- 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 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 & 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 )
