Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante recently revealed that the band’s highly anticipated new studio album has been delayed from its original May release date to September. He shared details about the postponement in an interview on the Everblack podcast.
Benante explained the reasoning behind the delay and outlined the band’s revised release strategy for their upcoming record.
“No, it doesn’t come out in May. We’re putting out our first song and video in May. The record is not coming out till September. We pushed it back a little bit,” Benante said. “We just had to do a couple of other things to it. And then we had to, of course, get a release date set. So it got moved to September. And that’s it. It’s coming out in September, but the first song and video will be out in May.”
The drummer also reflected on how the music industry has changed and the band’s approach to releasing new material in today’s market.
“It’s such a different time nowadays. If this was 20 years ago, we’d be talking differently about how we’re going to march this record out. But these days it’s, like, I often said, what does a new record mean to people these days? I just feel like music has become so disposable that if I was gonna make a record, another record, and put my heart into it, I want people to anticipate, I want them to get ready to hear it,” he continued.
Benante expressed confidence in the quality of the upcoming album. He emphasized the strength of every track.
“Because this record is not three or four songs deep of good songs and then the rest is shit. Every song on this record stands on its own. I mean, when one song finishes and the next one comes up, it’s just, like, ‘Holy shit. This one’s fucking just as good as the last,” he said.
The delay marks a significant moment for the thrash metal legends. This will be their first studio album in a decade since their last release.
Music MXDWN reported that this upcoming release represents Anthrax’s first album in 10 years, making it one of the most anticipated metal releases of 2026. The album will be distributed through Megaforce in North America and Nuclear Blast in Europe. This ensures wide international availability for fans worldwide.
The production process has involved some high-profile collaborations and locations. Blabbermouth noted that mixing and some recording for the album took place at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Northridge, California, with producer Jay Ruston at the helm. Ruston previously worked with the band on their 2016 album “For All Kings” and 2011’s “Worship Music.” This brings continuity to their sound.
The band has been building anticipation for the new material during their recent live performances. Metal Injection revealed that Anthrax has been teasing a snippet of one song during recent live shows, including performances on their Canadian tour with Megadeth and Exodus. This strategic preview approach allows fans to get a taste of what’s coming while maintaining excitement for the full release.
The September release date gives the band additional time to perfect their return to the studio album format after focusing on other projects in recent years. With the first single and video scheduled for May, fans will have a preview of the band’s direction before the complete album arrives later in the year.
Fans can expect the first single and accompanying video in May. The full album will follow in September.
