The Making of Among The Living by Anthrax

Introduction

Released on March 16, 1987, Anthrax’s Among the Living stands as a seminal work in the thrash metal genre, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s career and the evolution of heavy metal. As the third studio album by Anthrax, it solidified their position within the “Big Four” of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. This album is not just a collection of tracks; it’s a cultural artifact that reflects the energy, aggression, and social consciousness of its time.

In this article, we will explore the genesis of Among the Living, delve into the recording process, analyze its commercial performance, and examine its enduring legacy. We will also look at the singles and track meanings, critical reviews, and subsequent developments in Anthrax’s career. This comprehensive exploration aims to provide an authoritative resource on this iconic album.

The album’s impact on the music industry was profound, setting a new standard for thrash metal with its blend of hardcore punk energy and heavy metal precision. Its influence can be seen in the work of countless bands that followed. Scott Ian, Anthrax’s guitarist, once remarked, “It was the album that changed everything for us. It took us from clubs to arenas.” This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry, underscoring the album’s lasting significance.

The Genesis of “Among the Living”

By the mid-1980s, thrash metal was growing fast, and Anthrax, from New York City, was leading the charge. After making waves with Fistful of Metal and Spreading the Disease, they were ready to reach new heights. The cultural climate was perfect for Anthrax’s raw energy and social commentary.

The band’s path to Among the Living saw major growth in their sound. Spreading the Disease had introduced a more polished, cohesive style that resonated with fans and critics. Their lineup—Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna, and Dan Spitz—each contributed unique talents, blending aggression with melody.

Despite financial challenges typical for mid-level metal bands, Anthrax made the most of their budget from Megaforce and Island Records. The album title, Among the Living, was inspired by Stephen King’s The Stand, and Don Brautigam’s cover art captured the album’s societal themes perfectly.

The concept behind the album was to capture the chaos and intensity of the band’s live performances, while also addressing serious themes through their lyrics. The album’s artwork, designed by Don Brautigam, depicted a haunting figure in a crowd, symbolizing the presence of evil within society. This imagery, combined with the band’s energetic sound, created a powerful statement that resonated with fans and critics alike.

Recording Process

The recording sessions for Among the Living were an adventure in themselves, taking place between October and December 1986. The band chose to record at Quadradial Studios in Miami, Florida, a facility known for its 24-track recording capabilities, and later moved to Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, for mixing. This decision was influenced by the studio’s reputation and the allure of working in a tropical paradise.

Eddie Kramer, renowned for his work with legends like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, was brought on as the producer. Kramer’s experience and innovative approach were seen as a perfect fit for capturing the band’s raw energy. However, the sessions were not without their challenges. Kramer and the band had differing visions for the album’s sound, leading to some creative tensions. Kramer initially opted for a more polished sound, but the band insisted on a raw, live feel.

The band and Kramer eventually reached a compromise, resulting in an album that captured the intensity of Anthrax’s live performances while also benefiting from Kramer’s production expertise. This process of negotiation and collaboration ultimately contributed to the album’s unique sound.

In the following table, we explore other albums produced by Eddie Kramer:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Among the Living achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 62 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Despite limited radio airplay, the album steadily sold over the years, earning a Gold certification from the RIAA on July 31, 1990, for sales of 500,000 copies in the United States alone. The album also achieved Silver certification in the UK.

Here is a table of Anthrax’s album sales:

In 1987, the competitive landscape was fierce, with significant releases from Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, all contributing to the thrash metal genre’s growth. Despite this competition, Among the Living stood out for its unique blend of humor and serious themes.

Other albums released in 1987 include:

• The Legacy by Testament [Physical Sales: 200,000]
• Abigail by King Diamond [Physical Sales: 175,000]
• Persecution Mania by Sodom [Physical Sales: 100,000]

Among the Living received several awards and recognitions, including being listed among the greatest metal albums of all time by various publications. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, with tracks like “Caught in a Mosh” and “Indians” becoming anthems in the thrash metal community.

Singles and Track Analysis

The singles from Among the Living played a crucial role in the album’s success, with “I Am the Law” and “Indians” receiving significant attention. These tracks, along with others, showcase the band’s songwriting prowess and thematic diversity.

Below is a table detailing the album’s tracks and their meanings:

Note: Songs marked with * were singles. “I Am the Law” charted in the UK, while “Indians” received moderate rotation on MTV.

Influences and Legacy

The creation of Among the Living was heavily influenced by a diverse range of musical styles and cultural references. Anthrax drew inspiration from bands like Iron Maiden and Motörhead, as well as the burgeoning hardcore punk scene. The album’s lyrical content reflects influences from literature, particularly the works of Stephen King, and pop culture, such as the comic book character Judge Dredd.

Below is a table highlighting these influences and those influenced by the album:

The album was released in 1987, a year marked by significant global events and cultural milestones. Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while President Ronald Reagan challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” in Berlin. The Simpsons made their debut as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show, heralding a new era in television comedy.

Five Things about Among the Living

With its unique blend of aggression and melody, Among the Living offers a wealth of fascinating insights. Here are five verified facts about the album:

Media and Television Usage

Despite the album’s popularity, it appears that songs from Among the Living have not been extensively used in media. Our search did not yield any notable appearances in movies or television shows.

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Among the Living has been widely praised by critics and fans alike for its energetic sound and innovative approach to thrash metal. The album is often cited as one of Anthrax’s finest works, and it continues to be a favourite among metal enthusiasts.

Below is a table of reviews and scores from various publications:

After Among the Living

Following the success of Among the Living, Anthrax continued to build on their momentum, releasing State of Euphoria in 1988 and Persistence of Time in 1990. These albums further solidified their status as thrash metal pioneers. The band’s lineup remained relatively stable during this period, allowing them to refine their sound and expand their fanbase.

As of October 16, 2024, Anthrax remains active, continuing to tour and release new music. Their influence on the metal genre is undeniable, and they continue to be celebrated for their contributions to thrash metal.

Remasters and Reissues

Over the years, Among the Living has been reissued and remastered several times, allowing new generations of fans to experience its powerful sound. These releases often include bonus tracks, live recordings, and other exclusive content.

Below is a table of remasters and reissues:

Conclusion

Among the Living remains a cornerstone of thrash metal, its influence still felt in the music of today. Its combination of ferocious energy, intelligent lyrics, and cultural commentary has ensured its place in the history of heavy metal. As Scott Ian reflected, “It’s an album that continues to inspire us and our fans, a testament to what we were able to achieve together.”

For further reading, visit the Wikipedia page for Among the Living, the official Anthrax website, and the Island Records website.

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Among the Living by Anthrax. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!