Anthrax - the Greater of Two Evils
Nuclear Blast - NB1274 - 29/11/04
By Patrick Walsh
While it's debatable whether The Greater of Two Evils serves as a good introuction to Anthrax's early work or is an unnecessary waste of time, one thing that is clear is that it's an enjoyable romp through some of the best thrash tunes ever written. The Greater of Two Evils is essentially a bevvy of Anthrax favourites (chosen by the fans on a webpoll apparently) from the 80s re-recorded with John Bush at the helm.
Perhaps following on from Testament's foray into similar territory on 2001's First strike Still Deadly, it can be viewed as a chance for newer fans to hear some of their older material under a modern umbrella; i.e. with a beefed up production and with their vocalist of twelve years, John Bush. And let's face it; Bush has a much better set of pipes than Joey belladonna, and his vocals on The greater of Two Evils are great, with the result that some of these renditions actually sound more powerful than the originals. His grittier, more metallic vocal style makes cuts such as 'Among The living' and 'I Am The Law' sound, perhaps for the first time, truly thrash. The production is suitably clear and punchy with reliably tight performances all round, drummer Charlie Benante in particular loosens up his style a little in comparison to their recent studio offerings.
If this were an original recording from a modern thrash band it would be hailed as an instant classic, as the tracklisting is pretty much faultless, and the performances and production are spot on. If you own the original recordings of these songs you might want to look elsewhere for your thrash fix, as this is by no means essential. What this is good for is as an introduction the band's older days, or those who liked the originals but were put off by Belladonna's vocals. Not essential, but consistent and enjoyable nonetheless.
8/10
Anthrax's Official Website
Nuclear Blast's Official Website
Nuclear Blast - NB1274 - 29/11/04
By Patrick Walsh
While it's debatable whether The Greater of Two Evils serves as a good introuction to Anthrax's early work or is an unnecessary waste of time, one thing that is clear is that it's an enjoyable romp through some of the best thrash tunes ever written. The Greater of Two Evils is essentially a bevvy of Anthrax favourites (chosen by the fans on a webpoll apparently) from the 80s re-recorded with John Bush at the helm.
Perhaps following on from Testament's foray into similar territory on 2001's First strike Still Deadly, it can be viewed as a chance for newer fans to hear some of their older material under a modern umbrella; i.e. with a beefed up production and with their vocalist of twelve years, John Bush. And let's face it; Bush has a much better set of pipes than Joey belladonna, and his vocals on The greater of Two Evils are great, with the result that some of these renditions actually sound more powerful than the originals. His grittier, more metallic vocal style makes cuts such as 'Among The living' and 'I Am The Law' sound, perhaps for the first time, truly thrash. The production is suitably clear and punchy with reliably tight performances all round, drummer Charlie Benante in particular loosens up his style a little in comparison to their recent studio offerings.
If this were an original recording from a modern thrash band it would be hailed as an instant classic, as the tracklisting is pretty much faultless, and the performances and production are spot on. If you own the original recordings of these songs you might want to look elsewhere for your thrash fix, as this is by no means essential. What this is good for is as an introduction the band's older days, or those who liked the originals but were put off by Belladonna's vocals. Not essential, but consistent and enjoyable nonetheless.
8/10
Anthrax's Official Website
Nuclear Blast's Official Website
