ANTHRAX has officially commenced the songwriting process for the band's next studio album, tentatively due in 2014. Guitarist Scott Ian tweeted this past Saturday: "Today [drummer Charlie Benante] and [bassist Frank Bello] are coming over to start writing for the next record. The few skeletons that are rattling around sound vicious!"Benante recently spent time recovering from surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. He rejoined his bandmates for their September 13 performance at "The Battle Of San Bernardino" festival in San Bernardino, California alongside IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, OVERKILL and SABATON.The first photo of the new ANTHRAX lineup featuring the band's latest addition, guitarist Jon Donais (SHADOWS FALL) can be seen below (photo by Stephanie Cabral).Donais has been touring with ANTHRAX since Rob Caggiano's departure in January, and will continue to play with ANTHRAX for the foreseeable future.Speaking to Metal Hammer editor Alexander Milas for the "Metal Hammer" radio show on TeamRock Radio, Scott Ian stated about the band's current second-guitarist situation: "Jon's been with us since February, and I think I can safely say he's passed the audition
[laughs]. I know we haven't said anything official yet, but in my mind, he's the guy. I'm sure some type of official announcement
because in this world, people apparently need that kind of information so they can sleep well at night. But as far as I'm concerned, Jon is the guitar player in ANTHRAX."Donais previously stated about playing with ANTHRAX: "I grew up on ANTHRAX, they're the thrash scene, they're one of the 'Big Four,' I'd be crazy to not want to play with them. Initially, Rob called and told me he was leaving the band, and asked if I'd be interested in filling in. Then Scott called me and everything fell into place."
Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral
(Thanks: NJthrasher)
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