Customer Reviews

Volume 8: The Threat Is Real

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

In Anthrax's 1998 release "Volume 8: the threat is real", Anthrax went back to their basics to create a new style of metal that suits them perfect. This was after Anthrax walked away from Electra records after making what is their best work with "Sound of White Noise" and "Stomp 442" and almost going unknown. They signed on a little label called Ignition records and after they went through all the controversey and [...] with Electra they had to get somethings off their chests which makes for great music. This album holds great Anthrax songs including "Crush", "Born Again Idiot", and a true heavy metal anthem "Inside Out" (this is also Anthrax's best music video and one of the best ever). Get to the end of this album after the last track and skip the blank space to hear the hidden song "Pieces" which was written and played by Frank and Charlie. This song is about Frank and Charlie's late relative Anthony. With all these great songs don't look past Anthrax's greatest and best song "Catharsis". Ignition records did go out of business which leaves "Volume 8" the hardest Anthrax cd to find. Go out and search my fellow metalheads, trust me, it is well worth it!!!

If it hadn't been for poor marketing, this probably would have been one of the biggest hits of 98. After Stomp 442, which suffered from many songs that pretty much sounded alike, Anthrax increased their range for Volume 8 and came up with a collection of songs that are heavy, funny, and dynamic.

The only thing that stops it from being a 5-star winner is the fact that it's not all that groundbreaking. Still, it's far better than anything from the Belladonna years.

If I may offend Joey Belladonna fans, the best thing that Anthrax could have done is hired John Bush as their singer. Anthrax does their own thing and they do it well. John Bush is easily one of the best vocalists in all of rock. Don't forget that in the early 80's every single metal band was courting this guy to be thier singer including Metallica. He adds a fresh and melodious element to Anthrax's music that is uncontrolably infectious. Vol.8 and Stomp442 are my 2 favorite albums of all time. Since John joined the band in '92 Anthrax's music has been really hard to define. Prior to '92 they were strictly lumped into the thrash category but after John joined you can't label them as that. The music is still really heavy and uptempo but the vocals have a melodious twist that makes it very non-linear un-like old thrash. These guys are paving the way for 21st century thrash like they did for 80's thrash. If you're afraid to buy this album because you think Anthrax is a washed up 80's band; you're sorely mistaken. Vol.8 as was Stomp 442 is a very innovative album that shows that Anthrax is clearly ahead of their time.

Another reviewer noted that Dimebag Darrel played on this recording, and he did indeed assist on an album that saw a few different things going.

Anthrax still delivered heavyweight riffs, powerful vocals from Jon Bush and some incisive, biting tracks. "Born Again Idiot," that title pretty much says it all, and other killers were "Catharsis" and "Hog Tied."

There were a number of tracks were you heard some very different sounds from the band, with members taking up some different instruments and trying out some new stuff. Hardly filler.

The comedic side of the guys is still there. "Cupajoe" is hilarious (and is on my answering machine--keeps the telemarketers away!).

Doesn't matter what purists think--this album rocked, and I enjoyed it highly.

Originally released in 1998, Volume 8: the Threat Is Real was the third album of "the Bush era". I was always aware of Anthrax growing up, but aside from their goofball "I'm the Man" single, the band never really made much of an impact on me until they replaced vocalist Joey Belladonna with Armored Saint's John Bush. Bush's energetic and intense yet still melodic vocal style just seemed like such a better fit for Anthrax's brand of thrash, and I still view that lineup's debut - 1993's Sound of White Noise - as the best Anthrax album ever.

Volume 8 is the band's first album since being unceremoniously dumped by their record company. Some have argued that the previous two Anthrax albums (1993's Sound of White Noise and 1995's Stomp 442) were mediocre efforts, causing the label to kick the band loose. Anyone can listen to either of those albums and come away unimpressed needs to have their heads examined! Volume 8 is another high-octane performance by the new and improved Anthrax, and picks up right where Stomp 442 left off. It is undeniably a metal album, albeit a more diverse one than previous efforts. You certainly wouldn't have found a country-esque song like "Toast to the Extras" on Among the Living! Guest appearances by Pantera's Phil Anselmo and Dimebag Darrell reinforce Volume 8's metal credentials

Anthrax is a band that gets smarter and more creative with each release, yet still manages to maintain their "metal thrashing mad" aggression. The songs on this album, for all of their melody, remain completely heavy and undeniably "metal". Volume 8 may seem a bit uneven at times, but with so many tracks there are bound to be a few "off" moments. Still, the fact remains that an average Anthrax song is still going to be better than many other bands' best efforts.

The 2003 reissue of Volume 8 features three bonus tracks, four if you count the fact that the previously hidden (and incredibly powerful) song "Pieces" is now a separate track. In addition to a new studio track called "Giving the Horns", the band gives us another pair of diverse covers - Radiohead's "the Bends" and DRI's "Snap/I'd Rather Be Sleeping". When it comes to cover songs, Anthrax never ceases to amaze me with their unorthodox choices. How many other metal bands will cover both Iron Maiden and Radiohead? If you're one of the faithful who bought Volume 8 the first time around, you may want to consider replacing your old version.

