Scot Ian | Demolish Magazine

ANTHRAX – State of Euphoria (Vinyl Analysis) 1988

by Steve Fulton

The clowns of Thrash are back. Back with their jams, back with skateboards, and yes —back with more of the top-notch, punchy Thrash that has earned them their place among the élite of Metal bands. It’s relieving to know that after receiving major attention from their last release I’m the Man (EP) (featuring their Rap single “I’m the Man”), that selling out to the commercial world of Metal is far from the minds of Anthrax.

State of Euphoria (1988 Megaforce/Island Records) features moshing tunes like “Finale” (pronounced ‘finally’), “Be All End All” and even a killer cover of Trust’s “Antisocial”. It also seems Anthrax is taking their lyrics in a more political direction. They take their turn at running down television evangelism in “Make me Laugh” (with lyrics like “Jesus saves, but only after I’ve been paid”), and then protest the human tendency of prejudices in “Schism” (stating “A house divided can’t stand/Prejudice is an un-natural thought”).

Joey Belladonna - Pic © Curt King

Anthrax have definitely matured musically and lyrically, but one thing I hate to hear (that often accompanies a matured pocket-book) is a bit of “over production”. But I suppose the complementary, limited edition Anthrax hologram (included in this release) makes up for it!

At any rate, whether you are an old Anthrax fan or “not”, I am certain that one listen to this plastic piece (of vinyl – ed) will leave you in a “State of Euphoria”.

Be All, End All 6:22

Out of Sight, Out of Mind 5:13

Make Me Laugh 5:41

Antisocial (Bonvoisin/Krief) 4:27 (Trust Cover)

Who Cares Wins 7:35

Now It’s Dark 5:34

Schism 5:27

Misery Loves Company 5:40

13 0:49

Finale 5:47

Anthrax: Joe Belladonna (vocals), Dan Spitz, Scott Ian (guitar), Frank Bello (bass), Charlie Benante (drums).

Recorded at Quadradial Studios. Miami, Florida.