ANTHRAX drummer CHARLIE BENANTE will sit out nearly a dozen of the thrash metal veterans' European shows after injuring his right hand, the band has confirmed. Benante will be absent from June 20 through July 4, with acclaimed UK session drummer DARBY TODD stepping behind the kit in his place.
"I unfortunately injured my right hand and, following my doctor's orders, I'll be sitting out a handful of shows from June 20 through July 4 to give it the proper time to heal," Benante explained. The drummer added that he is "incredibly grateful that DARBY TODD will be stepping in behind the kit for these dates."
Todd is a versatile, in-demand player whose résumé spans work with DEVIN TOWNSEND, THE DARKNESS and ROBERT PLANT, among many others. He is no stranger to ANTHRAX's catalogue either: he previously filled in for the band's May 23 concert in Athens, Greece, supporting IRON MAIDEN, when Benante was unavailable due to his commitments with PANTERA. The first show of this latest stint was June 20 at France's HELLFEST in Clisson, which was professionally filmed.
Benante's split duties between ANTHRAX and the reactivated PANTERA — for whom he also drums — have kept him among the busiest men in metal, and the hand injury underscores the physical toll of that relentless schedule. The band stressed that the layoff is precautionary and that Benante is expected back once the affected dates have passed.
The timing is notable, as ANTHRAX are gearing up for a major moment in their career. The band's twelfth studio album, "Cursum Perficio," is due September 18, 2026 — their first full-length in a decade and the long-awaited follow-up to 2016's "For All Kings." Anticipation among fans has been building steadily, and the group will want their engine room back at full strength well before the record lands.
For now, ANTHRAX's European run continues with Todd holding down the rhythm, while Benante focuses on healing. The classic lineup — Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Jonathan Donais and vocalist Joey Belladonna — remains otherwise intact as the band pushes deeper into a milestone year.