New Anthrax;.........Low U.S. Sales

[Deadly Embrace]

ANTHRAX Drummer Says 'Stupid' Americans Won't Buy Their Record - Aug. 31, 2003 ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante recently spoke to Brendan Manley of the Long Island Press about the disappointing U.S. sales performance of the band's latest CD, "We've Come For You All". "We're very happy with [the record]," Benante said. "We just want it to start selling more. Whoever has it loves it. It's just [a matter of] reaching these other people that are just sleepin'."

Benante says that the blame for the low sales of ANTHRAX latest CD can be attributed to the current trends in American pop music, which he claims place a premium on hit singles and star quality. "I think that people [in America] are just stupid," he said. "They are not like the Europeans. The Europeans fu**in' love it, ya know? They love their music — they're loyal. See, over there, it's about the record, it's about the band. Over here it's about the fu**ing song. ... It just doesn't make sense to me sometimes. What happened here? It's sad."

"It's just a very sad time for music," Benante said of the recent rap-metal/nu-metal trend. "I've felt that way for a while now—that music now is just contrived, and it's just people just ripping off [whatever else is] popular and there's no real integrity in it. There's no growth, there's nothing. LINKIN PARK — their second album is basically the first album." Read more.



From: BlabberMouth.Net

 

[MindInsane]

That's a real smart way to reach the American public...just call them stupid and they will flock to the store to buy the record...:Smug:


I didn't buy it because it sounds just like everything else they've done since John joined...I saw the video for the single and didn't like the song...maybe we should rethink our writing Charlie??

 

[hiddenlegions]

I felt the same way about that comment from him. I mean what a dumbass to insult the entire American population. If a record is good , people will buy it , case closed. Stop crying about it man. This isn't the first time he has complained about not selling records and then blaming it on downloading , now it's because Americans are stupid ? F you , how about you write something that's actually good.

 

[hiddenlegions]

I feel like posting that on the Anthrax board , but it will just start a big flame war.

 

[MindInsane]

Case and point...Europeans worship some of the cheesiest metal out there (not all of them so don't reply with a flame unless you worship cheesey metal and are European...K?)...maybe the American population who enjoy underground music are just a little more critical and harder to reach...the standards are pretty high here..for the most part. He's talking about all the kids who listen to mainstream...does he want to be in the mainstream? Maybe he should hire Fred Durst to do some rapping on the next album..oh no wait..wasn't Fred booed all over the US recently? Hmmmm....

 

[pest666]

I get the impression that Assthrax is really bitter at this point. Both Scott and Charlie have made some really lame comments about how its the American public's fault for not buying their record...... what I don't understand is how is it OUR fault that they made a crappy record??

This is almost as stupid as when Charlie threatened the public that they would sue people for d/ling their record (I think the truth is they knew their record sucked, and if people got the chance to hear it, then they wouldn't buy it......).

I can't possibly imagine what they think their going to accomplish by making these statements bashing the American public...... I wonder if its occurred to them that they may end up alienating what few fans they have?

 

[Dirt Junior]

I Never Liked Anthrax...and I Especailly Don't Like The Usa Bashing!!!!!

 

[AjDeath]

That's a real smart way to reach the American public...just call them stupid and they will flock to the store to buy the record...:Smug:


I didn't buy it because it sounds just like everything else they've done since John joined...I saw the video for the single and didn't like the song...maybe we should rethink our writing Charlie??

Not specifically at you MindInsane- but what are you people smoking, first off, Anthrax latest is their best record to date, buy it, I strongly recomend it. Secondly Charlie is right, most of the people living here in these Sates are fucking apothetic, complacent and lazy. I have not heard an original thought from anyone in the fucking media over here in my life, it is all rehashed BS designed to entertain, welcom to the new distraction the new coluseum. People here would rather be comfortable with the scraps they have and be distracted than make any kind of commotion whatsoever, ths is a country full of spineless cowards. That being said, I really do love this country, what it really stands for and not what the Gov't tells us it stands for. I may come off as a very negative person and all but I live with it everyday. And self imposed ignorance is hard to deal with(maybe my own.)

Anyways-BUY ANTHRAX! they don't dissapoint, and don't hate someone because they have a different point of view, life is too short for that shit.

 

[Lies and Perfidy]

You know, when people bash the American public, they're not talking about metalheads...we're a minority, and generally better educated than the "unwashed masses." He's talking about the MTV/pop radio hordes, most of whom are pretty dumb politically as well.

