Madhouse: The Very Best of Anthrax is a compilation album by American heavy metal band Anthrax, released in 2001. It is a collection of some of the band's biggest hits, charting their musical journey from their debut in 1985 up until the early 2000s.
Anthrax, one of the pioneers of the thrash metal scene, was founded in 1981 in New York City. They are typically credited as one of the leaders of the thrash metal movement of the 1980s, along with other big names like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.
The tracklist for Madhouse: The Very Best of Anthrax features a wide array of the band's output, from earlier tracks like "Madhouse" and "Armed and Dangerous," to more recent songs like "Inside Out" and "Crush". It includes well-known tracks from the band's history, making it a great introduction for new listeners or a nostalgic trip for long-standing fans.
While the album doesn't necessarily encompass all the highs and lows of Anthrax's career, it brings together some of their most iconic songs. Appreciating the band's penchant for powerful guitar riffs, intense drumming, and skillful vocals, this album represents hallowed hallmarks in Anthrax's three-decade-long journey in heavy metal music. However, it's important to note that it doesn't include any of the band's work from after the year 2001 since its release coincides with that year.
As with any best-of collection, the choice of tracks can be subjective, and some listeners may miss some of their personal favorites. Still, as a concise summary of the power and intensity that Anthrax is capable of delivering, Madhouse: The Very Best of Anthrax does a fine job. It stands as a testament to the band's contribution to heavy metal, showcasing its unique East Coast take on thrash that separates them from their West Coast counterparts.