Ever since Anthrax re-released "Sound of White Noise" and "Stomp 442", I'd been anxiously awaiting the re-issue of "Volume 8: The Threat is Real" that we all knew would eventually come. And here it is, and just like the previous two re-issued albums, this edition includes some bonus tracks and extras. Standout tracks include the excellent roaring opener "Crush", along with the classic "Inside Out", "P & V", "604", "Born Again Idiot", "Killing Box", and "Stealing From a Thief"; all of which display Charlie Benante's thumping drums and Scott Ian's ripping guitars. "Volume 8" is easily the best Anthrax album of the John Bush era, and the best Anthrax album since the classic "Among the Living".

After the somewhat disappointing and forgettable Stomp 442, it is a breath of fresh A.I.R (haha) to hear this album! Everythng about this album is great, from the thunder of Charlie's drums on the first song to the last heartfelt lyric of Frank on the last song. Simply put, one of the greatest Thrax albums of all time!

1:Crush-This song opens with the gatling gun drums of Charlie Benante and the agressive, dark vocals of John Bush. As an opener and song it rivals even the might "Potters Field!" The melodies are sharp and cutting and go perfectly with the drums and vocals. Great song, just goddamn great!
2:Catharsus-Another good song! Intelligent lyrics, and innovative guitars. A good seperater between Crush and the next song.
3:Inside Out-Heavy like nothing else! This song tears through speakers! Fast drums and a solo that's god like. It is, in my opinion, the best song on the album. Dimebag Darrel (PanterA) plays guitars on this one, only adding to the heaviness. The lyrics are powerful and angry, Bush has never sounded better!
4:Piss & Vineger (P&V)-This song is fast and heavy, and though its predesscor towers over it, its filled with good riffs and provocative lyrics.
5:604-Ah, the humor of Anthrax. Comic genius, enough said.
6:Toast to the Extras-This song is another funny one. It's done in an almost country style. Funny, but true lyrics. Good song.
7:Born Again Idiot-Angry, very angry, I love it. Makes you glad your not whoever John is singing about in this song.
8:Killing Box-Another angry one, made doubly so by the addition of Phil Anselmo (PanterA) on backing vocals. This song screams with ferocity and interesting guitar work.
9:Harms Way-One of my favorites. This song starts slow and builds to a creshendo. A very melodic song, with sorta cryptic lyrics. The chorus is something to really admire musically.
10:Hog Tied-This song is a tad disturbing, but good. The riffs are heavy and the drums are great.
11:Big Fat-The only somewhat forgettable song on the album. Decent song, good, but nothing special.
12:Cupajoe-Right up there with "Big Balls!" This one is a laugh riot, absolutely wonderful!
13:Alpha Male-Catchy, heavy, a good well rounded song.
14:Stealing From a Thief-Heavy, real heavy, with great lyrics. This song makes Bush soud just plain evil! Lyrics that are thoughful and cryptic, a solo similar to "Random Acts of Senseless Violence." This song has it all, it speeds up halfway through for some great drums.
15:Hidden Track-This is sung and written by Frank Bello. It's about his departed brother. It is touching and heartfelt, a good way to end a great album.

With 'Volume 8' - Anthrax proved that if the threat isn't immiment, it's at least somewhat real.

After the mix of the excellent & the average that made up most of Anthrax's post-'87 work, 'Volume 8' had a lot to prove, and for a good share of the opus, the songs catch fire, a thrilling opening salvo though gives way to some meandering and bland tracks on the 2nd half of the album.

The album starts explosively -- 'Crush', 'Catharsis', 'Inside Out', 'P&V' and the wonderful 'Toast' are all supreme, with special kudos going to 'Crush' as one of Anthrax's most thrilling tunes. Sterling and stirring stuff indeed. Five powerful tracks brim full of raucous guitars, great arrangements, and wonderful melodies. 'Toast to the Extras' is an eye-opener - a mixing of heavy rock complete with an almost authentic 'down home' country twanging lick, surprisingly, the experiment works brilliantly.

These 5 opening tracks represent the quality that this band are capable of, but,a lot of the rest of the album illustrates that annoying habit they have of following brilliance with dense, badly written dirges, when we know they're capable of so much more..

The rot doesn't set in untill after 'Idiot Rules' & 'Killing Box' -- while not as sterling as the 5 excellent tracks preceding, the songwriting does lose some of the flair and excitement. 'Harms Way' has some nice bluesy licks, but ultimatelty, goes nowhere, lost under a muddle of simply a bad arrangement with no hook. Same story with 'Hog Tied' and 'Alpha Male' -- potential is there, but, the songs just are not devloped well enough. And that is the maddening thing -- we know Anthrax are capable of so much more.

A high point is revisited as the album closes, with the great 'Stealing from a Thief', but overall, the album is, like many other 'Thrax albums, a mix of the inspired and the bored. For 6 tracks, the band inspires, truly wonderful and even experiemental sounds, and for the 2nd half, they lose the Muse...

3 1/2 stars though -- for the good-but-not-terrible 2nd half,they do make up for it with 5 or 6 thrilling 'Thrax tunes. And for that, the threat is very very nearly Real.

Anthrax are quite simply the best metal band of all time. I know people will argue with that, but their last three albums have been incredibly heavy and consistently good. I bought this album when it came out and have listened to it quite often since then. Very good from beginning to end. Don't expect to hear any of these songs on rock radio, because they don't have the nuts to play them. This is rock the way it should be! Metalsludge Rules!!!!!!!

Big improvement! Updated Thrash metal not Alternative-like metal by Metallica! I feel sorry for myself because of being a loyal fan of Metallica though they turned away from metal. Every song in this album is ass-kicking. Get this CD of you love Thrash metal.