Artist: Anthrax
Label: Sanctuary Records Group
Release Date: 4/20/04
Rating: 4 Skulls
Death's Review (7/2/04):
You might not be able to find it at Best Buy (although you can; I checked), but we have it here at Metal Judgment: the killer new DVD and live CD from Anthrax. I must admit I was intrigued by the hype that told me that this was one of the greatest Anthrax shows ever. This was supposed to be their Budokan, their Red Rocks. OK, after listening to it I've decided that might be stretching things a bit, but yes, the sold out Chicago crowd is pumped up and singing along with every song at this December 2003 gig, and yes, it does kick ass (with Frank Bello still on bass!). The comic style album cover done by Alex Ross is supplemented by a cool comic-style booklet (with Captain 'Thrax!) and artwork on the CD tray teaching the uninitiated how to "throw the horns," although reminding us that familiarity with the first Dio or Iron Maiden albums is a definite prerequisite. The set comes with an audio CD and a video DVD, both featuring songs from the same Chicago show. The DVD has a couple of bonus tracks from another night on the tour in Flint though. The whole thing is rather nicely put together.The footage is of decent quality, and like I said before the crowd is indeed fired up. The setlist is the usual 21st Century Anthrax standard show for the most part though, although we do get some interesting and unexpected selections like "Keep it in the Family," "Be All End All" (which the guys at my house all agreed featured a pretty killer John Bush vocal performance), and "Metal Thrashing Mad." "What Doesn't Die" comes across well here, as does "Safe Home," a song I'm still on the fence about but the band obviously loves to perform and which gets a great sing along response here. I also like "Room For One More," and "Only." All in all, it is a fun show, and the CD makes for a nice sing along / greatest hits type collection to have in your six CD changer or to listen to when driving on a long car trip.
Where things get really fun is with the bonus tracks. Each band member (except Bello) gets a feature. Charlie Benante's is the best, as he goes to the home of Alex Ross and interviews him about comics, movies, and collecting. Charlie is a true fanboy, and Ross plays along well. Other features spotlight Rob's drunken backstage antics, Bush's home bar, and Scott getting the pentathrax tattooed on his arm. All are fun and give the band a chance to share a bit of off-stage personality. I also like the Easter egg - pressing select or enter or angle or whatever while watching "smoke break" gets you a clip of Benante going off on the drums. All in all, the DVD is a lot of fun. The CD makes for a fun but not exactly essential listen. If you like Anthrax, you want this stuff. If you don't, you needn't concern yourself.
I like Anthrax, so I give it 4 skulls.
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