The new Anthrax is fucking awesome...shame it's not getting airplay. Safe Home is just poppy enough to ensnare some alt-rock jackasses.

 

[Brent]

Yeah, I think Benante has a point. It's a terrible time for music in the U.S and there needs to be a change. I also agree that Anthrax's new album kills!

 

[one man]

I think Charlie's complaining is a little pointless. Who wants to have this fucking record will go and purchase it (or already has done it) and who doesn't like it surely won't change his mind just because someone tells him it's the best record ever or calls him stupid (that only refers to metalheads, of course. The mindless MTV and Korn children could go and buy the record if someone says they're uncool- so this tactic might be successful if they want to buy those kids)). Besides, the metal fans are not really into anthrax that much anymore and thus telling them that the record will be a real "back to the roots"(where do we know that from, huh?) and then releasing another mediocre hard rock album doesn't make any sense. You're not gonna cheat anyone- nowadays people don't buy albums if they hadn't listened to them previously (exept for the die-hard fans, whose population is shrinking in anthrax's case). Moreover, almost everyone who's into metal knows anthrax (unlike testament) and is aware of the fact that they've a new cd, so there's no need to advertise themselves all around so blatantly. For they past few months I've been hearing only "yeah, anthrax have a new album, it's fuckin cool, go and buy it!" or "we've done a real heavy shit and we're so proud of it, go buy it!NOW!!!" and what- did it help the sales? No! I just couldn't stand this permanent boasting off. And, on top of everything, they now act like crying babies, cause no one listens to them. Yes, the majority of population consists of brainwashed ignorants and posers, but, for fuck's sake, haven't we known that for years? They're not gonna wake from slumber and send you money, boys! And even if they do- shame on you- it's better to stay true to yourselves than compromise to please the masses just to see your ass on MTV. Just my two cents...

 

[MindInsane]

Not specifically at you MindInsane- but what are you people smoking, first off, Anthrax latest is their best record to date, buy it, I strongly recomend it. Secondly Charlie is right, most of the people living here in these Sates are fucking apothetic, complacent and lazy. I have not heard an original thought from anyone in the fucking media over here in my life, it is all rehashed BS designed to entertain, welcom to the new distraction the new coluseum. People here would rather be comfortable with the scraps they have and be distracted than make any kind of commotion whatsoever, ths is a country full of spineless cowards. That being said, I really do love this country, what it really stands for and not what the Gov't tells us it stands for. I may come off as a very negative person and all but I live with it everyday. And self imposed ignorance is hard to deal with(maybe my own.)

Anyways-BUY ANTHRAX! they don't dissapoint, and don't hate someone because they have a different point of view, life is too short for that shit.

Well Aj..no one I know who is into underground metal is lazy. They research what they are into and are very hardcore about it. I was a HUGE Anthrax fan when Joey was in the band. I even purchased Sound of White Noise when it came out and saw them on that tour. They no longer sounded like Anthrax..they lost that edge. With John they went to the more rock and roll side of things and it was no longer interesting to my ear(if I wanted to listen to Armored Saint I'd go out and buy Armored Saint...not Anthrax). I've heard that single off of the new one and it could be on White Noise...it's exactly the same...sooo, I don't think American underground fans are lazy or complacent..they are quite the opposite..they are really passionate about their music and they like what they like. There are mindless mainstream unimaginitive music fans in EVERY country..not just here. I was going to buy this album because a couple people who I respect their taste in music liked it and told me I should pick it up..then I saw the video and that thought was extinguished...sorry man, but I don't think the entire American population deserves to be lumped into this assinine generalization.

 

[Deadly Embrace]

I love old Anthrax, with Joey at the helm...........Anthrax with Jon Bush, is just not the same(IMO).......in fact I'd rather listen to Armored Saint with Jon, than the new Anthrax......Don't get me wrong, there are some good songs(Jon with Anthrax), but as a whole it's just not as good, and the albums they've released, are not great from start to finish, tend to be weak, some songs I can take, but most just suck for me.....and I lose interest and never play their CD's.........now I just don't buy any.........but thats my choice.......and I've seen there live shows, and Jon just does'nt do the Joey songs justice. In fact new Anthrax bores me......I'd rather see Joey & his cover band do old Anthrax tunes................ than see 3/5(original members), do the old shit!......I just saw Anthrax on tour & they did nothing but bore me, Death Angel blew them away!........Bring Joey back, write some new tunes, and they will increase their stagnent sales, for sure!...........Americans are picky, not stupid, and Charlie, Scott, & frank, have to realize they are never going to recapture their prior metal posistion, or staus, unless Joey returns, and gives us what the real Anthrax fans want, good music like Spreading The Disease, Amoung The Living..........but bitching about stupid americans not buying their newest album, does nothing but put more negativity into their already poor fan base!..........

