Editing Anthrax (American band) (section)

==History==

===Formation (1981–1982)===
Anthrax was formed in [[Queens]], New York City, on July 18, 1981,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Maron|first1=Marc|title=Episode 685 -Scott Ian|url=http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_685_-_scott_ian|website=WTF with Marc Maron Podcast|date=February 29, 2016 |access-date=February 29, 2016}}</ref> by guitarists [[Scott Ian]] and [[Dan Lilker]], with Ian's friend Dave Weiss on drums. The band was named after the disease [[anthrax|of the same name]] which Ian saw in a biology textbook, chosen because it sounded "sufficiently evil".<ref>{{cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Anthrax's Scott Ian Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'|url=http://loudwire.com/anthrax-scott-ian-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=April 16, 2014|access-date=May 22, 2014}}</ref> Lilker originally intended for Scott Setari to play bass in the band, during their early phases as a cover band.<ref>{{Cite episode |title= NYHC Chronicles Live |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PFA9DYVJ34 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/9PFA9DYVJ34| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|series= NYHC Chronicles |access-date= 14 May 2020 |date=13 May 2020 |number=17 |minutes=30}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Anthrax's initial lineup was completed by singer [[John Connelly (musician)|John Connelly]], and bassist Paul Kahn. Kahn was briefly replaced by bassist Kenny Kushner before Lilker took over on bass. Future [[Hittman (band)|Hittman]] singer Dirk Kennedy replaced Connelly for a few months and the band brought in lead guitarist Greg Walls. Weiss was then replaced early on by drummer [[Greg D'Angelo]], who was recommended to the band by Walls. Ian's younger brother Jason Rosenfeld had been a temporary vocalist until Ian's former schoolmate [[Neil Turbin]] joined the band in late August 1982. Turbin joined the band partly because of guitarist Walls, who Turbin later said was "the best guitarist Anthrax ever had".<ref name=Turbin2003>{{cite web |url=https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/NeilTurbin-Dec2003.htm |title=Neil Turbin: Former Anthrax Vocalist Returns With New Album |date=December 2003 |first=Keith |last=McDonald |website=Metal-Rules.com Heart of Steel Interviews |access-date=March 28, 2021}}</ref> The band recorded its first demo tape during this time.

===Neil Turbin era and debut album (1982–1984)===
[[File:Anthrax1983.jpg|thumb|left|Anthrax in 1983. From left to right: [[Charlie Benante]], [[Dan Spitz]], [[Neil Turbin]], [[Scott Ian]] and [[Dan Lilker]]. This lineup recorded the band's first album ''[[Fistful of Metal]]''.]]

The band's first performance with Neil Turbin was at Great Gildersleeves, a New York club, in September 1982. This lineup played regularly in the New York–New Jersey area over the next several months. Anthrax was also on the same bill as then-up-and-coming [[Metallica]] for several shows in the spring of 1983. Guitarist Walls left Anthrax that summer because of friction with Ian, and drummer D'Angelo left a month later. Turbin said he was seriously considering leaving because of the loss of Walls and D'Angelo, but he stuck it out for another year.<ref name=Turbin2003/> Walls was replaced by Bob Berry, who was recommended to Turbin by [[Rhett Forrester]] of [[Riot (band)|Riot]]. Berry was in turn soon replaced by [[Dan Spitz]], who was previously a member of the New Jersey thrash band [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]].

Drummer [[Charlie Benante]] replaced D'Angelo in September 1983 after a several-month courtship by Ian. By this time, Ian and Lilker had befriended New Jersey record store owner [[Jon Zazula]], to whom they had given their demo tapes to critique. Zazula's new record label [[Megaforce Records]] had recently released Metallica's debut album ''[[Kill 'Em All]]'' to great success. In late 1983, Zazula agreed to sign Anthrax and the band recorded the "Soldiers of Metal" single, which was produced by [[Ross the Boss]] of [[Manowar]]. The B-side was the song "Howling Furies" which was taken from a previous demo with Greg D'Angelo on drums (his only Anthrax recording).

Anthrax released their debut album ''[[Fistful of Metal]]'' in January 1984. Former guitarist Walls said he was shocked that the album was released without giving credit to Walls as the primary songwriter on "Panic" and "Metal Thrashing Mad", as well as smaller songwriting contributions throughout the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metalshockfinland.com/2016/10/25/the-metal-voice-interview-with-ex-anthrax-guitarist-greg-walls-talking-about-his-lost-opportunity-to-replace-dave-mustaine-in-metallica/ |title=The Metal Voice Interview With Ex-Anthrax Guitarist Greg Walls, Talking About His Lost Opportunity to Replace Dave Mustaine in Metallica |date=October 25, 2015 |last=Kay |first=Jimmy |website=Metal Shock Finland, The Metal Voice |access-date=March 28, 2021}}</ref> Tensions were building between Lilker and Turbin for various reasons, eventually leading to Turbin firing Lilker without informing the rest of the band.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/scott-ian-anthrax-hated-neil-turbin-s-guts | title=Scott Ian: Anthrax hated Neil Turbin's guts | date=October 9, 2014 }}</ref> He would soon form the band [[Nuclear Assault]] with former Anthrax roadie / vocalist John Connelly.<ref>{{cite news|first=Robert|last=Pasbani|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/oh/former-anthrax-vocalist-neil-turbin-claims-he-was-once-asked-to-be-the-frontman-of-metallica|title=Former Anthrax Vocalist Neil Turbin Claims He Was Once Asked to be the Frontman of Metallica|work=Metal Injection|date=August 29, 2014|access-date=August 30, 2014}}</ref> Lilker was replaced by Benante's nephew and roadie [[Frank Bello]]. The band then went on a successful US tour opening for [[Raven (British band)|Raven]] and others to support ''Fistful of Metal''.

