Anthrax And The First Time They Met Slayer—And Knew They Had To Step It Up

April 2, 2025

It was a chilly evening in the summer of 1990 when the members of Anthrax found themselves backstage at a famous venue in Los Angeles. The air buzzed with excitement and nerves, a feeling that came with being part of the heavy metal scene and, more importantly, sharing the stage with one of their biggest influences: Slayer. For Anthrax, a band known for its thrash metal energy and fierce lyrics, this was a moment they had dreamed about. They had listened to Slayer’s music since they were kids, and now, face-to-face with their idols, they felt the pressure to step up their game.

As they watched Slayer perform, it was like being hit by a tidal wave of raw energy. Tom Araya’s voice rang out, powerful and commanding, while Kerry King’s guitar riffs pierced through the crowd, igniting a fierce mosh pit. Anthrax stood in awe, realizing that every note and every beat was filled with a passion they hoped to channel in their own music. “We have to be just as good, if not better,” Scott Ian, Anthrax’s guitarist, thought to himself. It was at that moment that the realization struck – not only did they want to be great, but they wanted to push the boundaries of what thrash metal could be. Watching their heroes spurred them on to take risks and explore new sounds.

When the show ended, Anthrax could hardly contain their excitement. They ran up to the members of Slayer, their hearts racing like never before. In that brief moment of connection, Slayer shared words of encouragement, telling them how they appreciated what Anthrax was doing for the metal scene. It was a powerful moment that ignited a fire within Anthrax; they realized that they were not just followers in this genre but leaders who could create something bold and innovative. Inspired by Slayer’s fearless attitude, they returned to their studios with a renewed sense of purpose.

The weeks that followed were filled with long rehearsals and late nights. Anthrax poured their hearts into their upcoming album, striving to capture the intensity they had witnessed on that unforgettable night. They experimented with new styles and lyrics, trying to find their own unique voice. The pressure to meet the high standards set by Slayer pushed them to dig deeper into their creativity and passion for music. Each riff and beat transformed into a form of personal expression, conveying their resilience and determination to stand out in the thrash metal landscape.

When Anthrax finally released their new album, it was like a sonic explosion. Fans were thrilled to hear the evolution of their sound, and the band began to gain recognition not only for their technical skills but also for their innovative approach. The bond they had formed with Slayer became a turning point in their career, showing them that it was okay to take risks and be true to themselves. They were no longer just trying to fit into the heavy metal mold; they were creating their own legacy.

Looking back on that night in Los Angeles, Anthrax realized how much it had changed them. Their encounter with Slayer had inspired them to push their limits, and in doing so, they found a deeper passion for music. They understood that success wasn’t just about fame or recognition, but about the journey of creativity and self-discovery. Anthrax not only carved out their place in the world of metal but also learned that inspiration can come from the most unexpected moments, encouraging everyone to step up and embrace their own unique paths.