Anthems (Anthrax EP)

"Anthems" is an extended play (EP) by American heavy metal band Anthrax, released on March 19, 2013, through Megaforce Records. This album shows Anthrax paying tribute to some of their favorite bands from the 1970s. It features cover songs from popular bands such as Rush, AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Thin Lizzy, Boston and Journey.

Anthrax decided to create this set of covers to have a bit of fun and to take a slight detour from their usual work. They selected songs that had influenced them as a band and specifically tried to maintain the original essence of each song while still giving it a fresh, metal spin.

As a band, Anthrax has been a major figure in the thrash metal genre since their inception in the early 1980s. The "Anthems" EP was recorded in 2012 and produced by Anthrax, Jay Ruston and Rob Caggiano. Its release represents a different side of Anthrax's music, showcasing their ability to adapt and perform a diverse range of musical styles. Critics generally received the album positively, commenting particularly on the band’s faithful rendering of the original tracks, paired with their signature thrash metal twist.

Anthrax's line-up for "Anthems" includes Scott Ian on rhythm guitar, Charlie Benante on drums, Frank Bello on bass, Joey Belladonna on vocals, and lead guitarist Jonathan Donais.