Anthrax Comes to Worship at Rock On The Range 2012

     Anthrax brought more than a fistful of metal to Rock On The Range 2012. Armed and dangerous with an awesome new album, Worship Music, the band proceeded to go metal thrashing mad! Anthrax mixed old school with new school, and give the fans a large dose of their legendary catalog. Shortly before their blistering set, I got to sit down with guitarist Rob Caggiano to talk about the album and the band’s upcoming tour plans.

     Rob said that the band was very happy to be playing Rock On The Range, and to be apart of such an epic lineup. When talking about the band’s latest album, Rob said the fan’s reception has been amazing. When I asked him what his favorite song was, he said, “Oh man, there’s so many..but I really like ‘Devil You Know’ ’cause the solo is really challenging, and it’s great to play it live.” Speaking of playing live, Rob told me that this summer, and later for their ROTR set, they would be playing a non-stop, rapid-fire, Ramones-style set, so they can get in as many songs as they can!

     Anthrax have long been titans of thrash metal. Deemed one of the “Big 4” of thrash metal (along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer), They band has been in the business for nearly 30 years. In the last two years, the Anthrax has played some of the world’s biggest festivals and stages, and released one of their best albums ever. 2011’s Worship Music is the band’s first new album in 8 years, and marks the return on long-time vocalist Joey Belladona. The album debuted at #12 on the Billboard Top 200. This summer, the band will be touring on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival along with Slipknot, Slayer, Motörhead, The Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying, Asking Alexandria, and more. Mayhem is coming…CRANK IT UP! – by Matt Bishop (Photo Courtesy of Ken Schuler Photography)