ANTHRAX Spreading the Disease Thrash Metal Album Cover Photos & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information #vinylrecords

"Spreading the Disease" Album Description

Anthrax's 1985 album "Spreading the Disease" cemented their place as one of the leading forces in the burgeoning thrash metal movement. The album's explosive energy, relentless riffing, and the powerful debut of vocalist Joey Belladonna made it an instant classic. The European 12" vinyl LP release offers a raw and authentic listening experience, transporting fans back to the golden age of thrash.

Musical Fury

"Spreading the Disease" is a relentless assault of thrash metal brilliance. The album opens with the electrifying "A.I.R," a blistering ode to headbanging and mosh pits. Songs like "Madhouse," "Armed and Dangerous," and the anthemic "Medusa" showcase the band's ability to craft catchy riffs and unforgettable choruses while maintaining their aggressive edge.

Lineup and Legacy

This album marked a significant change in Anthrax's lineup, with the introduction of vocalist Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello. Belladonna's dynamic vocal range and Bello's driving bass lines added a fresh dimension to Anthrax's sound. The core songwriting team of guitarists Scott Ian and Dan Spitz, along with powerhouse drummer Charlie Benante, delivered a tight and ferocious musical foundation.

The European vinyl release of "Spreading the Disease" captures the true sonic energy the band unleashed with this album. The vinyl format adds a warmth and depth to the music that can sometimes be lost in digital versions. For thrash metal enthusiasts, owning this album on vinyl is a testament to their love for one of the genre's defining records.

Continuing the Thrash Legacy

"Spreading the Disease" served as a springboard for Anthrax's continued success, and its impact on the heavy metal landscape is undeniable. The European 12" vinyl LP stands as a physical reminder of a pivotal moment in music history, where a young and hungry band helped shape the sound of an entire generation.

Featured Song: "A.I.R." Explained

Anthrax's opening track on their seminal album "Spreading the Disease," the explosive "A.I.R.", is more than just a headbanging anthem; it's a declaration of thrash metal's arrival and a celebration of the genre's raw energy. While the meaning behind "A.I.R." (Anthrax is Rising) might seem straightforward, a deeper dive reveals multiple fascinating layers.

A Thrash Metal Manifesto

At its core, "A.I.R." serves as a powerful statement about the visceral power of thrash metal. Lyrics like "Feel the power start to flow/Twisted metal makes your senses grow" and "The sound will tear your system apart" vividly describe the genre's relentless energy and sonic aggression. Anthrax establishes itself in this space with confidence, asserting their place in the burgeoning thrash movement.

Ode to the Mosh Pit

The song paints a sonic picture of a thrash metal show: "Heads will bang, bodies slam/ Sweat'll fly, it's time to jam." These lyrics, combined with the song's frenetic pace and Charlie Benante's ferocious drumming, evoke the chaos and abandon of the mosh pit. "A.I.R." serves as a call to action, urging listeners to let loose and fully immerse themselves in the live experience.

Beyond the Obvious

While "A.I.R." certainly plays off of the band's name, it leaves room for broader interpretations. "A.I.R." could represent any force that invigorates the listener – the adrenaline rush of a live show, the feeling of creative expression, or something entirely personal. This ambiguity adds an element of individual connection to the song's raw power.

