Search - Anthrax :: Fistful of Metal

The First Anthrax.....

exodusone | San Bernardino, CA USA | 02/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before Joey, there was Neil Turbin (lead singer). A lot of people talked about this, why? because some people said that Neil Turbin was a Judas Priset rip-off singer. But, despite what those people said, they were wrong. You really can't compare anyone to Neil. On the other hand, Anthrax the band had a style that no other metal band had at that time, speed, a double bass drum and some fast guitars that kicked. Before they were polished and went hardcore. They sounded like something straight out of a heavy metal club with much heavy metal spirit. Favorite songs off this album are "Deathrider" and "Metal Thrashing Mad". This is a heavy metal classic for all headbangers that are true to metal. Remember your roots of metal."

The Other (forgotten) Anthrax

Zander Haberstaft | Miami, Florida | 07/14/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The only way to put it is there were three Anthrax bands: 1) Fistful of Metal here with Neil Turbin 2) The Belladonna years 1985-1991 3) John Bush Years 1991-current. The point is that all three of these Anthrax's sound different from the others.The first here is actually better than you might think. Don't expect to pick this up as a regular Anthrax album of the era. The drumming (Benante) is overall a little slower than in later albums and the constant double-bass speed sounds like something off a Motorhead album. The vocals (Turbin) are the most striking feature -VERY HIGH PITCHED. The guy has one of the highest screams that I've ever heard. (Just listen to the 10 second scream on "Metal Thrashing Mad" where he goes from high to higher.) The guitars are rather generic for the time (Exodus like) and the bass (Lilker) sometimes kicks up some cool lines but is otherwise just as ordinary. This album also contains a classic song that Anthrax still plays at all their shows "Metal Thrashing Mad". This song is definitely of the top five.In short, what this album sounds like is a mix between 70s style Judas Priest, Motorhead, Exodus (Bonded by Blood), and something else. The album is original nonetheless and if you like Anthrax then you will like this album. Even if you're not a fan of Anthrax but you like stuff such as Slayer's "Show no Mercy", Megadeth's first album, Metallica's first, and other albums of the 1982-1984 period, this is a must have."

A Screamin' Classic

Peter | Glendale, N.Y. | 11/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've listened to Anthrax for years, but it was only recently that I heard FISTFUL OF METAL for the first time. I wasn't expecting much. I had assumed that since the first singer, Neil Turbin, was let go, that he was probably nothing to write home about. How wrong I was. That guy was amazing. His vocals were very Priest-esque, but unique at the same time. I wonder why he didn't go on to become one of the greats. Anyway, this album is full of excitement and power. Anthrax, the band, were already very tight and professional sounding, which is amazing since they were probably just barely out of their teens. Great debut. I love 'Metal Thrashing Mad' the best. Order this today."