Released on March 22, 1987, Among the Living marked a turning point for Anthrax, launching them from rising thrash metal contenders to one of the genre’s most essential bands. With its lightning-fast riffs, politically charged lyrics, and unrelenting energy, the album cemented Anthrax’s place alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth in thrash metal’s “Big Four.” Unlike their peers, however, Anthrax injected a unique mix of humor, comic book influences, and hardcore punk energy into their music, making Among the Living stand out in a rapidly growing scene.
By the late 1980s, thrash metal had exploded into a dominant force in heavy music. Metallica had already released Master of Puppets, Slayer had set a new bar for intensity with Reign in Blood, and Megadeth was pushing technical boundaries. Amidst this growing movement, Anthrax carved out a distinct identity. Their music was just as fast and aggressive as their contemporaries, but it also had an infectious sense of fun, making them one of the most unique and accessible thrash bands of their time.
By the time Among the Living was recorded, Anthrax had solidified their classic lineup: Joey Belladonna on vocals, Scott Ian and Dan Spitz on guitars, Frank Bello on bass, and Charlie Benante on drums. This group had already established themselves with 1985’s Spreading the Disease, but Among the Living took everything to the next level—faster riffs, tighter songwriting, and an undeniable energy that ran through every track.
Scott Ian’s machine-gun rhythm guitar work drove the album, with riffs that were as precise as they were punishing. Dan Spitz delivered sharp, fiery solos that added even more intensity, while Frank Bello’s basslines kept the low end thick and powerful. At the heart of it all was Charlie Benante, whose relentless double bass drumming and dynamic fills gave the album an unstoppable momentum.
Vocalist Joey Belladonna played a crucial role in defining the album’s sound. While many thrash bands leaned toward snarling, aggressive vocal styles, Belladonna brought a more melodic, soaring vocal approach. His ability to blend classic metal influences with the speed and aggression of thrash gave Among the Living a unique edge, making its hooks and choruses instantly memorable.
Reflecting on the band’s chemistry during the making of the album, Scott Ian once said:
“We were firing on all cylinders. Everything clicked—we knew who we were, what we wanted to sound like, and we just went for it.”
This confidence is evident throughout the album. Every song is a showcase of precision, power, and personality, making Among the Living one of the most electrifying records of the 1980s.
What truly sets Among the Living apart from other thrash albums of its era is its distinct personality. While many bands in the genre focused on themes of war, death, and dystopia, Anthrax embraced pop culture, humor, and storytelling in their lyrics. The album draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Stephen King’s The Stand, comic books, and even the wild excess of the 1980s.
This approach made Anthrax more relatable and fun compared to their darker, more serious thrash counterparts. They weren’t just writing music for headbanging—they were writing songs that invited listeners into their world, where thrash metal was both a furious attack and a celebration.
Even in its more politically charged moments, the album never loses its energy. Whether tackling themes of oppression, corruption, or rebellion, Anthrax delivers their message with a sense of urgency and excitement, making it impossible not to get swept up in the chaos.
Reflecting on the band’s mindset at the time, Charlie Benante once said:
“We wanted to make a record that people could go crazy to, but also something that felt fun. Thrash didn’t have to be all doom and gloom—it could have energy and life.”
This philosophy is what made Among the Living a thrash metal landmark. It had all the speed, aggression, and technical skill that defined the genre, but it also had hooks, personality, and an undeniable sense of identity.
Produced by Eddie Kramer, whose previous work included legends like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, Among the Living captured Anthrax’s raw power with a crisp, clear sound that let every instrument shine. Unlike some thrash albums of the time that had muddier mixes, this album allowed the guitar riffs to cut through with razor-sharp clarity, the drums to hit like a hammer, and the bass to rumble with force.
This clean yet heavy production helped make Among the Living one of the most sonically powerful thrash albums of its era, ensuring that every song hit with full impact.
Upon its release, Among the Living was a commercial and critical success, solidifying Anthrax’s place in the thrash metal elite. It helped define the sound of late ‘80s thrash, bridging the gap between the genre’s underground roots and its eventual mainstream recognition.
Over the decades, the album’s influence has only grown. Countless metal and hardcore bands cite it as a major inspiration, and its songs remain staples in Anthrax’s live performances, still igniting mosh pits worldwide. Even as metal has evolved, Among the Living remains a benchmark for what makes thrash great—speed, intensity, and unforgettable energy.
Reflecting on its impact years later, Frank Bello said:
“We never expected it to become what it did. We were just writing music that we loved, and somehow, it connected with people in a way we never imagined.”
Final Verdict: 9.5/10
Standout Tracks:
- "Among the Living"
- "Caught in a Mosh"
- "I Am the Law"
- "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)"
- "Indians"
- "A.D.I./Horror of It All"
- "A Skeleton in the Closet"
Among the Living is not just one of Anthrax’s greatest albums—it’s one of the defining albums of thrash metal. With its furious energy, massive riffs, and infectious personality, it remains a must-listen for any metal fan. Whether you’re a longtime Anthrax fan or just discovering them, this album delivers everything that makes thrash metal one of the most exciting genres in heavy music.
