- USA Release
I'm the Man is the name of the second EP by the band Anthrax. The album was released in 1987 by Megaforce Worldwide/Island Records. The band, Eddie Kramer and Paul Hammingson produced the album, which includes the single, "I'm the Man". I'm the Man was certified platinum by the RIAA.
In 1987, Anthrax took an unexpected detour, releasing the groundbreaking 12" LP "I'm The Man." This EP famously injected hip-hop and humor into their thrash metal fury, creating a unique hybrid that shook the heavy music scene.
The Title Track: A Cross-Genre Experiment
The title track, "I'm The Man", became an anthem of self-aggrandizing fun. Borrowing heavily from the hip-hop vernacular, Joey Belladonna rapped and boasted his way through the song over a funky, infectious beat. The band even enlisted turntablist DJ Lethal for a dose of scratching. This was a radical departure for Anthrax, and their willingness to experiment showcased their creativity and open-mindedness.
Humor on Display
"I'm The Man" wasn't just musically adventurous. The lyrics were filled with humor and goofy bravado. Lines like "My rhymes are so def and my beats are so dope" were delivered with a wink and a nod, showing that Anthrax didn't take themselves too seriously. This playfulness contrasted with the intense, socially-charged themes of other songs in their catalog.
The B-Sides: More Humor and Pure Thrash
The 12" release usually included a number of B-sides. These further showcased the band's eclectic tastes. The hilarious "Bud E. Luvbomb and Satan's Loungeband" delivered absurdist lounge music, while tracks like live versions of "I Am The Law" and "Caught In A Mosh" offered up the raw, pure thrash metal that fans always craved.
Impact and Legacy
The "I'm The Man" EP stands out as a moment where Anthrax defied expectations. They took a risk, injecting elements of hip-hop into their sound years before genre crossover became commonplace. It showed that even a hard-hitting thrash metal band could embrace fun and absurdity. While some fans were initially perplexed, the song's infectious energy and tongue-in-cheek attitude ultimately won over many listeners.
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Music Genre: American Speed Thrash Metak |
Album Production:Produced by Eddie Kramer , Jon Zazula and Anthrax for Remarkable Productions. Eddie Kramer is a legendary music producer & sound engineer known for shaping the sound of rock icons like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Kiss. Born in South Africa, his innovative recording techniques revolutionized studio production. From Electric Lady Studios to Woodstock, his impact spans decades. Learn more about his career & contributions in his biography.
Jon Zazula, also known as Jonny Z, revolutionized heavy metal by founding Megaforce Records, the label that launched Metallica, Anthrax, and Testament. A former record store owner turned music mogul, his fearless vision helped shape the thrash metal movement of the 1980s. His legacy continues to influence metal worldwide. Learn more about Jon Zazula.
Produced by Paul Hammingson George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer George Marino was a legendary mastering engineer whose expertise shaped the sound of countless iconic albums. Born in 1947, he honed his craft at Capitol Records before joining Sterling Sound in 1973. His mastering work on albums by AC/DC, Metallica, and Guns N' Roses defined rock and metal's sonic power. His legacy endures through his meticulous audio craftsmanship. Learn more
Mark "Weissguy" Weiss - Photography Mark Weiss is a renowned rock and roll photographer who has captured some of the most iconic moments in music history. Known for his dynamic images of legends like Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses, Weiss’s work defines the visual essence of rock’s golden era. His photography continues to inspire generations. Learn more about Mark Weiss.
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Record Label & Catalog-nr: Megaforce Worldwide 90685 |
Record Format:12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 200 gram |
Year & Country1987 Made in USA |
Band Members and Musicians on: Anthrax I'm the Man |
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Complete Track Listing of: Anthrax I'm the Man |
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| Photo of Anthrax I'm the Man Album's Front Cover |
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| Photo of Anthrax I'm the Man Album's Back Cover |
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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 ). |
Anthrax's thrash metal landmark "Among the Living" gets the classic vinyl treatment. Explore the Canadian & German 12" LP releases, featuring iconic tracks like the title track, "Caught in a Mosh," and "I Am the Law."
- Among the Living ( Canada ) - Among the Living ( Germany )
Anthrax's "Armed and Dangerous" 12" Vinyl LP Album is a classic of the thrash metal genre and an essential addition to any serious metal collector's library. The album's raw energy, aggressive riffs
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"Chris Tetley Interview Rock Saga"s 12" Picture Disc is a must-have for any Anthrax fan. The interview provides a rare glimpse into the minds of two of the band's most creative members,
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"Fistful of Metal" is a thrash metal masterpiece that showcases the band's raw energy, speed, and aggression. The album features fast and furious tracks like "Deathrider," "Metal Thrashing Mad,"
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"I Am The Law" bursts from the speakers with an adrenaline-fueled assault of thrash metal intensity. Scott Ian's razor-sharp riffs and Charlie Benante's relentless drumming lay the foundation for an unyielding rhythm section
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The title track, "I'm The Man", became an anthem of self-aggrandizing fun. Borrowing heavily from the hip-hop vernacular, Joey Belladonna rapped and boasted his way through the song over a funky, infectious beat.
- I'm The Man ( 1987, Europe ) - I'm The Man ( 1987, USA )
The album consisted of interviews with the band members interspersed with excerpts from their live performances. The interviews were conducted by various radio and television hosts, and the band members
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The title track, "Make Me Laugh," is a quirky and surprisingly melodic departure from their usual thrash assault. Borrowing its primary riff from a vintage TV game show theme song, Anthrax infuse it with metal energy.
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The title track "Antisocial" is a cover of the French punk rock band Trust and was one of the highlights of Anthrax's live shows during this period. The French version of the song adds a unique twist to the already intense
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"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"
- Spreading the Disease ( 1985, Canada ) - Spreading the Disease ( Germany, EEC )
The album kicks off with "Be All, End All," a fast-paced, riff-heavy song that sets the tone for the rest of the record. This is followed by "Out of Sight, Out of Mind," a song that features catchy guitar riffs and a driving drum beat.
- State of Euphoria ( 1988, Germany ) - State of Euphoria ( 1988, USA )
