ANTHRAX - Spreading the Disease LP: Thrash Metal Classic with Rare Vinyl Details #vinylrecords

"Spreading the Disease" is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Anthrax, released in 1985. It is considered one of the most influential and groundbreaking albums in the thrash metal genre and has had a lasting impact on the heavy metal community.

The album features a raw and aggressive sound, with fast-paced riffs, powerful drumming, and intense vocal delivery. It also showcases the band's ability to seamlessly blend elements of thrash metal, punk rock, and heavy metal, creating a unique and powerful sound that set them apart from other bands in the genre.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "A.I.R.", which features an intricate drum solo from Charlie Benante and showcases the band's versatility and technical ability. Another standout track is "Madhouse", which features a catchy riff and showcases the band's ability to incorporate elements of punk rock into their sound.

"Spreading the Disease" was widely praised by critics and fans alike, and it helped to establish Anthrax as one of the leading bands in the thrash metal genre. The album has since been recognized as a classic and has influenced countless musicians and bands in the heavy metal community.

In addition to its musical impact, "Spreading the Disease" is also notable for its iconic album cover, which features a zombie-like figure spreading a disease. The image has become synonymous with the band and is widely recognized in the heavy metal community.

Music Genre:

Heavy Thrash Metal Music

Summary

Spreading the Disease is the second album by the band Anthrax and the first with vocalist Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello.

Album Production Details:

Producers: Anthrax, Carl Canedy, Jon Zazula. Published by Black Lion Music.

Carl Canedy is a legendary drummer and producer whose impact on heavy metal spans decades. As a founding member of The Rods and a key producer behind bands like Anthrax and Exciter, his dynamic drumming and studio expertise have shaped countless classic albums. His passion for metal continues to inspire generations. Learn more about Carl Canedy.

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. Read more...

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

Sound/Recording Engineer: Alex Perialas and Norman Dunn

Alex Perialas – Audio Engineer, Mixer, Record Producer

In my book, his credit is the “this is gonna hit hard” stamp—Pyramid Sound vibes all day. Read more...

Alex Perialas is an American audio engineer, mixer, and record producer who helped lock in the tight, punchy thrash sound of the mid-1980s through the early 1990s from Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York—working with bands like Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Nuclear Assault, S.O.D., and Flotsam & Jetsam. Later on, his work stretches into other lanes (Bad Religion, Pro-Pain), and he’s also been tied to teaching sound recording at Ithaca College—because apparently someone had to explain to the next generation how to make guitars sound like a chainsaw with manners.

Alex Perialas Wiki

Recorded at

Pyramid Sound Recording Studios – Recording Studio (Ithaca, New York)

Downtown Ithaca’s secret weapon: the room where a ton of ’80s riffs learned discipline and learned to punch. Read more...

Pyramid Sound Recording Studios is a long-running Ithaca, New York recording spot launched by Alex Perialas (the guy with the “your snare will be heard” philosophy). From the mid-1980s into the early 1990s, it became a thrash-metal magnet—bands like Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Nuclear Assault, and S.O.D. rolled through to capture that tight, aggressive East Coast bite. It didn’t stay boxed into metal either: later decades saw punk/hardcore and other genres pass through the same rooms, because good engineering doesn’t care what jacket you’re wearing. The studio’s downtown location (105 E. Clinton Street) has even had its share of real-world drama tied to nearby construction over the years—because of course the universe can’t just let a legendary studio exist in peace.

Pyramid Sound Recording Studios Wiki

Digital Master by Howard Weinberg at Masterdisk

Howie Weinberg – Mastering Engineer

Mastering legend with over 200 Gold and Platinum albums to his name. Read more...

Howie Weinberg is a renowned mastering engineer whose work has defined the sound of countless legendary albums. With over 200 Gold and Platinum records, he has mastered classics by Metallica, Nirvana, and Slayer, shaping the sonic punch and clarity of modern rock and metal. His mastering touch became an industry benchmark that still echoes through generations.

