Anthrax, the veteran heavy metal band known as one of the genre’s seminal acts, released their latest album, "Cursum Perficio," on September 18, marking their first studio effort in a decade. The release follows an extensive creative process spanning several years, including sessions at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Los Angeles in 2022 and continued refinement through 2024 before final mixing in 2025.
The band, part of the renowned "Big Four" alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, recently performed at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, opening for Iron Maiden. Frontman Joey Belladonna greeted a largely mixed audience, noting many attendees were new to the band—reflecting Anthrax’s effort to reach beyond thrash metal’s traditional fanbase. Rhythm guitarist and lyricist Scott Ian emphasized the group’s intention to engage with listeners unfamiliar with the band’s aggressive sound, describing it as an opportunity to broaden their appeal.
Drummer and primary songwriter Charlie Benante detailed the meticulous approach to crafting "Cursum Perficio," emphasizing that the band insisted on high standards during writing and production. He noted growing frustration with the contemporary metal scene, which he described as stagnant and predictable.
The album contains 11 tracks that blend Anthrax’s signature heavy riffs, intense vocals, and powerful rhythms with experimental elements such as atmospheric guitar work and unconventional song structures. “The Edge of Perfection” stands out as a genre-defying piece combining ethereal melodies with ferocious metal techniques, a track Ian calls the band’s best to date. Lyrically, this song, like much of the album, balances aggression with an optimistic theme centered on striving for an elusive ideal of happiness and health.
Despite some politically charged themes, including commentary on partisanship’s divide-and-conquer tactics and the prevalence of school shootings in the United States, Ian rejects a straightforward alignment with any political ideology, identifying himself as a centrist. Both Ian and Benante expressed frustration with social and economic issues, particularly inequalities and systemic problems in the U.S., which have informed much of the album’s tone and content. They describe the record as a reflection of a society experiencing intensified turmoil, rather than a partisan manifesto.
Other tracks on the album explore diverse topics, such as the celebratory yet chaotic band life of the early 1990s (“NYC 93”) and the struggles associated with dementia (“The Long Goodbye”). The title, Latin for “I complete my journey,” along with lyrics suggesting closure, has fueled speculation about the band’s future. However, Benante dismissed the idea that Anthrax is winding down, highlighting the energy and vitality they continue to experience through live performances.
With members ranging in age from late 40s to early 60s, Anthrax views touring and creating new music as a source of rejuvenation rather than decline. The band remains committed to their craft, insisting that their passion and connection with fans endure, even as they navigate the changing landscape of heavy metal and broader cultural challenges.