Anthrax Rises from the Ashes with 'Cursum Perficio'
In a candid sit-down with Gino Alache of Rockum TV, ANTHRAX’s legendary bassist Frank Bello unleashed a torrent of insights about the band’s freshly minted twelfth studio album, "Cursum Perficio". This beast of a record is the first in a decade, following the critically acclaimed "For All Kings," which stormed into the Billboard 200 Top 10. As the band navigates the tumultuous waters of adulthood and geographical divides, Bello reveals the real struggle behind the creative process.
“Finding the time to get everyone together is the toughest part nowadays,” Bello admits, showcasing the reality of aging rockers with lives spread across the country. With Scott Ian in L.A., Charlie Benante in Chicago, and Bello himself holding down the fort in New York, the trio had to carve out precious moments to collaborate. The solution? A pilgrimage to sunny L.A. where they would rent a rehearsal space and fuse their energies into new tracks. Yet, this wasn’t just about logistics; the pandemic loomed large, forcing the band to confront creative hurdles that many musicians faced during lockdown.
Bello elaborates on the challenges posed by COVID-19, a specter that interrupted their creative flow. “We tried writing over FaceTime, but it just didn’t work. The latency killed the vibe,” he recalls, emphasizing the essential chemistry that fuels their songwriting. “We need to be in the same room, looking at each other. That’s how we write. It took a while, but we’re back, and the first reactions from fans have been electric.” The excitement is palpable as he hints at the hidden gems yet to be unveiled from the album.
Echoing the sentiment of true metal fans, Bello expresses the significance of feedback from the loyal ANTHRAX army. “I’m a fan myself. I can’t let my gut down; it has to feel right. This is about capturing that raw energy and angst we all feel,” he states with conviction. The pressure to deliver an authentic ANTHRAX experience is ever-present, but so is the thrill of creating something that resonates deeply with both the band and their audience.
When prodded about the album's sonic direction, Bello reflects on the organic evolution of their sound. “We’re heavy, and that’s a given. The aggression just comes naturally,” he asserts, emphasizing that there’s no forced formula in their songwriting approach. Instead, it’s a symbiotic relationship between the band and their roots as fans themselves. “If it satisfies us, we hope our fans will dig it too,” he adds, reinforcing the bond between ANTHRAX and their die-hard supporters.
As the countdown to the album’s release accelerates, Bello teases the audacious evolution within "Cursum Perficio". “This is the next stage for ANTHRAX after over 40 years. I can’t even believe I’m saying that,” he laughs, echoing a youthful exuberance that defies the passage of time. “Let’s make it count. Let’s fucking rage!” With a new record on the horizon, it’s clear that ANTHRAX is not just back—they’re ready to conquer once more.