ANTHRAX
Kings Among Scotland DVD
2018 Nuclear Blast
Have you ever been caught in a mosh somewhere opposite of the Atlantic Ocean? No, well then this is the DVD to help you check this adventure off of your bucket list. I know it’s not as good as getting slammed and bruised up in person, but it’s the next best thing. Welcome to Glasgow, Scotland and home to the Barrowland Ballroom. This is an intimate concert venue that holds approximately 2,100 thrashing maniacs. Those fortunate enough to secure themselves a ticket were treated to a rare set list by the boys from New York otherwise known as ANTHRAX. Among The Living that released in 1987 is considered their best album by the majority of their fans, and has never been played live in its entirety. That is until now. On this two disc DVD we are treated to a magical night put forth by ANTHRAX.
DISC ONE
This disc contains the full concert which is broken down into two sets. The opening set consists of eight songs off of various albums. Classic ANTHRAX songs that we all know and love like “Be All, End All”, “Madhouse”, and “A.I.R.” are blended between new hits such as “Fight ‘Em Till You Can’t”, “Evil Twin”, and “Blood Eagle Wings”. The euphoria of the sold out crowd just brings the best out of ANTHRAX. You can see the jubilation in Joey Belladonna as he runs back and forth across the stage engaging the crowd. Of course no Anthrax show would be complete if Scott Ian is not stomping his feet and marching along the stage strumming his classic V guitar. Even his trademark long goatee seems to be smiling. “Breathing Lightning” closes out the first set and the band goes backstage to prepare for the next set.
The next set is one for the metal archives. Once the band comes back from a small break they dive head first into the Among The Living album with the title track. As mentioned above every song off this album is being performed. However it is not in the exact order as the album, and that is fine by me. All that matters is that we are finally seeing every song performed live. If you thought ANTHRAX was lively and rambunctious during the first set then stay tuned. They just seem to kick it up a notch and dive deeper into their souls for more energy. After a great crowd pleasing rendition of “Caught in a Mosh” we are treated to a drum clinic taught by Charlie Benante. This is not a solo just Charlie being Charlie on “One World” and showing us why he is and always should be in discussions about top ten drummers in metal music. After the drum clinic we move forward to Joseph Dredd’s favorite song “I Am The Law”, a song based on Mega-City One’s favorite Street Judge. This band is all about geekiness and this song proves it. If the song does not convince you just look back to the fold out poster in the 12” picture disc released for this song back in 1987. It has all the members dressed as Judges drawn by Charlie Benante, who of course does most
of the album covers for ANTHRAX. Next up is “A Skeleton In The Closet” which Scott Ian says is his favorite song and even in 2017 it is still fucking relentless. Next up is a song that I still have problems pronouncing "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)", but I sure can tell you what N.F.L means and how it’s pronounced. The set then closes out with “A.D.I./Horror Of It All” where Jon Donais has a great solo, “Indians”, and “Imitation Of Life”. Just when you think it’s over ANTHRAX gives you an encore. They go back to the wonderful album from 1988 called State Of Euphoria and play the big MTV hit called “Antisocial”.
DISC TWO
On this second DVD it is also broken into two segments. The first part is all about life on the road. This includes meet and greets, backstage shenanigans and what the band does on an off day. We are invited into Charlie’s hotel room where we see him doodling his favorite character Krusty The Clown from the animated series The Simpsons. My favorite moment is a little family time with Scott Ian and his son Revel. There is a great moment captured as they are holding hands walking down a hallway. Try not to smile I dare you. The second part of this DVD is for all you gear heads. This is a wet dream for all you techies that love to know who is playing what and why. I was amazed by how many guitars and instruments the band brings on the road. You also meet the men behind the band. Yes the roadies.
Overall this is a must buy if you are a fan of the band ANTHRAX or just love watching live DVD’s of concerts like I do. I must have watched this DVD now about ten times and I can’t wait to watch it again with someone who has not seen it. ANTHRAX has always been one of my favorite bands and as the line in the song “I’m The Man” goes:
“We are the kings that all shout hell
We're like a diamond that is forever
And will remain the hardest ever”
Long live ANTHRAX!
5.0 Out Of 5.0