In August 1984, Turbin and Anthrax went their separate ways after long-standing personal issues. In his book ''Eddie Trunk's Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal'', music journalist [[Eddie Trunk]] admits pressuring [[Jon Zazula]], Scott Ian and Anthrax into firing Turbin because of his personal taste in vocals.<ref>{{cite book|last=Trunk|first=Eddie|author-link=Eddie Trunk|title=Eddie Trunk's Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal|chapter=Anthrax|page=240|publisher=[[Abrams Books]]|date=August 30, 2011|location=New York City}}</ref> Singer [[Matt Fallon]] was briefly hired in late 1984, but he and the band soon parted ways.  The remaining members decided to play live shows as a four-piece billed as "The Diseased" with Scott Ian on vocals, performing [[hardcore punk]] covers until a permanent singer could be found.

===Joey Belladonna era (1984–1992)===
{{multiple image |perrow = 3
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| image1 = Frank Bellow 2015 - Anthrax (cropped).jpg
| image2 = Anthrax, Joey Belladonna at Wacken Open Air 2013.jpg
| footer = Bassist [[Frank Bello]] and vocalist [[Joey Belladonna]] both joined Anthrax in 1984, forming the band's "classic" lineup which lasted until the latter was fired in 1992.
}}

In 1984, [[Joey Belladonna]] was chosen as the new vocalist.<ref name="LarkinHR">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1999|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0257-7|pages=29/30}}</ref> The ''[[Armed and Dangerous (EP)|Armed and Dangerous]]'' EP marked Belladonna's recording debut with Anthrax.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> The 1992 reissue of the EP included the two songs from the "Soldiers of Metal" single that had Neil Turbin performing on them.

Anthrax's second album ''[[Spreading the Disease]]'' was released in October 1985.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> It was well-received as both a technical leap forward from ''Fistful of Metal'' and as a more original effort, and remains one of the band's most highly regarded albums.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/spreading-the-disease-mw0000651094|title=Spreading the Disease - Anthrax &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=July 14, 2021}}</ref> With leftover studio time from these sessions, Ian, Benante and former bandmate Dan Lilker collaborated with vocalist [[Billy Milano]] to form the side project [[Stormtroopers of Death]],<ref name="LarkinHR"/> and recorded the album ''[[Speak English or Die]]'' in three days. It was released in August 1985 and is now considered a pioneering [[crossover thrash]] release, featuring one of the earliest examples of a [[blast beat]] on record. Afterwards, the project was put on hold as Ian and Benante turned their focus back on Anthrax.

The US tour to support ''Spreading the Disease'' opening for [[Black Sabbath]] was canceled after four dates due to Sabbath singer [[Glenn Hughes (English singer)|Glenn Hughes]]' voice problems. In April 1986, Anthrax attempted its first tour of Europe beginning in Bochum, Germany, supported by [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]] and [[Agent Steel]].<ref name="metallipromo">{{cite web |title=Anthrax ('82 - '92)|url=http://metallipromo.com/anthrax.html|publisher=metallipromo.com|access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref> The tour included a show near Chernobyl, Ukraine, immediately after the [[Chernobyl disaster]].<ref name="Loudwire">{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/rob-caggiano-plays-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/|title=Rob Caggiano Plays Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=July 9, 2014|access-date=July 10, 2014}}</ref> Later that year, Anthrax toured Europe with Metallica.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> The tour began on September 10 at [[St David's Hall]] and ended on September 26 in Solnahallen, Sweden. The Swedish show was Anthrax's last performance before the bus accident the following day, which killed Metallica bassist [[Cliff Burton]].<ref name="metallipromo"/>

The band's third studio album ''[[Among the Living]]'' was released in March 1987, and is often considered by both the band and critics to be a major breakthrough for Anthrax.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> Produced by [[Eddie Kramer]], it showcased the band's humorous, experimental side and began a lyrical trend focusing on movies, politics, comic books and [[Stephen King]] novels. The album was dedicated to Cliff Burton's memory. Propelled by the singles "[[Indians (song)|Indians]]" and "[[I Am the Law (song)|I Am the Law]]", the success of ''Among the Living'' not only turned Anthrax into a household name (along with the remaining "big four" of thrash metal–Metallica, [[Megadeth]] and [[Slayer]]), but eventually earned them one of their first [[Music recording certification|certified-gold records]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]].<ref name="RIAA"/> "I Am the Law", which was released as the album's second single, was backed with a rap-metal hybrid "[[I'm the Man (EP)|I'm the Man]]" as its B-side.<ref name="LarkinHR"/><ref name=BW_Heavy_Metal/> Anthrax further indulged its appreciation for rap by appearing on the title track of [[U.T.F.O.]]'s album, ''Lethal'', and their worship for the genre was also attributed to Ian wearing a t-shirt of [[Public Enemy]] both on stage and for publicity photo shoots; in response, Public Enemy name-checked Anthrax in the lyrics to their 1988 single "[[Bring the Noise]]".<ref>{{cite news|first=Henry|last=Yates|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-behind-the-song-bring-the-noise-by-anthrax-and-public-enemy|title=The Story Behind The Song: Anthrax and Public Enemy's Bring The Noise|website=[[Metal Hammer|loudersound.com]]|date=March 14, 2019|access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref> Anthrax toured for over a year to promote ''Among the Living'', touring Europe again with Metallica, the United States with [[Metal Church]], [[Testament (band)|Testament]], [[Dirty Rotten Imbeciles|D.R.I.]], [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] and [[Celtic Frost]], and supporting [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] on their ''[[Crazy Nights]]'' tour.<ref name="metallipromo"/>

