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, 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.

Sound/Recording Engineer: Alex Perialas and Norman Dunn

Alex Perialas, a Greek-American producer and sound engineer, is celebrated for shaping 1980s heavy metal with bands like Anthrax, Slayer, and Overkill. As the owner of Pyramid Sound Recording Studio, Ithaca, New York , his work spans genres, influencing pop, hip-hop, and jazz. Discover his legacy and impact on iconic music production here.

Recorded at Pyramid Sound Recording Studio, Ithaca, New York

Digital Master by Howard Weinberg at Masterdisk

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 from Metallica, Nirvana, and Slayer, shaping the sonic landscape of rock and metal. His expertise continues to influence generations of musicians. Learn more in the full biography.

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 ( full-name Scott Ian Rosenfeld ) is an American guitarist and founding member of "Anthrax" and "Stormtroopers of Death". His wife "Pearl Aday" is daughter of the singer "Meat Loaf". In his musical career he has performed with the bands: Anthrax (USA) , Damnocracy, Doom Squad, Four-X, Motor Sister, Pearl, Posehn, S.O.D. STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (USA) , Slam Jam, The Damned Things.
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.