ANTHRAX Spreading the Disease Thrash Metal Album Cover Photos & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information #vinylrecords

"Spreading the Disease" Album Description

Anthrax's 1985 album "Spreading the Disease" cemented their place as one of the leading forces in the burgeoning thrash metal movement. The album's explosive energy, relentless riffing, and the powerful debut of vocalist Joey Belladonna made it an instant classic. The European 12" vinyl LP release offers a raw and authentic listening experience, transporting fans back to the golden age of thrash.

Musical Fury

"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," and the anthemic "Medusa" showcase the band's ability to craft catchy riffs and unforgettable choruses while maintaining their aggressive edge.

Lineup and Legacy

This album marked a significant change in Anthrax's lineup, with the introduction of vocalist Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello. Belladonna's dynamic vocal range and Bello's driving bass lines added a fresh dimension to Anthrax's sound. The core songwriting team of guitarists Scott Ian and Dan Spitz, along with powerhouse drummer Charlie Benante, delivered a tight and ferocious musical foundation.

The European vinyl release of "Spreading the Disease" captures the true sonic energy the band unleashed with this album. The vinyl format adds a warmth and depth to the music that can sometimes be lost in digital versions. For thrash metal enthusiasts, owning this album on vinyl is a testament to their love for one of the genre's defining records.

Continuing the Thrash Legacy

"Spreading the Disease" served as a springboard for Anthrax's continued success, and its impact on the heavy metal landscape is undeniable. The European 12" vinyl LP stands as a physical reminder of a pivotal moment in music history, where a young and hungry band helped shape the sound of an entire generation.

Featured Song: "A.I.R." Explained

Anthrax's opening track on their seminal album "Spreading the Disease," the explosive "A.I.R.", is more than just a headbanging anthem; it's a declaration of thrash metal's arrival and a celebration of the genre's raw energy. While the meaning behind "A.I.R." (Anthrax is Rising) might seem straightforward, a deeper dive reveals multiple fascinating layers.

A Thrash Metal Manifesto

At its core, "A.I.R." serves as a powerful statement about the visceral power of thrash metal. Lyrics like "Feel the power start to flow/Twisted metal makes your senses grow" and "The sound will tear your system apart" vividly describe the genre's relentless energy and sonic aggression. Anthrax establishes itself in this space with confidence, asserting their place in the burgeoning thrash movement.

Ode to the Mosh Pit

The song paints a sonic picture of a thrash metal show: "Heads will bang, bodies slam/ Sweat'll fly, it's time to jam." These lyrics, combined with the song's frenetic pace and Charlie Benante's ferocious drumming, evoke the chaos and abandon of the mosh pit. "A.I.R." serves as a call to action, urging listeners to let loose and fully immerse themselves in the live experience.

Beyond the Obvious

While "A.I.R." certainly plays off of the band's name, it leaves room for broader interpretations. "A.I.R." could represent any force that invigorates the listener – the adrenaline rush of a live show, the feeling of creative expression, or something entirely personal. This ambiguity adds an element of individual connection to the song's raw power.

Music Genre: Heavy Thrash Metal Music
Album Production Information: 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. Sound/Recording Engineer: Alex Perialas 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. 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.
Record Label & Catalognr:	Blue-ish Island Records 204 476 (204476) / Ariola Eurodisc GMBH
Album Packaging:	This album comes with the original custom inner sleeve with artwork and lyrics of all songs by Anthrax
Record Format	12" Vinyl LP Record
Year & Country:	1986 Made in Germany for export to the EEC

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

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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 )