Anthrax released their fourth album ''[[State of Euphoria]]'' in September 1988, and it was produced by [[Mark Dodson (record producer)|Mark Dodson]], who had previously worked with [[Judas Priest]], [[U.D.O.]] and [[Metal Church]].<ref name="LarkinHR"/> While the album was not quite as well-received as ''Among the Living'', owing to its "rushed"<ref>{{cite web|title=ANTHRAX: 'State Of Euphoria' 30th-Anniversary Deluxe Reissue Details Revealed|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-complete-state-of-euphoria-30th-anniversary-deluxe-reissue-details-revealed/|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 30, 2018|access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ANTHRAX's CHARLIE BENANTE On 'State Of Euphoria' Album: 'All Of Us In The Band Felt That It Was Not Finished' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthraxs-charlie-benante-on-state-of-euphoria-album-all-of-us-in-the-band-felt-that-it-was-not-finished/|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=September 20, 2018|access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref> finish, ''State of Euphoria'' was certified gold about five months after its release,<ref name="RIAA"/> and one of the singles "[[Antisocial (Trust song)|Antisocial]]", originally by French heavy metal band [[Trust (French band)|Trust]], became an MTV staple as part of the rotation on ''[[Headbangers Ball]]''. By 1989, Anthrax was starting to play at arenas as a headlining or opening act, first supporting [[Ozzy Osbourne]] on his ''[[No Rest for the Wicked (Ozzy Osbourne album)|No Rest for the Wicked]]'' [[No Rest for the Wicked Tour|tour]] in North America, and then headlining European tours with [[Living Colour]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]] and [[King's X]], and the U.S. [[Headbangers Ball Tour]] with [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] and [[Helloween]].<ref name="metallipromo"/> Also in 1989, MTV sponsored a contest in which the winner had her home trashed by the band. This would later inspire Anthrax's 1992 appearance on the television series ''[[Married... with Children]]'', in which the Bundys win a similar TV contest.<ref name="Loudwire"/>

Anthrax returned to the studio at the end of 1989 to work on their fifth album, again with Dodson as the producer.<ref name="Loudwire PoT">{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/anthrax-persistence-of-time-album-anniversary/|title=31 Years Ago: Anthrax Release 'Persistence of Time'|website=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=October 1, 2021}}</ref> Released in August 1990, ''[[Persistence of Time]]'' was written and recorded during a period of turmoil for Anthrax, as Ian had recently been divorced from his first wife, and the middle of the recording session was interrupted by a fire that caused the band to lose more than $100,000 worth of gear and their rehearsal studio.<ref name="LarkinHR"/><ref name="Loudwire PoT"/> The band members also claimed it was during this period that there were talks of potentially working with a different singer, a situation that Belladonna was unaware of at the time. Considered by fans to be their serious effort, ''Persistence of Time'' was darker, more technical and more progressive than the band's previous work, striking a chord with metal fans wary of Anthrax's "silly" side.<ref name="Loudwire PoT"/> The most successful single from the album was a cover of [[Joe Jackson (musician)|Joe Jackson]]'s "Got the Time",<ref name="LarkinHR"/> which Jackson said he enjoyed. ''Persistence of Time'' was certified gold by the RIAA in early 1991,<ref name="RIAA"/> and the band toured for nearly two years to promote the album, opening for [[Iron Maiden]] on their ''[[No Prayer for the Dying]]'' [[No Prayer on the Road|tour]] in Europe and North America, and appearing on the [[Clash of the Titans (tour)|Clash of the Titans]] tour with [[Megadeth]], [[Slayer]] and opening act [[Alice in Chains]].<ref name="Loudwire PoT"/>

In 1991, Anthrax collaborated with [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]] on a version of "[[Bring the Noise]]".<ref name="LarkinHR"/> This was a hit, and a successful tour with Public Enemy followed.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> "Bring the Noise" has been a live staple for Anthrax since they first played it in concert in 1989.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bring the Noise by Anthrax Concert Statistics|website=setlist.fm|url=https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/public-enemy-63d686a3.html?artist=7bd68e98&song=Bring+the+Noise|access-date=August 24, 2018}}</ref> The compilation ''[[Attack of the Killer B's]]'' was released in 1991,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> and featured three tracks from their 1989 EP ''[[Penikufesin]]'', a new version of "I'm the Man" and a cover of "Bring the Noise" on which Ian did some vocals.

===John Bush era (1992–2005)===
[[File:Anthrax, Scott Ian at Wacken Open Air 2013.jpg|thumb|170px|left|alt=Bald, bearded, tattooed man playing guitar onstage|Scott Ian has played rhythm guitar on all of the band's recordings, and is the sole remaining founding member in the band.]]
[[File:Anthrax (John Bush era) wordmark.svg|thumb|right|Anthrax logo during the John Bush era]]

In early 1992, shortly after signing a $10 million record deal with [[Elektra Records]] and following their appearance in ''Married... with Children'', Belladonna was fired from Anthrax over creative and stylistic differences.<ref name="LarkinHR" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hochman |first=Steve |date=1992-03-15 |title=ELEKTRACUTION: You can understand if the Elektra... |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-15-ca-6440-story.html |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> After firing Belladonna, the remaining members of Anthrax auditioned several vocalists including Mark Osegueda of [[Death Angel]] and Spike Xavier of [[Mind Over Four]].<ref>Scott Ian and Jon Weiderhorn (2014). ''I'm the Man: The Story of that Guy from Anthrax''. Da Capo Press, p. 177</ref> However, [[Armored Saint]] vocalist [[John Bush (musician)|John Bush]] was the standout favorite and had in fact been floated as a potential replacement for Belladonna a few years earlier, due to questions about his reliability stemming from drug and alcohol abuse.<ref>Ian and Weiderhorn (2014), p. 177</ref> The band's first album with Bush and for Elektra, ''[[Sound of White Noise]]'', was released in 1993.<ref name="LarkinHR" /> Produced by [[Dave Jerden]] (then-known for his work with [[Jane's Addiction]] and [[Alice in Chains]]), the album marked a change from Anthrax's earlier work, with a dark sound influenced by [[alternative rock]], and it received mostly positive reviews.<ref name="LarkinHR" /> Critic Dave Connolley of [[AllMusic]] wrote that Bush "has a lower-register voice than Belladonna, and the result is menacing, premeditated, and sinister."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/sound-of-white-noise-mw0000617745|title=Sound of White Noise - Anthrax - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic|website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> The song "[[Only (Anthrax song)|Only]]" was released as the album's first single. In the liner notes for ''[[Return of the Killer A's]]'', Ian said that [[James Hetfield]] told him it was a "perfect song".<ref>{{cite web |title=How Anthrax's 'Sound of White Noise' Kicked Off the John Bush Era |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/anthrax-sound-of-white-noise/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=May 25, 2018 |access-date=11 July 2020}}</ref> In keeping with the band's eye for unlikely collaborations, classical composer [[Angelo Badalamenti]] provided music for "Black Lodge" (a nod to ''[[Twin Peaks]]''). This album demonstrated that Anthrax had fully shed its cartoonish persona in favor of mature, thoughtful songwriting, which began with ''Persistence of Time''. The success of ''Sound of White Noise'' dissolved any fan worries that the band would not recover from their split with Belladonna; it was certified gold by the RIAA nearly two months after its release,<ref name="RIAA" /> and gave Anthrax their highest chart position to date at number seven on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Anthrax - Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/anthrax/chart-history/tsl/|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard.com]]|access-date=October 1, 2021}}</ref> The album also saw Anthrax continuing to headline arenas and theaters or amphitheaters, taking several bands such as [[Suicidal Tendencies]], [[White Zombie (band)|White Zombie]], [[Quicksand (American band)|Quicksand]], [[Fight (band)|Fight]] and [[Clawfinger]] out as supporting acts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Suicidal Tendencies|url=http://metallipromo.com/st.html|website=metallipromo.com|access-date=October 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=White Zombie|url=https://metallipromo.com/wz.html|website=metallipromo.com|access-date=October 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-xpm-1994-04-15-1994105035-story.html|title=With Fight, Halford is adding social consciousness to heavy metal|access-date=October 1, 2021|last=Hill|first=J. Doug|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=April 15, 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalexpressradio.com/2007/07/27/clawfinger-life-will-kill-you/|title=CLAWFINGER – Life Will Kill You|access-date=October 1, 2021|last=Nergård|first=Andreas|website=metalexpressradio.com|date=July 27, 2007}}</ref>