Howie Weinberg Wiki

Record Label & Catalog-nr:

Island Records ISL 1069

Record Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country

1985 Made in Canada

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 – 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). Read more...
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 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 Photo Gallery of: Anthrax Spreading the Disease

Album cover of Anthrax's 'Spreading the Disease'. A man in a denim jacket is being restrained by two figures in gas masks and protective suits while another figure in a hazmat suit looms near a metallic door. The man's face shows a screaming expression, and his body is forcefully pulled as if being dragged or experimented on. The foreground prominently features the soles of boots. — **Album Cover: Anthrax - "Spreading the Disease"**

The artwork depicts a dramatic scene where a man with curly hair, wearing a denim jacket and jeans, is restrained by two imposing figures dressed in dark protective suits and gas masks. His mouth is wide open in a scream, his eyes squinted in terror, and his body is forcefully pulled forward. His right hand is stretched out, fingers contorted as if reaching for help.

One of the masked figures grips his arm while another presses a microphone-like device against his mouth, suggesting he is either being interrogated or experimented on. The background is a futuristic, industrial setting, with a metallic door slightly ajar on the right. Another figure clad in a hazmat suit stands nearby, observing the struggle.

The perspective is exaggerated, with an emphasis on the thick, rugged soles of the captors' boots in the foreground, adding a sense of depth and overpowering dominance. The scene is bathed in a dramatic red and blue glow, reinforcing the intense, dystopian atmosphere. The "Anthrax" logo appears in bright yellow in the upper left corner, with the album title "Spreading the Disease" written beneath it in white.

Back cover of Anthrax's 'Spreading the Disease' album featuring a black background with five individual band member photos, tracklist, and production credits. Includes images of Charlie Benante, Scott Ian, Joe Belladonna, Dan Spitz, and Frank Bello performing live, along with a group band photo. — **Back Cover: Anthrax - "Spreading the Disease"**

The back cover of the album features a black background with a structured layout highlighting the band members and track listing. The top left corner contains a live performance photo of drummer **Charlie Benante**, captured mid-action behind his drum kit, curly hair bouncing as he plays.

Below him, guitarist **Scott Ian** is seen shredding on his white guitar, intensely focused with his long curly hair covering part of his face. In the center, lead vocalist **Joe Belladonna** is gripping a microphone, his face partially shadowed, wearing a wristband and sleeveless black shirt.

To the right, another live shot features guitarist **Dan Spitz**, absorbed in his playing, head tilted slightly downward. Below, bassist **Frank Bello** is captured mid-performance, head tilted back, exuding energy.

A small rectangular photo at the bottom left corner showcases all band members together in a casual moment, smiling and posing with arms around each other. The tracklist is printed on the right side in white text, splitting Side A and Side B. The production credits are located at the bottom, listing key contributors such as **Jon Zazula** (executive producer), **Carl Canedy** (producer), and **Alex Perialas** (engineer), along with recording and mastering details.

The bottom center of the cover features the **Megaforce Worldwide** logo and distribution information, reinforcing the album's association with one of the most influential labels in thrash metal history.

Vinyl Record Label (Side A): Anthrax - "Spreading the Disease"

This image is a close-up of the vinyl record label for Side A of Anthrax's "Spreading the Disease" album. The label features a misprint, displaying the title as "Spread the Disease" instead of the correct title.

The design includes a gradient background transitioning from pale yellow at the bottom to light blue at the top. The iconic Island Records logo, consisting of a stylized black palm tree against a rising sun, is placed toward the lower left of the label.

The tracklist for Side A is printed in bold black text, listing the following songs:

1. A.I.R.
2. Lone Justice
3. Madhouse
4. S.S.C./Stand or Fall
5. The Enemy

Below the tracklist, production details credit Carl Canedy and Anthrax as producers, Jon Zazula as the executive producer, and Alex Perialas as the engineer. The label also states that all songs were written by Anthrax and published by Black Lion Music (ASCAP).

The perimeter text around the label reads: "Manufactured by Island Records of Canada Ltd. Distributed by MCA Records Canada." The catalog number ISL 1069 (ISL 1069-A) is printed on the right side, along with "Stereo" and "33 1/3 RPM" to indicate playback format.

This label is a distinctive part of the album's Canadian pressing, notable for its color scheme and the album title misprint.