This is Anthrax at its very best: pure aggression delivered with a grin. No concept albums, no introspection, no unnecessary complications, just sixty minutes of riffs, gang vocals and infectious energy from one of thrash metal's most consistently entertaining bands.
The set strikes a perfect balance between celebrating the past and acknowledging the future. The classics are all present and accounted for, alongside a taste of the upcoming Cursum Perficio, due out on September 18. The obligatory covers are chosen wisely, particularly "Antisocial" by French hard rock pioneers Trust, which always feels a little extra special on French soil. Charlie Benante's absence due to injury is unfortunate, but Darby Todd proves an extremely capable substitute, attacking the material with all the precision and power one could hope for.
The usual suspects are otherwise in attendance. Scott Ian remains the embodiment of New York hardcore enthusiasm, his energy seemingly immune to age. But the afternoon's MVP is Joey Belladonna. Not content with being one of the rare genuinely melodic singers in thrash metal, he also proves to be an effortlessly affable frontman, radiating positivity and constantly engaging with the crowd. His smile alone is enough to dispel any lingering notions that thrash metal has to be humorless.
And perhaps that is Anthrax's greatest strength. Plenty of bands can play fast. Plenty of bands can play aggressively. Very few manage to make extreme music feel this welcoming. At Hellfest, Anthrax turns a field full of metalheads into one giant mosh pit with a smile on its face. That's a rare gift, and one they have now been sharing for over forty years.
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TesseracT @ Main Stage 2 (Photos, setlist)
Point Mort @ Warzone (Photo)
Queensrÿche @ Main Stage 1 (Photos, review, setlist)
Stoned Jesus @ Valley Stage (Photos, review, setlist)
Bloodywood @ Main Stage 2 (Photos, setlist)
Accept @ Main Stage 1 (Photos, review, setlist)
Sepultura @ Main Stage 2 (Photos, review, setlist)
Helloween @ Main Stage 1 (Photos, review, setlist)
Opeth @ Main Stage 2 (Photos, review, setlist)
Iron Maiden @ Main Stage 1 (Photos, review, setlist)
DAY FOUR
Scour @ Temple Stage (Photos, review, setlist)
Eyehategod @ Valley Stage (Photos, review)
Six Feet Under @ Altar Stage (Photos, review, setlist)
Corrosion Of Conformity @ Valley Stage (Photos, review)
Possessed @ Altar Stage (Photos, setlist)
Agnostic Front @ Warzone - (Photos, setlist)
Acid Bath @Valley Stage (Photos, review, setlist)
Marduk @ Altar Stage (Photos, setlist)
Napalm Death @ Altar Stage (Photos, review, setlist)
Down @ Valley Stage (Photos, review, setlist)