After ''Sound of White Noise'' longtime guitarist [[Dan Spitz]] left the band to become a watchmaker, leaving Anthrax a quartet temporarily.<ref>{{cite web|last=Spitz|first=Daniel|url=http://www.spitzwatch.com/bio/|title=Dan Spitz Biography|access-date=September 30, 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926192841/http://www.spitzwatch.com/bio/|archive-date=September 26, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 1995, Anthrax released their seventh studio album ''[[Stomp 442]]'', on which Charlie Benante played most of the lead-guitar parts.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> Benante was assisted by [[Paul Crook]], who later became the band's touring lead guitarist for several years, and [[Dimebag Darrell]] of [[Pantera]].<ref name="LarkinHR"/> The album's release followed a shake-up at Elektra the year before, which saw the firing of the label's president, [[Bob Krasnow]], who was replaced by [[Sylvia Rhone]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philips |first=Chuck |date=1994-07-13 |title=Elektra Chief Bob Krasnow Abruptly Quits : Entertainment: Chairman of recently realigned Warner Music unit cites sudden exclusion from the corporate inner circle. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-13-fi-15128-story.html |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kielty |first=Martin|title=How Anthrax's 'Sound of White Noise' Kicked Off the John Bush Era |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/anthrax-sound-of-white-noise/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=May 25, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> During a meeting with the band, Rhone told Anthrax that she wouldn't have signed their record deal.<ref name=":1" /> Elektra did not promote ''Stomp 442'', and it was less commercially successful than its predecessor. Frustrated by this, Anthrax severed its ties with the label.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine |last=Knopper |first=Steve |date=June 20, 1998 |title=Anthrax Makes Good On Its Metal 'Threat' On Ignition Bow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-w0EAAAAMBAJ&dq=anthrax+volume+8&pg=PA16 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc. |volume=110 |issue=25 |pages=16, 18 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref>

In late 1997, Anthrax signed with Ignition Records, an [[Independent record label|independent label]] distributed by [[Tommy Boy Records]].<ref name=":2" /> The label released ''[[Volume 8: The Threat Is Real]]'' in July 1998.<ref name="LarkinHR"/><ref name=":2" /> As on ''Stomp 442'', Benante performed lead guitar parts along with Crook and Darrell. The album also features Pantera vocalist [[Phil Anselmo]] making a guest vocal appearance. Towards the end of 1998, Tommy Boy ended its distribution deal with Ignition, after which the label went bankrupt, disrupting its distribution.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Samuels |first=Anita |date=January 9, 1999 |title=Tommy Boy Refocuses Its Agenda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fw0EAAAAMBAJ&dq=anthrax+volume+8&pg=PA17 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |volume=111 |issue=2 |pages=18 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindsay |first=Cam |date=February 25, 2016 |title=Rank Your Records: Anthrax Drummer Charlie Benante Ranks the Thrash Legends' Eleven Albums |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/anthrax-rank-your-records/ |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=[[Vice Media]] |language=en}}</ref> Anthrax then signed with [[Beyond Music|Beyond Records]], who released the greatest-hits album ''[[Return of the Killer A's]]'' (1999), after which Beyond went out of business as well. During this period a two-vocalist tour with Belladonna and Bush was planned, but Belladonna decided not to participate at the last minute; however, on the mentioned ''Return of the Killer A's'' compilation, a cover of [[The Temptations]] song "[[Ball of Confusion]]" was recorded with the then-current lineup of the band (Ian/Benante/Bello/Bush/Crook), in addition to former vocalist Belladonna and former bassist Lilker. This is the only song to feature both Belladonna and Bush on co-vocals.<ref>{{cite web|first=Arto|last=Lehtinen|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Anthrax-Summer2003.htm|title=Anthrax Interviews with Scott Ian and John Bush|work=[[Metal Rules]]|access-date=May 19, 2010}}</ref>

Despite hardships and legal entanglements over album rights, Anthrax continued. In 2001, [[Rob Caggiano]] joined the band on lead guitar. During the [[2001 anthrax attacks]] in the United States the band changed its website, providing information about the disease after people began searching "anthrax.com" on internet search engines. Amid a potential [[public relations|PR]] nightmare, Anthrax issued a press release on October 10, 2001, joking that the band's name would be changed to "something more friendly, like 'Basket Full of Puppies'."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anthrax.com/html/ANTHRAX_PressRelease.htm |title=Anthrax: Press Release |publisher=Anthrax.com |date=November 8, 2004 |access-date=October 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041108091742/http://www.anthrax.com/html/ANTHRAX_PressRelease.htm |archive-date=November 8, 2004 }}</ref> Anthrax dispelled any name-change rumors derived from the press release at the November 2001 [[New York Steel]] 9/11 [[benefit concert]], when they took the stage in [[Boilersuit|boiler suits]] with a different word on each one which ultimately read "We're not changing our name". Bello has stated they did so after receiving support from members of the NYPD and FDNY, who believed that changing the name of the band would send the wrong message. A picture of the band in the suits is on the inner tray card of ''We've Come for You All''.<ref name="Loudwire"/>

