For All Kings | – | 2016 |
The album received several accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for “I’m Alive.” In 2011, other notable albums released included:
- Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed
- Wasting Light by Foo Fighters
- The Hunter by Mastodon
2011 was a year of significant events in heavy music. Bands like At the Gates and System of a Down reformed, while Iron Maiden won their first Grammy. These events, along with “Worship Music,” marked a pivotal year for the genre.
Singles and Track Analysis
The singles from “Worship Music” were integral to its success. “Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t,” released on 24th June 2011, was the lead single. It was followed by “The Devil You Know” on 9th August 2011, “In the End” on 17th November 2011, and “I’m Alive” on 4th January 2012. These singles showcased the band’s songwriting prowess and resonated with fans.
The table below lists the album’s tracks, their lengths, and writing credits:
| Track Name | Length | Writing Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Worship | 1:40 | Anthrax |
| Earth on Hell | 3:11 | Anthrax |
| The Devil You Know* | 4:46 | Anthrax |
| Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t* | 5:48 | Anthrax |
| I’m Alive* | 5:34 | Anthrax |
| Hymn 1 | 0:38 | Anthrax |
| In the End* | 6:48 | Anthrax |
| The Giant | 3:47 | Anthrax |
| Hymn 2 | 0:44 | Anthrax |
| Judas Priest | 6:24 | Anthrax |
| Crawl | 5:00 | Anthrax |
| The Constant | 5:01 | Anthrax |
| Revolution Screams | 6:08 | Anthrax |
Note: Tracks marked with * were singles. The singles achieved varying degrees of success, with “Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t” and “The Devil You Know” being particularly well-received by fans.
Influences and Legacy
The influences behind “Worship Music” were diverse, drawing from thrash metal and heavy metal genres. Bands like Metallica and Slayer were notable inspirations. Anthrax also looked to their own past works, seeking to blend their classic sound with modern elements.
The table below outlines the influences on “Worship Music” and the artists it influenced:
| Influences on “Worship Music” | Artists Influenced by “Worship Music” |
|---|---|
| Metallica | Trivium |
| Slayer | Lamb of God |
| Judas Priest | Machine Head |
The year 2011 was eventful beyond music. Globally, the Arab Spring uprisings reshaped the Middle East, and the Occupy Wall Street movement highlighted economic inequalities. In culture, films like “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” dominated box offices. These events influenced the music and themes present in “Worship Music.”
Five Things about Worship Music
“Worship Music” is filled with fascinating facts. Here are five interesting details:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Vocalist Return | Joey Belladonna returned after 20 years. |
| Album Delay | The album faced delays due to lineup changes. |
| Emotional Album | Described as the band’s most emotional work. |
| Chart Success | Reached number 12 on the Billboard 200. |
| Grammy Nomination | “I’m Alive” was nominated for a Grammy. |
Media and Television Usage
Despite the album’s success, no songs from “Worship Music” were featured in media such as films or TV shows.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find any uses of songs from this album in known media usage.
Critical Reviews and Retrospectives
The critical reception of “Worship Music” was largely positive. Reviews praised the album for its energy and the return of Joey Belladonna. Loudwire’s review highlighted the album’s cohesiveness, while Angry Metal Guy appreciated its return to form.
The table below provides a summary of critical reviews:
| Publication | Review Score | Notable Quotes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loudwire | – | “Strong and cohesive album.” | Read more |
| Angry Metal Guy | 3.5/5 | “A strong entry for Anthrax.” | Read more |
| Sputnikmusic | 4/5 | “Potentially one of the best releases from the Big 4.” | Read more |
After Worship Music
After “Worship Music,” Anthrax continued to evolve. The album’s success revitalised their career, leading to extensive touring. The band performed with other metal giants like Metallica and Slayer. In 2013, Rob Caggiano left the band, replaced by Jonathan Donais. This change brought new dynamics to the group.
As of October 2023, Anthrax remains active, working on new material and performing live. Their influence in the metal scene endures, and they continue to attract new fans. The band’s resilience and ability to adapt have been key to their longevity.
Remasters and Reissues
In the years following its release, “Worship Music” has seen several reissues. These include special editions with bonus tracks and remastered audio. The table below lists the known remasters and reissues:
| Format | Details |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | 2022, 180g Vinyl |
| CD | 2020 Edition |
The remasters have been well-received, offering improved sound quality and additional content for fans. These releases have helped maintain the album’s relevance in the metal community.
Conclusion
“Worship Music” remains a significant album in Anthrax’s discography. Its blend of classic thrash elements with modern influences has ensured its lasting impact. The album’s success marked a turning point for the band, solidifying their place in metal history.
For further reading, check out our own articles on related topics:
- Anthrax – Among The Living (Blog Article)
- The Making of Persistence Of Time by Anthrax (Blog Article)
- The Making of State Of Euphoria by Anthrax (Blog Article)
For more information, visit the Wikipedia page for “Worship Music”, the Official Anthrax website, and the Record label’s website.
Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Worship Music by Anthrax. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!
