Anthrax bassist Frank Bello has announced that the band’s highly anticipated new album is complete and ready for mixing. He shared his enthusiasm about the project during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.
Bello provided updates on the album’s progress and expressed confidence that it represents the band’s strongest work to date.
“The record’s done. It’s going into mixing now,” Bello said. “Look, I know it’s a long time coming, and thank you to the fans that are listening right now, and I know it’s been a while. But between COVID, side projects, everything, we’ve all had different lives, and everybody’s very much into what we’re doing now with Anthrax. So, you’ll be hearing something before the end of the year, for sure.”
The bassist emphasized the quality improvements he believes the band has achieved on this release.
“I can’t say the title [of the album yet], but what I can say is people who have liked the last two records, and there’s been a lot of you, and thank you for that, I think we took another step from that,” he continued. “And this isn’t just a salesmanship thing. I am, as a fan, really proud of the band stepping up like this — musicianship, songwriting.”
Bello particularly praised vocalist Joey Belladonna’s performance on the upcoming album.
“Joey’s [Belladonna] vocals — I’m not even joking when I say this about Belladonna, it’s one of the best singing he’s done on an Anthrax record. I’m not even joking with that,” he said. “So, we made sure the melodies, everything is right with this record. We’re ready to go. It’s been a long time, but I think we have the goods. I’m really proud of it, and I can’t wait to play this stuff. It’s gonna be a little challenging, definitely, but I’m looking forward to getting out there again.”
This announcement comes as the thrash metal veterans prepare to deliver their first studio album in nearly eight years. The release marks a significant milestone in their four-decade career.
Metal Injection reported that the album is scheduled for a September or October 2025 release date. The extended gap between releases reflects the band’s commitment to crafting their strongest material yet. The recording process spanned several years due to various factors including the global pandemic and individual band member projects.
Jay Ruston handled the production duties for this upcoming release. He previously worked on Anthrax’s critically acclaimed albums “For All Kings” (2016) and “Worship Music” (2011). Blabbermouth noted that this collaboration ensures continuity in the band’s sound evolution while pushing their creative boundaries further than before.
Anthrax is already planning extensive touring activities to support the new album. Arrow Lords of Metal revealed that the band has hinted at “some very big shows” that are currently under wraps but promise to be highly anticipated events for metal fans worldwide.
The upcoming album represents a crucial moment for Anthrax as they continue to cement their legacy as one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. Bello’s confident assertions about the quality of the new material and Belladonna’s vocal performance suggest fans can expect the band to deliver their most ambitious work to date when the album arrives later this year.