[[File:Anthrax-sonisphere-2009006 (cropped).jpg|thumb|170px|right|[[John Bush (musician)|John Bush]], who replaced [[Joey Belladonna]], was the lead singer for Anthrax from 1992 to 2005, and again briefly during 2009–2010.]]
In 2003, the band signed to [[Sanctuary Records]] and released their ninth studio album ''[[We've Come for You All]]'', praised by metal journalists as a return to form.<ref>{{cite web |title=We've Come for You All - Anthrax |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/weve-come-for-you-all-mw0000592708 |website=Allmusic |access-date=10 July 2020}}</ref> The band then spent the summer of 2003 on tour with [[Motörhead]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Motörhead/Anthrax: First North American Tour Dates Announced |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mot-rhead-anthrax-first-north-american-tour-dates-announced/ |website=Blabbermouth |date=March 12, 2003 |access-date=10 July 2020}}</ref>

In early 2004, Anthrax released ''[[The Greater of Two Evils]]'', a "live in the studio" re-recording of the earlier work with the band's then-current lineup. Bassist Frank Bello announced shortly afterwards that he was leaving the band to join [[Helmet (band)|Helmet]], and was replaced by [[Fates Warning]] and Armored Saint member [[Joey Vera]].

===Reunions with Belladonna and Bush (2005–2010)===
In April 2005, Anthrax announced that the "classic" lineup of Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Dan Spitz, Joey Belladonna and Frank Bello would reform. At some shows on the following tour, they played ''Among the Living'' in its entirety.<ref>{{cite news|title=It's Official: Anthrax's 'Among The Living' Lineup To Reunite|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/it-s-official-anthrax-s-among-the-living-lineup-to-reunite/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 24, 2005|access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> Although the lineup was expected to record a new album after the tour, in January 2007 Ian said that Belladonna had not agreed to a reunion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-guitarist-scott-ian-the-reunion-is-over/|title=Anthrax Guitarist Scott Ian: 'The Reunion Is Over'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=January 24, 2007|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> John Bush also said he wasn't ready to re-commit to Anthrax and said he had been asked to return but had declined. Asked if he wanted to rejoin the band when Belladonna left, Bush said that he "just didn't feel right to do that."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/armored-saint-s-john-bush-metallica-philosophy-book-author-interviewed/|title=Armored Saint's John Bush, Metallica 'Philosophy' Book Author Interviewed|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=November 14, 2007|access-date=May 30, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/singer-john-bush-i-am-not-ready-to-commit-to-anthrax-again/|title=Singer John Bush: 'I Am Not Ready' To Commit To Anthrax Again|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=February 7, 2007|access-date=October 2, 2011}}</ref>

In December 2007, it was announced that the band's new vocalist would be [[Dan Nelson]], formerly of Devilsize,<ref>{{cite news|title=It's Official: Anthrax Taps Former Devilsize Singer|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/it-s-official-anthrax-taps-former-devilsize-singer/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 10, 2007|access-date=July 22, 2009}}</ref> and Rob Caggiano would return as lead guitarist. In May 2008, Anthrax played its first show in 19 months at [[Double Door]] in Chicago.

In his monthly Food Coma column posted in December 2008, Scott Ian wrote that he had "been in the studio working on the new Anthrax album", promising to be "giving birth to a really pissed off, loud, fast and heavy child."<ref>{{cite web|first=Scott |last=Ian |url=http://suicidegirls.com/news/culture/23475/ |title=A Festive Feast of Awesomeness |publisher=[[SuicideGirls.com]] |date=December 22, 2008 |access-date=December 17, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223125611/http://suicidegirls.com/news/culture/23475/ |archive-date=December 23, 2008 }}</ref> He later wrote that the album was being mixed by [[Dave Fortman]], who had worked with [[Evanescence]] and [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Scott |last=Ian |url=http://suicidegirls.com/news/culture/23687/ |title=Scott Ian's Food Coma: Uncorking Wine and Led Zep |publisher=[[SuicideGirls.com]] |date=May 18, 2009 |access-date=May 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522130549/http://suicidegirls.com/news/culture/23687/ |archive-date=May 22, 2009 }}</ref>

In early 2009, Anthrax began a brief tour opening for [[Iron Maiden]] in South America. In July, band manager Izvor Zivkovic confirmed the departure of Dan Nelson due to illness. Nelson denied this, saying that he was fired.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-anthrax-singer-dan-nelson-i-was-ready-willing-and-able-to-do-my-job/|title=Former Anthrax Singer Dan Nelson: 'I Was Ready, Willing And Able To Do My Job'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 21, 2009|access-date=May 30, 2014}}</ref> All subsequent performances were canceled except the August UK Sonisphere Festival, which featured John Bush on vocals. Fan response after his performance led to a "Bring Back Bush" campaign, which was endorsed by Ian.<ref>{{cite web|first=Terry |last=Bezer |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/scott-ian-endorses-bring-back-bush-campaign/ |title=Scott Ian Endorses 'Bring Back Bush' Campaign |work=[[Metal Hammer]] |date=August 7, 2009 |access-date=August 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809144113/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/scott-ian-endorses-bring-back-bush-campaign/ |archive-date=August 9, 2009 }}</ref>

Soon afterwards, Benante said that Bush had rejoined the band. In February 2010, Anthrax performed five shows as part of [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)|Soundwave]] in Australia. After the Australian shows, Bush said the band intended to re-record the vocals of several tracks from the upcoming album.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ryan|last=Ogle|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/john-bush-says-timing-is-right-for-anthrax-s-reunion-with-joey-belladonna/|title=John Bush Says 'Timing Is Right' For Anthrax's Reunion With Joey Belladonna|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 19, 2010|access-date=May 30, 2014}}</ref>

===''Worship Music'' and ''For All Kings'' (2010–2017)===
[[File:Anthrax at Wacken Open Air 2013 05.jpg|thumb|left|270px|Anthrax during [[Wacken Open Air]] 2013]]

