New Anthrax Album Cursum Perficio
Anthrax spent six years crafting their new studio album, Cursum Perficio, following the 2016 release of For All Kings, Premier Guitar reported.
The band completed their touring cycle in November 2019 before COVID-19 restrictions forced the members to write remotely.
“Not since the band started touring in 1984 have I ever been literally in one place for that long,” guitarist Scott Ian told Premier Guitar.
Anthrax rose to prominence through thrash metal breakthroughs
Formed in New York City, Anthrax established themselves alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer as part of the “Big Four” of American thrash metal. Their 1987 third album, Among the Living, achieved gold certification and pushed the group from club venues to arena stages.
“It’s been the fucking privilege of a lifetime to get to do this,” Ian told Premier Guitar, noting that the 1987 breakthrough secured their career longevity.
In 1991, the group collaborated with Public Enemy on a new version of “Bring the Noise,” creating an early metal-rap crossover. The quintet later appeared on the Fox sitcom Married… with Children in 1992.
Pandemic isolation and Studio 606 shaped new songs
Isolation during the pandemic influenced the lyrical direction of the new tracks, with Ian drawing on anxieties regarding school shootings and the 2022 death of his father-in-law, musician Meat Loaf. Drummer Charlie Benante supplied roughly 90 percent of the musical demos for the project.
In early 2022, Ian, Benante, and bassist Frank Bello gathered at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in the San Fernando Valley. Lead guitarist Jon Donais recorded his parts remotely from Massachusetts using timestamped digital files.
The Edge of Perfection Reception
The band members highlighted the track “Edge of Perfection” as a standout release from the new sessions. Ian described the nearly seven-minute song as the best piece the group has ever written.
After getting together at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606, the band worked on new music while Dave Grohl was an early fan of a song. Fans on social media similarly welcomed the single following its release.
Questions about the album title and release history
What does the album title Cursum Perficio mean?
Translated from Latin, the phrase has multiple meanings including “my journey is over” and “I complete my journey.” Charlie Benante discovered the inscription on a stone at Marilyn Monroe’s former home.
When did Anthrax last release a studio album?
The band released their 11th studio album, For All Kings, in 2016 and finished touring in support of it in November 2019.
Who produced the guitar tracks for the new record?
Rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and lead guitarist Jon Donais recorded the guitar parts, utilizing gear including a Jackson X Series Signature King V and a Dean Exile Signature.
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