"Stomp 442" is the seventh studio album by the American thrash metal band Anthrax. It was released on October 24, 1995, by Elektra Records. This album marks a significant shift in the band's sound as it incorporates more elements of heavy metal and grunge, moving away from the band's core thrash metal sound.
The name "Stomp 442" is a reference to the 442 model high-performance automobile from Oldsmobile. The album was produced by the Butcher Brothers, who are actually a production team consisting of younger brother, Keith, and older twin, Kenny.
"Stomp 442" represented a period of considerable turmoil for Anthrax. The band faced multiple issues including the defection of key members, a shift in musical landscapes, and tensions with management and their record label. This resulted in guitarist Scott Ian and drummer Charlie Benante taking on most of the album's songwriting duties.
Despite coming on the heels of "Sound of White Noise" (1993), which was one of the band's highest-charting albums, "Stomp 442" did not fare as well. Upon its release, it faced generally mixed to negative reviews and it was also a commercial disappointment.
Nevertheless, the album yielded two singles: "Fueled" and "Nothing"; both received regular airplay on rock radio and their accompanying videos on MTV. However, none of them were able to reach the heights of past Anthrax hits.
With all its struggles, the album holds a somewhat controversial place in Anthrax's discography. Yet, it showcases the band's resilience and adaptability under challenging conditions, reflecting a lesser-known but no less vital chapter of the Anthrax saga.
