Anthrax

Anthrax is one of the pioneering bands of the thrash metal movement, formed in 1981 in New York City by guitarist Scott Ian and drummer Charlie Benante. Early lineups with Neil Turbin and Dan Lilker helped lay the groundwork for a sound that blended blistering speed with groove and melody. As the band evolved, Joey Belladonna joined in 1984, bringing a dynamic vocal range that complemented the guitar attack and made the group's music more accessible without sacrificing aggression. With the release of Among the Living in 1987 and a string of hard hitting records through the late 1980s, Anthrax became a cornerstone of what fans now call the Big Four of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth. Their music pushed the boundaries of speed, scale, and attitude, influencing countless players and helping to shape modern heavy metal.

In the years that followed, Anthrax continued to tour relentlessly, experiment with crossover ideas, and evolve their sound while maintaining the core of their aggressive rhythm work. The band is renowned for blending relentless riffing with memorable hooks, and for a willingness to explore outside metal, most famously in a 1991 collaboration with Public Enemy that bridged hip hop and metal in Bring the Noise. Over decades and lineup changes, Anthrax has remained a force in heavy music, releasing new material and inspiring generations of guitarists with their fearless approach to rhythm, tone, and energy. The catalog of 44 lessons on DadRock Tabs offers a practical, guitar-friendly way to study their riffs and learn to play with speed and precision.