"Church of Anthrax" is a collaborative studio album by musicians John Cale and Terry Riley. It was released in February 1971 by record label Columbia.
John Cale, a Welsh musician and composer, is known for his work with the Velvet Underground, an American rock band, and his solo work. Terry Riley, an American composer, is one of the pioneers of the minimalist school of Western classical music.
The album "Church of Anthrax" blends both artists' styles and genres. While it contains elements of Cale's classical training and rock music background, it also showcases Riley's interest in minimalism, improvisation, and Eastern classical music. The five tracks on the album are a mix of rock, drone, and minimal music.
The album was not a commercial success upon its initial release. However, it has since been critically re-evaluated and is now considered a forward-thinking, innovative work that was ahead of its time.
Despite the apparent tension between the two artists during the making of the album, "Church of Anthrax" stands as a unique fusion of minimalist classical music and rock. The album has influenced a wide range of artists across various genres and continues to be appreciated for its innovative approach to music-making.
