From Guitar World · · 2m
Anthrax on final album and family trauma
Anthrax's new album may be their last record after family trauma and a disastrous cruise.
In brief
Anthrax's new album may be their last record after family trauma and a disastrous cruise. Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian says their new album could be their final release after a painful journey with family trauma and a cruise mishap. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Anthrax cruise mishap
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian and drummer Charlie Benante faced a smoke machine malfunction on the ship that burned Ian's left arm.
“At first it was like, 'What the hell?' but before we could get out of the way, it spewed out more. A chunk of it hit my left arm, and I got a second-degree burn.”
Cruise weather conditions
The ship encountered freezing temperatures and gale-force winds during its return from the Bahamas to Miami.
“It passed through a winter weather system and was confronted by freezing temperatures and gale-force winds.”
Back pain aftermath
Ian's back pain worsened after the cruise, requiring him to sit for extended periods during a flight to Buenos Aires.
“I had to fly to Buenos Aires, and I was in so much pain. Any move I made was just lightning bolts.”
Band's business overhaul
Anthrax cleaned house business-wise after the cruise, finalizing their support team for the new album cycle.
“We cleaned house, business-wise. It was a long time coming, and we made the changes we needed to make going into this album cycle.”
New album details
The album Cursum Perficio, their most exciting release since 1987's Among the Living, blends barreling speed, nuanced melody, and creative experimentation.
“The album, their most exciting and energized release since 1987's Among the Living, blends barreling speed, nuanced melody, angular precision and creative experimentation into 11 fierce and often furious tracks.”
Songwriting process
Benante wrote demos for the album, sending them to the band members, and worked on songs in phases over several years.
“For me, it's probably been going on since about 2015. I'd make demos and send them to the guys. And then around 2018 we got together in L.A. and started to create the album.”
Family trauma impact
Ian wrote The Long Goodbye as a tribute to his father who died after a long battle with dementia.
“The Long Goodbye is a tribute to your father, who died after a long battle with dementia.”
Mr. Bungle connection
Ian played with Mr. Bungle for six years, learning grown-up chords and expanding his musical range.
“Being around the guys in Mr. Bungle for six years has opened my caveman world.”
Album title meaning
Benante chose the album title Cursum Perficio, Latin for 'I complete my journey', suggesting it may be their final release.
“I felt like our journey has come to an end. This may be the last record I want to write for the band.”
Touring plans
Anthrax plans to tour the new album for three years, potentially ending their career around their 50th anniversary.
“We're going to tour this album for about three years, and by the time we're done, we'll be three years away from our 50th anniversary.”
Album release
Cursum Perficio is released via Nuclear Blast, Anthrax's label, after a decade-long wait.
“Cursum Pacifico is out now via Nuclear Blast.”
Band's future
Ian says the album could be their final release, but he remains open to continuing the band for a while longer.
“I could keep going. But you know what's crazy? We're going to tour this album for about three years, and by the time we're done, we'll be three years away from our 50th anniversary.”
Songwriting process
Benante worked on the album in phases, writing songs in batches and refining them over time.
“We did six songs first and then we took a break, worked on those songs, and then I went and recorded the next six or seven songs.”
Guitar effects
Ian used various pedals and effects to create unique sounds for the album, including the Strymon Cloudburst.
“I used a bunch of pedals, including the Old Blood Noise Endeavors BL-44 Reverse; Beetronics Zzombee Filtremulator; TC Electronic Chorus, Pitch Modulator & Flanger; Gamechanger Plasma distortion; some Death by Audio stuff; and the Strymon Cloudburst ambient reverb.”
Band's creative process
The band worked closely together on the album, with Benante and Ian refining the songs and arrangements.
“Sometimes it's cool when Scott does a variation of the riff to modify it. I'm always open to that because these guys have to interpret it, too.”
Album's significance
The album is Anthrax's most creative and energetic release in over three decades, blending thrash metal with experimental elements.
“It's the best thing we've done in a long time.”
The main idea
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian says their new album could be their final release after a painful journey with family trauma and a cruise mishap.
