Well I guess I can understand if you dislike the vocals, I love 'em personally. But fair enough.^ Never got into Anthrax, the vocals sound awful to me. I'd rather listen to any other thrash band, you name it.
*shrug* I disagree. I think the only weakness of ATL is that it's too long and has too little variety. Taken on their own, all the songs are great, imo....It's the fact that their most identifiable and popular album is also nearly their worst that makes them such an easy target.
Slammer. Re-Animator. Acid Reign. Probably any other light American-style UK thrash band.
The other bands you mentioned however, are all good too, I just don't think they hold a candle to the first 4 albums with Belladonna.