In an insightful discussion with Fistful of Metal magazine, Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante opened up about the long-awaited follow-up to their 2016 album For All Kings. Addressing the delays in the project, Benante clarified that his involvement with Pantera’s recent live performances wasn’t the reason for the holdup. Instead, he explained that some of the material, conceived before the pandemic, felt outdated and needed a fresh perspective. “We went back and redid parts we weren’t entirely happy with. We’re trying to make this album the best it can be,” Benante shared, emphasizing their commitment to quality over speed.
Reflecting on the challenges of revisiting older material, Benante explained how time had shifted their perspectives on certain songs. “Some ideas were from the pre-COVID era, and when we revisited them, they didn’t feel right,” he said. The band took the opportunity to refine their work, ensuring that the new album resonates with the same intensity and relevance Anthrax is known for. Fans can rest assured that the group’s focus remains firmly on delivering an album that upholds their legacy.
Benante also discussed his experience performing with Pantera, stepping into the iconic role of the late Vinnie Paul Abbott behind the drums. “I don’t take this for granted,” he admitted, expressing his deep respect for Pantera’s music and his close bond with its members. His history with Vinnie and Dimebag Darrell Abbott, along with his camaraderie with Rex Brown and Philip Anselmo, added a personal layer to the performances. “It’s been therapeutic for all of us, especially for Rex and Philip,” he said, highlighting the emotional weight of honoring Pantera’s legacy on stage.
During the interview, Benante shared a heartwarming story about Vinnie Paul’s admiration for his drumming. “Vinnie told me he’d borrowed elements of my style for Pantera,” Benante revealed, recalling how Vinnie had drawn inspiration from tracks like those on Anthrax’s Spreading the Disease. This mutual exchange of influences, Benante added, is common among drummers, citing similar compliments from Slipknot’s late Joey Jordison. “Hearing that from drummers I admire is always an honor,” he said, reflecting on the interconnected nature of musical creativity.
As anticipation builds for Anthrax’s new album, fans also celebrate Benante’s contributions to Pantera’s live shows, cementing his place in the broader metal community. The full interview delves deeper into the creative process behind Anthrax’s upcoming record and Benante’s reflections on his influential drumming career. The latest issue of Fistful of Metal offers a thrash-packed lineup featuring insights from other heavyweights like Metallica, Kreator, and Testament, making it a must-read for metal enthusiasts.