 

[AjDeath]

Well Aj..no one I know who is into underground metal is lazy. They research what they are into and are very hardcore about it. I was a HUGE Anthrax fan when Joey was in the band. I even purchased Sound of White Noise when it came out and saw them on that tour. They no longer sounded like Anthrax..they lost that edge. With John they went to the more rock and roll side of things and it was no longer interesting to my ear(if I wanted to listen to Armored Saint I'd go out and buy Armored Saint...not Anthrax). I've heard that single off of the new one and it could be on White Noise...it's exactly the same...sooo, I don't think American underground fans are lazy or complacent..they are quite the opposite..they are really passionate about their music and they like what they like. There are mindless mainstream unimaginitive music fans in EVERY country..not just here. I was going to buy this album because a couple people who I respect their taste in music liked it and told me I should pick it up..then I saw the video and that thought was extinguished...sorry man, but I don't think the entire American population deserves to be lumped into this assinine generalization.

Actually I was not talking about metal heads at all, although there are idiots everywhere in the world it seems to me this country is the king of mediocrity and status quo, not really the metal heads(although we uphold our own status quo) I was talking about people (broad term here)who in this country generally let what they see on t.v. and hear on the radio dictate their own individual taste. Why do I think this is a bad thing? First off most of the radio stations in this country are owned by Clear Channel, they tell radio stations what they can and cannot play, what songs are appropriate and what songs are good for the public, this is not what I want for music, it is limiting the choice we can make and the songs are usually the songs you see on t.v. which is not interested in music at all, it is a totally different medium and cares only about keeping our short attention spans, most Americans do not realize that by listening to what these people, who are owned by the same compony, tell you too, then you have just made a non-choice, you do not see the other options that are out there with these people, you see the same product rehashed because they know it will sell, not actual music but parodies of art. That is what I meant, but sometimes I can be a bit vague on my points. Sorry.

 

[pest666]

Actually I was not talking about metal heads at all, although there are idiots everywhere in the world it seems to me this country is the king of mediocrity and status quo, not really the metal heads(although we uphold our own status quo) I was talking about people (broad term here)who in this country generally let what they see on t.v. and hear on the radio dictate their own individual taste. Why do I think this is a bad thing? First off most of the radio stations in this country are owned by Clear Channel, they tell radio stations what they can and cannot play, what songs are appropriate and what songs are good for the public, this is not what I want for music, it is limiting the choice we can make and the songs are usually the songs you see on t.v. which is not interested in music at all, it is a totally different medium and cares only about keeping our short attention spans, most Americans do not realize that by listening to what these people, who are owned by the same compony, tell you too, then you have just made a non-choice, you do not see the other options that are out there with these people, you see the same product rehashed because they know it will sell, not actual music but parodies of art. That is what I meant, but sometimes I can be a bit vague on my points. Sorry.

Your argument is BULLSHIT, and its as bad as Charlie's. Everyone is trying to cushion the blow of Charlie's statement by saying he (or they) didn't mean metalheads. ITS HIS FUCKING FANBASE!!! He didn't single out any particular group or cross section as being stupid, he said THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. And that INCLUDES metalheads (by the way, you notice when he talks about the Euro fans, he keeps mentioning how their into "metal", so how can he not be talking about the metal community??)

Why should Korn-y kids buy a record by an artist they don't listen to? It doesn't matter if it gets airplay or not..... how many records do you buy based on airplay? People, like myself and many of the metalheads on this board, do like MI said..... we go out and search. research. listen and buy. And no matter how you slice it fanboy, their record SUCKS!!

All Assthrax has done for the last 5 years is cry about their misfourtunes and point the finger at everyone else for their failures. If you're fans aren't buying your records, there's a reason for that. And its NOT (no pun intended) the fans fault. You and I and everyone else has the RIGHT to spend our hard earned $$ on any record we please. And if your record sucks...... I'm not buying it.

