The Time Anthrax Got Into A Full-Blown Prank War With Slayer

March 20, 2025

It all began one sunny afternoon in the bustling city of Los Angeles, where the heavy metal bands Anthrax and Slayer were gearing up for a legendary tour together. The two bands had their own unique styles and dedicated fanbases, but they shared a fierce rivalry that often spilled over into pranks. It started innocently enough when Anthrax decided to sneak into Slayer’s dressing room before a show and replace all their guitar picks with tiny little pink ones. They giggled at the thought of the metal legends trying to play in front of thousands with such an embarrassing choice.

Slayer didn’t take kindly to the prank, of course. That very night, during Anthrax’s performance, the Slayer crew managed to switch the setlist with their own. As Anthrax took the stage, they were blindsided by a full set of Slayer songs instead of their own. The audience erupted in laughter and cheers, and while Anthrax played the unfamiliar tunes with growing confusion, the competition only stoked their competitive fires. They knew they had to come back with an even better prank, drawing on their creativity and camaraderie.

Days turned into weeks, and the pranks escalated. Each band outdid the other, plotting schemes that were both hilarious and outrageous. Anthrax decided to cover Slayer’s van in bright pink paint while Slayer retaliated by filling Anthrax’s equipment cases with balloons. These antics became the talk of the tour, and soon, fans were eagerly waiting to see what the next prank would be. But beneath the laughter, both bands grew closer, sharing jokes and stories about their early days in music. They realized that their rivalry, while fierce, was rooted in a shared love for heavy metal.

As the prank war continued, something remarkable happened. The pressure of the constant joking and giggling began to inspire both bands in ways they hadn’t expected. The camaraderie brought forth new ideas for music and lyrics, and they started writing together during their downtime. The playful rivalry shifted from pranks to collaboration, resulting in some of the most powerful songs of their careers. The experience reminded them both that music was about connection and creativity, not just competition.

By the end of the tour, Anthrax and Slayer had transformed their rivalry into a legendary friendship, proving that even the fiercest of competitors could find common ground. They left the road with an album full of fresh material that showcased the best of both worlds. The prank war had sparked a creativity that neither had anticipated, leaving them with a bond that would last a lifetime. It reminded them that the heart of music is in the relationships we build, the joy we share, and the laughter we create along the way.

In the years that followed, Anthrax and Slayer both enjoyed booming careers, using their story to inspire others in the music world. The prank war became a legendary tale often told in interviews, showcasing the importance of resilience, creativity, and the power of friendship in the face of competition. It taught them a valuable lesson: sometimes, the best way to connect with others is through a little laughter, and the strongest relationships can come from the most unexpected beginnings.