Among the Living

iTunes Review

A cornerstone of the thrash movement, Among the Living stands alongside works by Slayer, Metallica, and Megadeth as a definitive statement of late-eighties metal. While Fistful of Metal and Spreading the Disease established the brutal prowess of this New York quintet, Among the Living found the band coming into its own. They seethe with confidence and focus on “Among the Living” and “A Skeleton In the Closet,” and singer Joey Belladonna has a powerful wail in the tradition of Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson. In addition to their musical precision, the band started addressing a diverse range of subjects. “I Am the Law” is a tribute to the fearsome character Judge Dredd, and Anthrax crafted a song that perfectly suits the tone of the comic book. “Caught In A Mosh” and “One World” reanimate the band’s hardcore punk roots for a metal setting, while “Efilnikufesin” is a tribute to comedian and fellow hardcore fanatic John Belushi. Most surpring of all is “Indians,” an utterly unironic anthem against the oppression of American aboriginals that has since become an Anthrax fan favorite.