Music Genre: Heavy Thrash Metal Music
Album Production Information: Producers: Anthrax, Carl Canedy, Jon Zazula. Published by Black Lion Music. Carl Canedy a highly respected figure in the world of heavy metal music. He is best known as the drummer and co-founder of the American heavy metal band, The Rods. Canedy has been an influential figure in the genre for several decades, and his contribution to the heavy metal music scene has been widely recognized by fans and musicians alike. more... Canedy was born on 25 August 1955, in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a saxophonist and his mother played the piano, so it's no surprise that Canedy developed a passion for music at a young age. He started playing the drums when he was just ten years old and soon realized that he had a talent for it. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing in local bands and quickly made a name for himself in the music scene. In 1979, Canedy co-founded The Rods, along with guitarist David “Rock” Feinstein and bassist Garry Bordonaro. The band was known for its energetic live performances and its blend of classic rock and heavy metal elements. They quickly gained a loyal following and released their first album, "Rock Hard," in 1981. The album was well-received by fans and critics and was considered a classic in the heavy metal genre. Throughout his career, Canedy has been known for his powerful drumming style, which has been described as aggressive, hard-hitting, and energetic. He has been a driving force behind The Rods’ sound, and his drumming has been an integral part of the band's success. He has also been praised for his musical versatility, as he is able to play a wide range of musical styles, from hard rock to heavy metal. In addition to his work with The Rods, Canedy has also collaborated with a number of other artists and bands, including the legendary guitarist Ronnie James Dio. He has also been involved in several musical projects outside of The Rods, including recording sessions, live performances, and drum clinics. Sound/Recording Engineer: Alex Perialas Jon Zazula: How did a record store shape metal forever? The Jon Zazula story – a must-read for music fans. Alex Perialas is an American Producer and sound engineer, and owner of the "Pyramid Sound Recording Studios" in Ithaca, and has been responsible for the production and engineering of dozens of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s. Perialas is a well-known music producer and engineer who has been active in the industry for over three decades. He has worked with a wide range of musical artists, including heavy metal bands like Anthrax , Slayer , and Overkill , as well as pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block. Throughout his career, Perialas has become known for his technical expertise, creative vision, and ability to bring out the best in his artists. more... Perialas was born in Greece and grew up surrounded by music. His father was a classical guitarist and his mother was a singer, so it was only natural that he would develop an early love for music. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly became interested in recording and producing music. He moved to the United States in the 1970s to study music engineering and quickly began working in the industry, first as an assistant engineer and then as a producer. One of Perialas' earliest successes came with the release of the album "Among the Living" by Anthrax in 1987. This album marked a departure from the traditional sound of heavy metal and helped to establish Perialas as a major player in the genre. He went on to produce several more albums for the band, including "State of Euphoria" and "Persistence of Time". He also worked with other heavy metal acts like Slayer, Overkill, and Testament, helping to shape the sound of the genre and establish it as one of the dominant forces in popular music. In addition to his work in heavy metal, Perialas has also produced and engineered albums in a wide range of other genres. He has worked with pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block, helping to create some of their biggest hits. He has also worked with hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and jazz musicians like Grover Washington Jr. This versatility and ability to work with a wide range of artists is one of the reasons why Perialas has been so successful throughout his career. Throughout his career, Perialas has been dedicated to the art of music production and engineering. He has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of recording and a keen ear for what makes a song sound great. He is also a creative visionary who is able to bring out the best in his artists, helping them to create music that is both innovative and commercial. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and wins. In conclusion, Alex Perialas is a music producer and engineer who has made a significant impact on the industry. His work has helped to shape the sound of heavy metal and establish it as one of the dominant genres in popular music. He has also worked with a wide range of other artists, bringing out the best in them and helping them to create innovative and commercially successful music
Record Label Information:	Blue-ish Island Records 204 476 (204476) / Ariola Eurodisc GMBH
Album Packaging:	This album comes with the original custom inner sleeve with artwork and lyrics of all songs by Anthrax
Record Format	12" Vinyl LP Record
Year & Country:	1986 Made in Germany for export to the EEC

Band Members and Musicians on: Anthrax Spreading the Disease

Joey Belladonna Vocals
Joey Belladonna ( Lead Vocals, Drums ) is an American Singer from Oswego, New York and best known as lead singer in the American ( East-Coast ) Thrash Metal band Anthrax. Belladonna has been with Anthrax since 1984 with several long breaks in-between. Learn more about him
Dan Spitz Lead Guitar and Rhythm Guitar
Dan Spitz ( full-name: Daniel Alan Spitz ) is an American musician and Heavy Metal watch-maker. Spitz started his musical career in 1981 as guitarist in the American Thrash Metal band Overkill. He left Overkill in 1983 to join Anthrax as lead guitarist. Spitz performed in Anthrax mainly from 1983 until 1995. After 1995 he started to developed himself into mechanical watchmaker and has won several awards for this.
Scott Ian Lead Guitar and Rhythm Guitar
Scott Ian ( full-name Scott Ian Rosenfeld ) is an American guitarist and founding member of "Anthrax" and "Stormtroopers of Death". His wife "Pearl Aday" is daughter of the singer "Meat Loaf". In his musical career he has performed with the bands: Anthrax (USA) , Damnocracy, Doom Squad, Four-X, Motor Sister, Pearl, Posehn, S.O.D. STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (USA) , Slam Jam, The Damned Things.
Frank Bello Bass
Frank Bello ( Full-name: Francis Charles Joseph Bello ) is from the Bronx, New York and has been bass guitarist with the American Thrash Metal band Anthrax since 1984.
Charlie Benante Drums
Charlie Benante ( Drums ) long-time drummer with the American Thrash Metal band Anthrax, since 1983 and also performed in S.O.D. Stormtroopers Of Death.

Track Listing of: Anthrax Spreading the Disease

A.I.R. (Anthrax) 5:45
Lone Justice (Anthrax) 4:36
Madhouse (Anthrax) 4:19
S.S.C./Stand or Fall (Anthrax) 4:08
The Enemy (Anthrax) 5:25
Aftershock (Anthrax) 4:28
Armed and Dangerous (Turbin) 5:43
Medusa (Zazula) 4:44
Gung-Ho (Turbin) 4:34

Album cover photos of : Anthrax Spreading the Disease

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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )