- European 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. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Anthrax's 1987 EP, "I'm The Man," is a pivotal release that showcases the band's unique blend of thrash metal intensity and tongue-in-cheek humor. This extended play, cemented Anthrax's status as innovators of the burgeoning thrash scene while simultaneously pushing the genre's boundaries. Let's explore its musical attack, social commentary, and the playful visual elements of its artwork.
Musical Fury and Unexpected Covers
Anthrax's musical prowess shines throughout the EP. Tracks like "I'm The Man" and "Caught in a Mosh" (live) showcase Joey Belladonna's frantic vocals and the band's trademark razor-sharp riffs. The inclusion of a blistering cover of Black Sabbath's "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" serves as both a homage to their forefathers and a flex of their own musical muscle. By interweaving humor and heaviness, the band set themselves apart from their thrash metal contemporaries.
Artwork: A Playful Assault
The "I'm The Man" vinyl sleeve captures the record's playful spirit. The cover features a cartoonish depiction of the band, a far cry from the grim imagery prevalent in thrash metal artwork. This lighthearted visual approach, combined with the album's unexpected lyrical content, added a layer of accessibility and satire.
Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath left an indelible mark on the genre with their 1973 album, "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath". The title track, with its brooding atmosphere and iconic riffs, became a cornerstone of the metal sound. In 1987, thrash metal giants Anthrax paid homage to Sabbath by offering their own blistering take on this classic.
While Black Sabbath's version embodies a slow-burning doom, Anthrax's cover of "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" injects a dose of adrenaline. Their rendition stays true to the song's core structure but ratchets up the tempo, adding a relentless thrash energy. Joey Belladonna's powerful vocals bring a fresh dimension to the track, while the band's signature intensity is woven throughout.
Anthrax's cover is more than a simple reproduction; it's a masterful tribute and an exciting reinterpretation. They honor the foundational work of Black Sabbath while seamlessly introducing their own thrash metal style, creating a thrilling fusion that stands on its own.
The playful conclusion of Anthrax's version further highlights their unique approach. Dedicating the song to Arnold Ziffel, the pig from the sitcom *Green Acres*, showcases their sense of humor and adds a lighthearted twist to the song's inherent darkness.
Music Genre: Thrash Metal Music |
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Collector's info: 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. |
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Album Production Information: Produced by Eddie Kramer , Jon Zazula and Anthrax for Remarkable Productions. Eddie Kramer: Iconic producer & engineer behind Hendrix, Zeppelin, & many more. Explore his life & work that shaped rock music history. Jon Zazula: How did a record store shape metal forever? The Jon Zazula story – a must-read for music fans. Produced by Paul Hammingson George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music. Mark "Weissguy" Weiss - Photography Mark Weiss (Nickname: Weissguy) is an acclaimed American rock and roll photographer who has captured the essence and energy of some of the most iconic moments in music history. With his keen eye for detail and ability to connect with his subjects, Weiss has become synonymous with the visual documentation of the rock and roll scene. Born and raised in New Jersey, Mark Weiss discovered his passion for photography at a young age. Inspired by the music culture of the 1970s, he set out to combine his love for music with his growing interest in photography. Armed with his camera, Weiss began attending concerts and local gigs, capturing the electrifying performances of emerging and established rock acts. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Weiss's career gained momentum as he became the go-to photographer for many rock bands. He developed a reputation for his ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of the musicians, as well as the electric atmosphere of live performances. His photographs not only showcased the artists in their element but also transported viewers into the heart of the rock and roll experience. One of Weiss's most iconic collaborations was with the legendary rock band Bon Jovi. From the early days of their career, Weiss developed a close relationship with the band members and their management, which allowed him unprecedented access to document their rise to superstardom. His photographs became an integral part of Bon Jovi's image, capturing the band's infectious energy and forging a visual legacy that would endure for decades. Mark Weiss's work extended beyond Bon Jovi, as he photographed and developed relationships with numerous other rock icons. He captured the larger-than-life personas of artists such as Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, and Motley Crue, among many others. Weiss's photographs adorned album covers, magazines, and concert posters, encapsulating the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle and contributing to the visual iconography of the era. Throughout his career, Weiss has exhibited a remarkable ability to connect with his subjects and gain their trust, allowing him to capture intimate and candid moments both on and off the stage. His photographs convey not only the spectacle of rock performances but also the humanity and vulnerability of the artists behind the scenes, creating a comprehensive visual narrative of their lives and careers. In addition to his work as a live music photographer, Mark Weiss has also ventured into other areas of the industry. He has directed music videos, designed album covers, and collaborated with various media outlets and galleries to showcase his extensive collection of rock and roll photography. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of photographers and music lovers. Mark Weiss's body of work represents more than just photographs. It is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the profound impact that music can have on people's lives. Through his lens, he has immortalized the legends of rock and roll, providing fans with a glimpse into the exhilarating world of music and preserving the spirit of an era that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Megaforce Worldwide / Island Records 208 786 (208786) |
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Media Format: 12" EP |
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Year & Country: 1987 Made in EEC |
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 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 )
