Charlie Benante recently commented on Anthrax’s upcoming release, sharing his enthusiasm for the band’s new record in an interview featured on 100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal.
The drummer expressed confidence in the quality of the album, which is set to arrive in early 2026. According to Benante, the record is nearly complete, with only one song remaining in the mixing stage.
“We have a new Anthrax record coming out early next year,” Benante said. “There’s one song left to be mixed on it, and not because it’s our record, but God, this record is so good. And I know it took a long time to make, but I think people will really be surprised and they will really grasp this and just be, like, ‘Oh my God. This is worth the weight.’ At least that’s what I think.”
Benante continued, “A couple of months ago, I started to listen to all of [the songs from the new Anthrax album] in the order that I think we’re gonna put the record in, and it’s, like, ‘Wow, this is really good.’ It’s the best thing when you can put them all together and it just flows. So I’m really excited about it… We pushed the envelope on this record, too, so I’m happy about that.”
Benante’s remarks suggest that despite the extended production timeline, the band believes the final product will justify the wait for fans.
This upcoming album marks a significant milestone for the legendary thrash metal band. Anthrax’s new album is completely recorded and mixed, as reported by Metal Injection. It represents their first full-length release in approximately a decade following 2016’s For All Kings. The extended gap between albums reflects the band’s meticulous approach to crafting what they consider their most ambitious work to date.
Benante has been particularly vocal about the album’s quality and direction. Blabbermouth reported that the drummer stated Anthrax “pushed the envelope” on the upcoming album. The band has taken creative risks with this release, emphasizing its significance. He further described it as “a very New York album,” suggesting the record carries the distinctive character and energy associated with the band’s hometown roots.
Beyond the album itself, Anthrax has ambitious plans for 2026. Blunt Magazine noted that the band is scheduled to embark on an extensive touring campaign in support of the new material. They will return to Australia in March 2026 for the first time since 2019. This tour will mark their first major international push in support of original material in years, signaling the band’s commitment to promoting the album across the globe.
With the mixing phase nearly complete and a comprehensive tour already being planned, Anthrax appears poised to make a significant impact on the metal scene in 2026. Fans who have waited a decade for new material from the thrash metal pioneers will finally have the opportunity to experience what Benante and his bandmates believe is their most compelling work yet.
