ANTHRAX fans have been waiting nearly a decade for new studio material — and the wait is nearly over. Drummer Charlie Benante has confirmed that the band will release their first single and accompanying music video this month, May 2026, with the full album to follow in September. The record will be distributed via Megaforce in North America and Nuclear Blast in Europe, and will be the band's first full-length since 2016's For All Kings.
Benante described the lead single as "definitely a love letter to our fans" and a "fucking banger of a song" — a characterization that has only intensified expectations among the band's fiercely loyal following. The album as a whole was recorded at Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in Northridge, California, with producer Jay Ruston returning from his work on For All Kings and 2011's Worship Music.
The album was initially targeted for a May 2026 release before being pushed to September to allow time following the band's recent management change. Guitarist Scott Ian, who confirmed the album is complete, promised "crushing riffs and great, hooky choruses" across every track.
The delay has done nothing to dampen expectations. ANTHRAX remain one of thrash metal's "Big Four" alongside METALLICA, SLAYER, and MEGADETH — and their continued live presence, including appearances on IRON MAIDEN's North American tour this summer and the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise, ensures they are as relevant as ever heading into this long-awaited studio return.