It’s finally happening — Anthrax have formally announced Cursum Perficio, their first album since 2016. To celebrate, the East Coast faction of the Big 4 have unleashed an introductory thrash attack called “It’s for the Kids.”
Anthrax had both been teasing and working on the release for a number of years, but really locked into their new era over the past week after delivering a studio vid of guitarist Scott Ian wildly riffin’ on a V-shape, and then a simple socials post that read: “It’s been more than a decade…but we’re back.”
They followed this up with a video teaser of a bunch of headbangers moshing in silhouette, and then a second preview that revealed a gang of longhaired Anthrax fans circle-pitting around a hospital bed. Straightjackets abounded, giving off deep “Madhouse” vibes.
Now, the track and video have been unleashed din full, presenting classic thrash fury and tight-gripped riffs beneath the always powerful metal yell of lead vocalist Joey Belladonna. You’ll find Anthrax running wild with the kids in the video up above.
“A friend of mine said, ‘It’s For The Kids’ is a straight-up love letter to your fans,’” Ian explains in a statement. “That’s exactly what I wanted it to be. The album needed a four-minute thrash song that harkened back to our first era. Whether it’s the aggression or the big chorus, it represents all the best parts of Anthrax in a very angry four-minute package. For the video, we wanted to throw back to our ‘Madhouse’ video–thematically it just made sense and this idea opened the door for us to share the experience with our fans. For all of us!”
Cursum Perficio is Anthrax’s long-awaited follow-up to 2016’s For All Kings. In the past couple years in particular, guitarist Scott Ian suggested the record would “punch people in the face,” while drummer Charlie Benante exclaimed that the album is “a Doozy.”
The 11-song album was produced by Anthrax and Jay Ruston, who also mixed the LP, while executive producing duties were performed by Mike Monterulo. Album sessions began in earnest at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Los Angeles, California, in 2022.
Cursum Perficio materializes September 18th via Megaforce, and you can pre-order a copy in Revolver‘s shop. Ahead of the record release, Anthrax take off on a North American summer tour with Iron Maiden and Megadeth.
Cursum Perficio tracklisting:
Persistence of Memory
The Long Goodbye
It’s for the Kids
Everybody’s Got a Plan
The Edge of Perfection
Infectious
NYC93
Cursum Perficio
T.O.M.B.
Watch it Go
My Victory