In late 2009, Anthrax confirmed their participation in several "Big Four" concerts with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer as part of the 2010 [[Sonisphere Festival]] dates in Europe. John Bush decided that he did not want to commit to the band full-time, and left Anthrax for the second time. Joey Belladonna returned to the band in early 2010 for the Sonisphere dates as well as committing to record a new studio album with the band.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/it-s-official-joey-belladonna-rejoins-anthrax-for-tour-studio-album/|title=It's Official: Joey Belladonna Rejoins Anthrax For Tour, Studio Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 10, 2010|access-date=May 19, 2010}}</ref> In June 2010 Anthrax, Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer performed on the same bill for the first time ever at seven [[Sonisphere Festival|Sonisphere]] shows.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-slayer-megadeth-anthrax-the-first-big-four-photo/|title=Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax: The First 'Big Four' Photo|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 15, 2010|access-date=May 30, 2014}}</ref> The [[Sofia]], Bulgaria show was broadcast in cinemas and later [[The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria|released on DVD and Blu-ray]].<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Andre|last=Paine|title=Metallica Heading To Cinemas|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957831/metallica-heading-to-cinemas|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=June 10, 2010|access-date=June 19, 2010}}</ref> The bands would also play a few shows in the U.S. the following year, including a concert at [[Yankee Stadium]] in September 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ratliff |first1=Ben |title=Metallica Earns Its Top Billing of the Big Four |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/arts/music/music-review-big-four-with-anthrax-megadeth-slayer-and-metallica.html |website=The New York Times |date=September 15, 2011 |access-date=10 July 2020}}</ref>

In April 2011, Anthrax headlined in the Philippines for the first time at the annual Pulp Summer Slam with Death Angel and Hellyeah. The band also headlined the Jägermeister side stage at the [[Mayhem Festival]] of 2012, co-headlined by [[Slayer]] and [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Ouellette|first=Mary|title=Rockstar Mayhem Fest 2012: Slipknot, Slayer, Anthrax + More|url=http://loudwire.com/rockstar-mayhem-fest-2012-slipknot-slayer-anthrax/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=January 25, 2012|access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> and toured with [[Testament (band)|Testament]] and [[Death Angel]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Mary|last=Ouellette|title=Anthrax Announce Co-Headlining Fall 2011 Tour With Testament|url=http://loudwire.com/anthrax-co-headlining-fall-2011-tour-with-testament/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=September 6, 2011|access-date=June 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Hart|title=2012 Dates Added for Anthrax, Testament, Death Angel Tour|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/2012-dates-added-anthrax-testament-death-angel-tour|work=[[Guitar World]]|date=December 5, 2011|access-date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625182327/http://www.guitarworld.com/2012-dates-added-anthrax-testament-death-angel-tour|archive-date=June 25, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Gregory|last=Adams|title=Anthrax, Testament and Death Angel Team Up for Canada-Heavy Tour|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/anthrax_testament_death_angel_team_up_for_canada-heavy_tour|work=[[Exclaim!]]|date=May 31, 2012|access-date=June 27, 2016}}</ref> In June Anthrax released the single "[[Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't]]" from the then-upcoming new album on their website as a free download to thank fans for their patience in waiting several years for new material. ''[[Worship Music (album)|Worship Music]]'' was released on September 12, 2011, and debuted at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts, their highest chart position since ''[[Sound of White Noise]]'' in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|first=Terry |last=Bezer |title=Anthrax Set Release Date For 'Worship Music' |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/anthrax-set-release-date-for-worhip-music/ |work=[[Metal Hammer]] |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=October 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807055609/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/anthrax-set-release-date-for-worhip-music/ |archive-date=August 7, 2011 }}</ref>

In January 2013, Anthrax announced that lead guitarist Rob Caggiano had left the band to join [[Volbeat (band)|Volbeat]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Guitarist Rob Caggiano Quits Anthrax|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitarist-rob-caggiano-quits-anthrax/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=January 4, 2013|access-date=January 4, 2012}}</ref> It was announced shortly afterwards that [[Jonathan Donais]] of [[Shadows Fall]] had been hired as the band's touring lead guitarist. Donais was confirmed as an official member in August of that year.<ref>{{cite web|first=Damian|last=Fanelli|title=Anthrax Reveal New Guitarist: Jon Donais of Shadows Fall|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/anthrax-reveal-new-guitarist-jon-donais-shadows-fall|work=[[Guitar World]]|date=August 14, 2013|access-date=August 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630151644/http://www.guitarworld.com/anthrax-reveal-new-guitarist-jon-donais-shadows-fall|archive-date=June 30, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March, Anthrax released the ''[[Anthems (Anthrax album)|Anthems]]'' EP featuring cover versions of 1970s rock songs as well as two new versions of the song "Crawl" from ''Worship Music''.<ref name="anthems"/> According to Ian, the band began working on its next studio album in late 2013.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|title=Anthrax's Scott Ian Envisions Late 2013 Start for Next Studio Album|url=http://loudwire.com/anthrax-scott-ian-envisions-late-2013-start-next-studio-album/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=January 26, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-begins-writing-new-album/|title=Anthrax Begins Writing New Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=September 16, 2013|access-date=September 16, 2013}}</ref> They released a live DVD, ''Chile on Hell'' in 2014 which featured the band's 2013 performance at the Teatro Caupolican in Santiago, Chile.<ref>{{cite web|title=An Interview with Charlie Benante of Anthrax|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2015/04/13/interview-charlie-benante-anthrax/|website=MetalSucks|date=April 13, 2015|access-date=June 21, 2015}}</ref> In early 2015, the band confirmed that they had recorded new material and embarked on a tour with Volbeat.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|title=Anthrax Offer New Album Update, Work Out New Tour Setlists|url=http://loudwire.com/anthrax-new-album-update-new-tour-setlists/|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=March 31, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Anthrax Rockavaria 2016 (12 von 12).jpg|thumb|260px|The band performing at Rockavaria in Germany, 2016]]
Since Belladonna's return to Anthrax, the band has been nominated for three Grammys, in 2012, 2013, and 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/anthrax |title=Anthrax |date=May 14, 2017 |website=grammy.com |access-date=December 26, 2017}}</ref>

