Anthrax - I'm The Man 12" Vinyl EP

- European Release

Anthrax didn’t need another “serious” thrash statement in 1987—they needed a curveball, and the "I’m the Man" 12" EP is that perfectly aimed throw. Released by Megaforce Worldwide/Island and produced by Eddie Kramer, it bottle-rockets NYC thrash into crossover territory: guitars like sandpaper, drums like a subway-door slam, and a grin you can actually hear. The title track struts and heckles, the "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" cover turns doom into jet fuel, and the live "Caught in a Mosh" plus "I Am the Law" remind you this band wins by moving bodies. This EEC 12-inch is vicious, funny, and allergic to purity tests.

 

large photo of Im the man front cover

"I'm The Man" Album Description

"I’m the Man" isn’t Anthrax “expanding their sound” like a committee decision. It’s them, already riding high off 1987, choosing chaos on purpose. Released December 8, 1987 on Megaforce/Island, it’s the EP where thrash stops scowling for a second and lets itself laugh—without getting any softer.

Musical Fury and the Joke That Lands

The title track comes in sideways: brash, loud, and built to annoy the serious guys. It’s a parody of the Beastie Boys vibe, and the riff leans on “Hava Nagila,” like someone dared them to smuggle a wedding-party melody into a pit and they said “watch me.” That early rap-metal angle is the point—less “important statement,” more “we can do this and you can’t stop us.”

Then they flip the mood fast. The "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" cover doesn’t worship from a distance—it drags a 1973 doom classic into brighter light and sharper teeth. And the live tracks (“Caught in a Mosh,” “I Am the Law”) feel like proof-of-life photos: sweaty, fast, and a little smug about it. canon

Artwork: Not Here to Look Tough

The sleeve is the same attitude in ink: cartoonish band art instead of grim reaper theater, like they’re rolling their eyes at thrash’s “no fun allowed” dress code. Produced by Anthrax with Eddie Kramer and Paul Hammingson, it all fits—the sound hits hard, but it refuses to act solemn about it.

That’s why this EP still matters: it doesn’t ask permission to be funny. It just throws the punch and laughs while you’re checking your jaw.

Featured Song: "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" Explained

Black Sabbath wrote “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” like a haunted house with plumbing problems: that riff lurches in, the air goes cold, and suddenly you’re listening with your shoulders up. Late 1973, and metal is already learning how to sound expensive and dangerous at the same time.

Then Anthrax gets hold of it in 1987 on this “I’m the Man” EP and does the very Anthrax thing: they don’t “reinterpret,” they grab it by the collar and jog it into thrash shape. Same skeleton, different pulse. The doom doesn’t disappear—it just gets chased down the street.

Belladonna sounds like he’s sprinting while singing. The guitars bite instead of brood. And if you’ve ever played this loud enough in a small room, you know the real trick: it still feels like Sabbath, even when it’s moving at Anthrax speed.

The best part is the little wink at the end—name-dropping Arnold Ziffel from Green Acres like they can’t help puncturing the darkness with a joke. Because of course they can’t. Metal loves drama; Anthrax loves tripping the drama on purpose.

Listen to it:

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal Music

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.

Album Production Information:

Produced by Eddie Kramer , Jon Zazula and Anthrax for Remarkable Productions.

  • Edwin H. “Eddie” Kramer – Producer, Audio Engineer

    The guy who could take Hendrix saying “make it sound green” and somehow turn that into real audio.

    Edwin H. “Eddie” Kramer, in my book, is rock’s ultimate behind-the-glass magician: starting in London studios in the early 1960s, then going full-throttle with Jimi Hendrix from 1967–1970, capturing Woodstock (1969), engineering major Led Zeppelin work from 1969 onward, steering Electric Lady Studios as engineering director in 1970–1974, and later locking in that arena punch with Kiss through the mid/late 1970s (and beyond). When I see his credit, I expect big guitars, bigger atmosphere, and a mix that still feels alive.

