Scott Ian Shreds on Anthrax's Underrated John Bush Era
In a recent no-holds-barred interview with Igor Miranda for Rolling Stone Brasil, Scott Ian, the axe-slinger of thrash titans ANTHRAX, bared his thoughts on the often-overlooked albums from the John Bush era. From the 1993 juggernaut "Sound Of White Noise" to the 2003 powerhouse "We've Come For You All," Ian made it clear: he holds these albums in high regard, lamenting their underappreciation among metalheads. "I love them. I think especially 'Stomp' and 'Volume 8' and 'We've Come For You All' are very underrated," Ian declared, urging listeners to rediscover these sonic treasures.
With a passion that echoes through the years, Ian expressed his dismay that many fans remain oblivious to these vital records. "Most people do not know those records," he stated, lamenting the disparity between sales figures and the albums' true worth. "I wish people would listen to those albums... they’re missing out on some great music!" It’s a call to arms for the ANTHRAX faithful to revisit their catalog and embrace the full spectrum of their legacy.
When pressed about which Bush-era album newcomers should dive into first, Ian didn’t hesitate. "First, I would probably say 'We've Come For You All'. It's my personal favorite of the four albums we made." He followed this with a suggested listening order that reflects his deep appreciation: "'Sound Of White Noise' second, 'Volume 8' third, 'Stomp' fourth." This hierarchy speaks volumes about Ian's belief in the strength of these releases, each a testament to the band’s evolution.
But why does Ian hold 'We've Come For You All' in such reverence? "I just think it’s the best one. I don’t know why. It makes you feel a certain way, different than something else makes you feel." It's a sentiment that resonates with the very essence of metal – the visceral connection between artist and listener that transcends mere sales figures and charts.
As the band has journeyed through decades and multiple vocalists, with Ian and drummer Charlie Benante as the steadfast pillars, the discourse around their lineup changes remains a hot topic. From the raw energy of Neil Turbin to the soaring melodies of Joey Belladonna, and the distinct vocal prowess of John Bush, ANTHRAX has always pushed the boundaries of thrash. Ian’s reflections on the past, especially in light of his 2010 comments on VH1's "That Metal Show," reveal a deeper narrative of loyalty, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of metal excellence. As Scott Ian continues to champion the legacy of these albums, one thing is clear: the ANTHRAX story is far from over, and the best is yet to be unleashed.