I have to agree with the original poster. Volume 8 is a special album. It was Anthrax at their most "You know what, we don't give a fuck, let's write some good songs, no matter what they sound like" stage. It is such a hodge-podge of different styles that is beautifully weaved together. Is it as thrashy or "metal" as WCFYA? Probably not, but Volume 8 just flows so well and leaves me with a good feeling every time I hear it. It is also the first album where I will say that Charlie is a really good drummer. On the early albums I was not that impressed as his beats were typical and repetitive (I think State of Euphoria proved that, as it is considered the weakest Anthrax album, probably because it is TOO Anthrax). As time progressed he has gotten better. Now it's to the point where I'm like "I can't fuck with Charlie Benante". My favorite albums are Volume 8, Among the Living, and WCFYA in that order.