    Edwin H. “Eddie” Kramer Wiki
  • Jon Zazula – Megaforce Records founder & metal scene catalyst

    The “Jonny Z” era starts in the East Brunswick trenches (early ’80s), then detonates with Metallica in 1982–1983 and keeps rolling through Megaforce years with bands like Anthrax (notably 1985–1991), Overkill, Testament, and Manowar.

    Jon Zazula, in my head, is proof that heavy metal didn’t just “happen” in the ’80s—it got built by obsessive weirdos with good ears and zero chill. He ran the Rock ’n’ Roll Heaven record store in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and used that shop as a kind of underground command center, blasting demos through the tape-trading network until the right bands found the right people. The pivotal moment (and yeah, it’s basically metal folklore at this point) lands in the winter of 1982, when he heard Metallica’s “No Life ’Til Leather” demo, pulled them to New York, and helped push them onto their first real East Coast stages—then Megaforce Records followed, and “Kill ’Em All” hit in 1983 like a crowbar to the radio. After that, his “periods” with bands were less about being onstage and more about being the guy who opened doors: the Megaforce run expanded from Metallica and Manowar in the early ’80s to a wider roster that included Anthrax (a key 1985–1991 stretch), plus acts like Overkill and Testament—basically a roll call of bands that helped define what American metal would sound like when it stopped asking permission.

    Jon Zazula Wiki

    • Produced by Paul Hammingson

    George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer

  • George Marino – Mastering Engineer

    When my site brain goes full 1980s metal mode, his name keeps showing up like a hidden signature in the dead wax.

    George Marino is one of those behind-the-glass legends who made heavy music feel larger than the room it was playing in. Before the mastering console became his throne, he was a Bronx guitarist doing the NYC band grind in the 1960s with groups like The Chancellors and The New Sounds Ltd. Then he went pro for real: starting at Capitol Studios in New York (1967), and eventually becoming a long-running force at Sterling Sound (from 1973 onward). For a collector like me—living in that sweet spot where 1980s heavy metal, hard rock, and a dash of prog-minded ambition collide—Marino’s credits read like a stack of essential sleeves: Holy Diver (Dio), Tooth and Nail (Dokken), Stay Hard (Raven), Master of Puppets (Metallica), Somewhere in Time (Iron Maiden), Among the Living (Anthrax), Appetite for Destruction (Guns N’ Roses), Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi), and Blow Up Your Video (AC/DC). That’s the kind of resume that doesn’t just “master” records—it weaponizes them, but with taste. George Marino Wiki

    • Mark "Weissguy" Weiss - Photography

  • Mark Weiss – Rock music photographer

    The “Weissguy” behind a huge chunk of the 1980s rock image—backstage, on tour, and way too close to the hair spray.

    Mark Weiss, Mark “Weissguy” Weiss is the rock photographer whose images basically taught the 1980s how to pose. His origin story is wonderfully punk: in 1977 he got arrested for selling his KISS photos outside Madison Square Garden, and by June 1978 he’d landed a national splash with a Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) centerfold for Circus—then ended up on staff. In the 1980s, he wasn’t just “covering” bands; he was riding alongside them as a tour photographer for artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Poison, Metallica, and Twisted Sister, helping lock in that whole glam-and-guts look while it was still hot and loud. Later on, his lens also tracked bigger pop-culture gravity wells—acts like The Rolling Stones, Madonna, and Wu-Tang Clan—but the heart of the Weiss legend is still that late-’70s-to-’80s run where rock didn’t just sound larger-than-life; it looked like it too.

    Mark Weiss Wiki

    • Record Label & Catalognr:

    Megaforce Worldwide / Island Records 208 786 (208786)

    Media Format:

    12" EP 

    Year & Country:

    1987 Made in EEC
    Band Members and Musicians on: Anthrax I'm The Man
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • 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 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 Guitar, Vocals
    • Scott Ian – Rhythm guitarist, lyricist & thrash metal co-founder

      Scott Ian (born Scott Ian Rosenfeld) is the riff-engine who’s been steering Anthrax since 1981, with side-quests that hit like bonus levels: S.O.D. (1985–1991; reunions in 1999 and 2007), The Damned Things (2009–2012; 2019–present), Motor Sister (2014–present), and Mr. Bungle (around 2020–present).