The band began 2016 with a short US tour with [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] and released their eleventh studio album ''[[For All Kings]]'' on February 26, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Anthrax To Release 'For All Kings' Album In February|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-to-release-for-all-kings-album-in-february/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=November 2, 2015|access-date=November 2, 2015}}</ref> The album debuted on the ''Billboard'' 200 charts at number 9, surpassing the number 12 debut of ''Worship Music''. In March, they opened for [[Iron Maiden]] on the Latin American leg of their [[The Book of Souls World Tour]]. Anthrax spent the summer playing festivals in Europe before embarking on a fall US and Canadian tour with [[Slayer]] and [[Death Angel]]. The band continued to tour within the next two years, embarking on The Killthrax Tour with [[Killswitch Engage]] twice (in 2017 and 2018),<ref>{{cite news|title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE And ANTHRAX To Join Forces For 'The Killthrax Tour'; Special BLABBERMOUTH.NET Presale|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/killswitch-engage-and-anthrax-to-join-forces-for-the-killthrax-tour-special-blabbermouth-net-presale/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 14, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=ANTHRAX And KILLSWITCH ENGAGE To Mount Epic Sequel With 'KillThrax II'; BLABBERMOUTH.NET Presale|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-and-killswitch-engage-to-mount-epic-sequel-with-killthrax-ii/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 17, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref> and along with [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[Behemoth (band)|Behemoth]], [[Testament (band)|Testament]], [[Napalm Death]] and [[Obituary (band)|Obituary]], they supported Slayer on [[Slayer Farewell Tour|their final world tour]] from May to December 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hartmann|first1=Graham|title=Slayer Recruit Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth + Testament for Final Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/slayer-lamb-of-god-anthrax-behemoth-testament-final-tour/|website=Loudwire|date=January 22, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SLAYER Announces Second North American Leg Of 'Final' Tour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-second-north-american-leg-of-final-tour/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SLAYER Announces Final European Tour With LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX And OBITUARY|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-final-european-tour-with-lamb-of-god-anthrax-and-obituary/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 11, 2018|access-date=May 14, 2018}}</ref>

On February 1, 2017, the band embarked on the [[70000 Tons of Metal|70,000 Tons of Metal]] cruise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://70000tons.com/history/line-up-stats-2017/|title=LINE UP & STATS 2017 - 70000TONS OF METAL - The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise|website=70000tons.com|date=February 14, 2017|access-date=December 26, 2017}}</ref> They played two sets and became the first of the "Big Four" to attend the open seas festival. During the theater set, they played a cover of [[Stormtroopers of Death]]'s "March of the S.O.D."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/anthrax/2017/independence-of-the-seas-fort-lauderdale-fl-23f81c03.html|title=Anthrax Setlist at 70,000 Tons of Metal 2017|website=setlist.fm|access-date=December 26, 2017}}</ref> and debuted the song "Blood Eagle Wings".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/anthrax/2017/independence-of-the-seas-fort-lauderdale-fl-13f829a1.html|title=Anthrax Setlist at 70,000 Tons of Metal 2017|website=setlist.fm|access-date=December 26, 2017}}</ref>

===Upcoming twelfth studio album (2017–present)===
Anthrax released the live album and DVD ''Kings Among Scotland'' in 2018 which was recorded during their Glasgow, Scotland show on the ''For All Kings'' tour.<ref>{{cite news|title=ANTHRAX To Release 'Kings Among Scotland' Concert DVD In April|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-to-release-kings-among-scotland-concert-dvd-in-april/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 11, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref>

In a March 2017 interview, drummer [[Charlie Benante]] hinted that Anthrax would begin working on their twelfth studio album that summer. He also revealed that there are a few unreleased tracks from the ''For All Kings'' sessions that could serve as a genesis for the follow-up album, stating, "I think there are two or three that we could dust off and use as a starting point."<ref>{{cite news|title=Anthrax Could Begin Work On New Music This Summer, Says Charlie Benante|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-could-begin-work-on-new-music-this-summer-says-charlie-benante/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 30, 2017|access-date=March 30, 2017}}</ref> When asked in May 2018 if they were working on the album, guitarist [[Scott Ian]] stated, "Very, very, very preliminary stages. There's a couple of really great riffs. Charlie's sent around some really great ideas. But we haven't actually started working on anything. We've just been too busy touring."<ref>{{cite news|title=Anthrax Guitarist Scott Ian: 'For Us, Writing Songs Is Still Super Exciting'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-guitarist-scott-ian-for-us-writing-songs-is-still-super-exciting/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 31, 2018|access-date=June 16, 2017}}</ref> A month later, bassist [[Frank Bello]] claimed that Anthrax had intended to be back in the studio by mid-2018, but because they agreed to open for [[Slayer]] on their [[Slayer Farewell Tour|farewell tour]], they were not expected to start writing their new album until at 2019 at the earliest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/anthrax_when_are_we_going_to_work_on_another_album.html|title=Anthrax: When Are We Going to Work on Another Album|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive|Ultimate-Guitar.com]]|date=June 6, 2018|access-date=June 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/anthrax_to_begin_work_on_new_album_after_touring_with_slayer.html|title=Anthrax to Begin Work on New Album After Touring with Slayer|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive|Ultimate-Guitar.com]]|date=June 13, 2018|access-date=June 16, 2018}}</ref> In a November 2020 interview with ''[[Full Metal Jackie]]'', Ian stated that Anthrax would "certainly be ready to make a record next year", but added that its release date could be pushed back to 2022: "In my brain, I don't wanna put a record out until I can play shows."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/anthrax_new_album_may_not_be_released_until_2022.html|title=Anthrax: New Album May Not Be Released Until 2022|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive|Ultimate-Guitar.com]]|date=November 11, 2020|access-date=November 11, 2020}}</ref> He later stated that "at some point there should be a [new Anthrax] record" in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-anthrax-album-should-be-released-in-2023-says-scott-ian|title=New ANTHRAX Album 'Should' Be Released In 2023, Says SCOTT IAN|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 18, 2022|date=May 18, 2022}}</ref> In April 2023, Benante said the band would begin recording the new album in two weeks for a 2024 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-to-begin-recording-new-album-in-two-weeks|title=ANTHRAX To Begin Recording New Album In Two Weeks|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 6, 2023|date=April 3, 2023}}</ref> Frontman [[Joey Belladonna]] began recording his vocals on November 5, 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/joey-belladonna-to-begin-recording-vocals-for-new-anthrax-album-today | title=JOEY BELLADONNA to Begin Recording Vocals for New ANTHRAX Album Today | date=November 5, 2023 }}</ref>