Not to mention the fact that Assthrax has done some MAJOR CRYING since before the album came out. They've threatened to sue fans if they download the album. They've stated repeatedly that the Europeans are bigger and better fans than the US, and now they've flat out said that US fans are STUPID. Does that inspire me to rush out and buy the new Assthrax? Nope. If anything, I find it insulting, and will prolly never buy another CD by them ever.

And for what its worth in the Euro department. Heard from a guy in Holland today that things aren't going that great for Assthrax there either. They're doing a lot of talking, but they have a lot of CDs sitting on the shelves, and they aren't playing huge venues at all. I have no idea what it is they think they're trying to accomplish, but its not working...... If none of this makes sense to you, its because you're as blind to reality as Anthrax is, and you don't understand. And I can understand why someone who is a fan doesn't.

 

[AjDeath]

Your argument is BULLSHIT, and its as bad as Charlie's. Everyone is trying to cushion the blow of Charlie's statement by saying he (or they) didn't mean metalheads. ITS HIS FUCKING FANBASE!!! He didn't single out any particular group or cross section as being stupid, he said THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. And that INCLUDES metalheads (by the way, you notice when he talks about the Euro fans, he keeps mentioning how their into "metal", so how can he not be talking about the metal community??)

Why should Korn-y kids buy a record by an artist they don't listen to? It doesn't matter if it gets airplay or not..... how many records do you buy based on airplay? People, like myself and many of the metalheads on this board, do like MI said..... we go out and search. research. listen and buy. And no matter how you slice it fanboy, their record SUCKS!!

All Assthrax has done for the last 5 years is cry about their misfourtunes and point the finger at everyone else for their failures. If you're fans aren't buying your records, there's a reason for that. And its NOT (no pun intended) the fans fault. You and I and everyone else has the RIGHT to spend our hard earned $$ on any record we please. And if your record sucks...... I'm not buying it.

Not to mention the fact that Assthrax has done some MAJOR CRYING since before the album came out. They've threatened to sue fans if they download the album. They've stated repeatedly that the Europeans are bigger and better fans than the US, and now they've flat out said that US fans are STUPID. Does that inspire me to rush out and buy the new Assthrax? Nope. If anything, I find it insulting, and will prolly never buy another CD by them ever.

And for what its worth in the Euro department. Heard from a guy in Holland today that things aren't going that great for Assthrax there either. They're doing a lot of talking, but they have a lot of CDs sitting on the shelves, and they aren't playing huge venues at all. I have no idea what it is they think they're trying to accomplish, but its not working...... If none of this makes sense to you, its because you're as blind to reality as Anthrax is, and you don't understand. And I can understand why someone who is a fan doesn't.

WTF? Someone put their tampon in the wrong hole.

If you never buy another Anthrax cd in your life that would be a good thing. And all I am saying is give the cd a chance, if you only heard the one track check some others out. Also for the record, it wasn't an argument, I didn't set out to pick a fight with people, I may have gotten carried away but I didn't act like a total fucking asshole either.

 

[narcisco]

well of course predicting consumer choice is one of those things that continually eludes most producers of cultural content-in this case Anthrax.
Rants about the ignorance of "the public" are based on an ideology of the duped consumer. But some metal bands sell records some don't.
I would argue that timing as well as good product is the great variable.
Anthrax OK. The name maybe a problem with the American public.
John Bush is one of my favourite singers but hey I listen to Symbol of Salvation.
In the end it is whining to go on about "the public".
You produced, it did not sell move on.
That is the way of life that we have.

 

[the alumnus]

i haven't been impressed with the last few anthrax records. they were uninspired post thrash. i didn't bother trying to download samples of the new one because it seemed like it was more of the same, from every review i read. maybe anthrax should stop trying to be pantera and figure out who they are before they waste more time and money recording albums that continue to alienate their old fans.

 

[Papa Josh]

I enjoy the latest Anthrax cd. I think it's the best since Sounds Of White Noise (just like the sticker on the package told me to!!)

Seriously, though. I think that John Bush is one of the best things to ever happen to that band. Musically, obviously personally as well.

I wish they'd just say fuck it and get Dimebag to join the damn band already.

What a monster that would be!

 

[Insania]

I saw Joey play to a very small crowd here two months ago -- he started out, "Well, we're here, and we're ready to play, time to give you what you paid for," and he didn't disappoint! They played only old Anthrax tunes, fun as shit. Gotta hand it to someone who doesn't get much crowd but still delivers the goods...

I preferred that small show over the Anthrax/Lamb of God show last month.