      Scott Ian, I’ve always thought of him as the human proof that rhythm guitar can be the main character. He’s best known as the co-founder, rhythm guitarist, and primary lyricist of Anthrax (1981–present), and he’s the only member who’s been there for the whole ride while the rest of the lineup history does its usual metal soap-opera thing. Outside Anthrax, his “periods” with other bands map out a whole corner of crossover and hard rock: he co-founded Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.) for the original run in 1985–1991, then popped back in for reunion eras in 1999 and 2007; he shifted into supergroup mode with The Damned Things (2009–2012, then back again from 2019 to the present); he formed Motor Sister in 2014 and kept it rolling; and he became part of the revived Mr. Bungle lineup around 2020. The vibe I get is simple: Ian doesn’t just play riffs—he builds lanes for other people to drive dangerously fast through.

      Scott Ian Wiki
    • 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.

    Complete Track Listing of: Anthrax I'm The Man
      Tracks:
    • I'm the Man (Censored Radio Version) (Joey Belladonna, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, Scott Ian, John Rooney, Dan Spitz) 3:03
    • I'm the Man (Def Uncensored Version) (Belladonna, Bello, Benante, Ian, Rooney, Spitz) 3:04
    • Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward) 5:48
    • I'm the Man (Live) (Belladonna, Bello, Benante, Ian, Rooney, Spitz) 4:39
    • Caught in a Mosh (Live) (Anthrax) 5:34
    • I Am the Law (Live) (Anthrax/Lilker) 5:48
     
    Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Anthrax I'm The Man
    High Resolution Photo #1 Anthrax Im The Man EEC  
    Photo of Album's Back Cover  

    High Resolution Photo #1 Anthrax Im The Man EEC

     

    High Resolution Photo #1 Anthrax Im The Man EEC

     

    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 )

    Index of ANTHRAX Band - Vinyl Album Gallery & Discography

    ANTHRAX - Among the Living (Canadian & German Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
    ANTHRAX - Among the Living (Canadian & German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

    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 - Armed and Dangerous 12" Vinyl LP
    ANTHRAX - Armed and Dangerous album front cover vinyl record

    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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    ANTHRAX - Chris Tetley Interview Rock Sagas 12" Vinyl Picture Disc
    ANTHRAX - Chris Tetley Interview Rock Sagas album front cover vinyl record

    "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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    ANTHRAX - Fistful of Metal 12" Picture Disc
    ANTHRAX - Chris Tetley Interview Rock Sagas album front cover vinyl record

    "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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    ANTHRAX - I Am The Law 12" Vinyl LP
    ANTHRAX - I Am The Law album front cover vinyl record

    "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

    Learn more
    ANTHRAX - I'm The Man (European & USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
    ANTHRAX - I'm The Man (European & USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record

    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 )
    ANTHRAX - Limited Edition Interview Shaped Picture Disc 12" Vinyl LP
    ANTHRAX - Limited Edition Interview Shaped Picture Disc album front cover vinyl record

    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

    Learn more
    ANTHRAX - Make Me Laugh 12" Picture Disc
    ANTHRAX - Make Me Laugh album front cover vinyl record

    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.

    Learn more
    ANTHRAX - Penikufesin 12" Vinyl LP
    ANTHRAX - Penikufesin album front cover vinyl record

    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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    ANTHRAX - Spreading the Disease (Germany & Canada)
    ANTHRAX - Spreading the Disease album front cover vinyl record

    "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 )
    ANTHRAX - State of Euphoria (German & USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record
    ANTHRAX - State of Euphoria (German & USA Releases)

    “State of Euphoria” (1988) captures Anthrax at their most unhinged — fast, funny, and ferociously self-aware. Bursting with East Coast attitude and satirical bite, it’s thrash metal with a grin. From the spiraling madness of its cover art to the anthemic roar of “Antisocial,” the album turns chaos into celebration — a glorious mess only Anthrax could make.

    - State of Euphoria ( 1988, Germany ) - State of Euphoria ( 1988, USA )