The band's recording of "[[Antisocial (Trust song)|Antisocial]]" was prominently featured in the 2017 movie ''[[It (2017 film)|It]]'' but was not included on its official soundtrack release.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 7 funniest moments in IT |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1701629/the-7-funniest-moments-in-it |website=Cinema Blend|date=September 11, 2017 }}</ref>

Anthrax – alongside [[Testament (band)|Testament]], [[Corrosion of Conformity]], [[Armored Saint]], [[DevilDriver]], [[John 5 (guitarist)|John 5]], [[Doro (musician)|Doro]] and [[Metal Church]] – participated in [[Megadeth]]'s first-ever cruise called "Megacruise", which took place in October 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-testament-corrosion-of-conformity-others-confirmed-for-megadeths-first-ever-megacruise/|title=ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, Others Confirmed For MEGADETH's First-Ever 'Megacruise'|work=Blabbermouth|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018}}</ref> They resumed live activity during the summer and fall of 2021, with a livestream performance that saw the band celebrate its 40th anniversary,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-details-of-40th-anniversary-livestream-revealed|title=ANTHRAX: Details Of 40th-Anniversary Livestream Revealed|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 18, 2022|date=June 3, 2021}}</ref> as well as appearances at U.S. festivals such as [[Aftershock Festival|Aftershock]] and [[Welcome to Rockville]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/limp-bizkit-rancid-the-offspring-social-distortion-among-confirmed-artists-for-aftershock-2021|title=LIMP BIZKIT, RANCID, THE OFFSPRING, SOCIAL DISTORTION Among Confirmed Artists For AFTERSHOCK 2021|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 18, 2022|date=October 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-pro-shot-video-of-welcome-to-rockville-performance|title=ANTHRAX: Pro-Shot Video Of WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE Performance|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 18, 2022|date=November 27, 2021}}</ref>

Although 2021 marked the band's 40th anniversary, the planned global anniversary tour was delayed due to travel complications arising from the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]; instead, the band performed a livestream concert on July 16 of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad|title=Anthrax Reveal Details for 40th Anniversary Livestream Show |url=https://loudwire.com/anthrax-40th-anniversary-livestream/ |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=Loudwire |date=June 3, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-07-17 |title=ANTHRAX - release 40th anniversary livestream concert 'XL' + new live music video for 'Bring The Noise' with Chuck D |url=https://metalplanetmusic.com/2022/07/anthrax-release-40th-anniversary-livestream-concert-xl-new-live-music-video-for-bring-the-noise-with-chuck-d/ |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=Metal Planet Music |language=en-GB}}</ref> The tour was delayed to 2022, with a North American leg beginning on July 16 with [[Black Label Society]] and [[Hatebreed]] as support,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-and-black-label-society-announce-summer-2022-north-american-tour|title=ANTHRAX And BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Announce Summer 2022 North American Tour|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 18, 2022|date=April 18, 2022}}</ref> followed by a European tour to begin on September 27 with [[Municipal Waste (band)|Municipal Waste]],<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-announces-fall-2022-european-tour|title=ANTHRAX Announces Fall 2022 European Tour|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 18, 2022|date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> and then they toured North America again in January and February 2023 with Black Label Society and [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-black-label-society-and-exodus-announce-january-february-2023-north-american-tour|title=ANTHRAX, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY And EXODUS Announce January/February 2023 North American Tour|date=November 1, 2022|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET}}</ref> The band also released the full livestream setlist as a live album under the title ''XL'' on July 15, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trapp |first=Philip|title=Anthrax Will Release Their 40th Anniversary Livestream as an Album + Video |url=https://loudwire.com/anthrax-xl-live-album-video-aftershock-single-40th-anniversary/ |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=Loudwire |date=June 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

On March 28, 2024, it was announced that original Anthrax bassist [[Dan Lilker]] would be performing with the band for the first time in 40 years on their spring 2024 tour dates by filling in for Bello, who was unable to perform due to "personal reasons".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-to-be-rejoined-by-bassist-dan-lilker-after-40-year-absence-for-april-may-2024-tour-dates|title=ANTHRAX To Be Rejoined By Bassist DAN LILKER After 40-Year Absence For April/May 2024 Tour Dates|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=March 31, 2024|date=March 28, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dan-lilker-says-he-just-filling-in-for-frank-bello-at-upcoming-anthrax-shows-im-doing-my-friends-a-favor|title=DAN LILKER Says He Is 'Just Filling In' For FRANK BELLO At Upcoming ANTHRAX Shows: 'I'm Doing My Friends A Favor'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=March 31, 2024|date=March 30, 2024}}</ref>

Anthrax co-headlined a European tour with [[Kreator]] in November and December 2024, with [[Testament (band)|Testament]] as the opening act.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-kreator-and-testament-announce-fall-2024-european-tour|title=ANTHRAX, KREATOR And TESTAMENT Announce Fall 2024 European Tour|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 22, 2024|date=January 22, 2024}}</ref> Along with [[Metallica]], Slayer, [[Pantera]], [[Alice in Chains]] and [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]], the band will serve as one of the opening acts of [[Black Sabbath]]'s one-off reunion show at [[Villa Park]] on July 5, 2025. This gig will mark the first time in nearly fifteen years, since the "[[The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria|Big Four]]" concert series, that Anthrax has shared the stage together with both Metallica and Slayer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/original-black-sabbath-to-play-final-show-in-july-with-metallica-slayer-pantera-others-supporting|title=Original BLACK SABBATH To Play Final Show In July, With METALLICA, SLAYER, PANTERA, Others Supporting|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=February 5, 2025|date=February 5, 2025}}</ref>