Since 1981, Anthrax has defined thrash metal. Hailing from New York City, they incorporate a certain sound to the genre, that “East Coast” sound that is grittier and more catchy to my ears than perhaps thrash from from West Coast counterparts like Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth (who with Anthrax round out the Big Four)

While they have cycled thru several different singers and a change in guitarists from the early days, Anthrax have stuck to their guns and a formula that has worked for them since day one. Even refusing to compromise in 2001 when their were pressured to change their name due to the anthrax scares that were going around in the weeks post 9/11.

Drummer Charlie Benante is without a doubt one of my all time favorite drummers and one of the few people I ‘fan-girled’ over and was quite nervous when I got to interview him at Louder than Life a few years back. Charlie is actually really nice, funny, gracious and super freakin’ talented. In fact, this drummer, does a big chunk of the writing of Anthrax songs…on guitar. He’s also a part the metal outfit Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.) with bandmate, guitarist Scott Ian; uncle to Anthrax bassist, Frank Bello; a huge fan of Darth Vader, Jaw and The SImpsons. He’s also a graphic artist and has created many of the Anthrax album covers. He also is a coffee connoisseur with his own line of amazing coffee with Dark Matter Benante Blends. 

So it’s not surprising that Charlie is finding ways to keep busy and work on his chops during the Covid-19 outbreak. And fortunately, he’s been documented it and putting it up on his own YouTube channel. 

Earlier this week, I got my first peak at a fantastic virtual jam session Charlie did with Testament guitarist, Alex Skolnick and Suicidal Tendencies bassist, Ra Diaz. It’s not just that they got together to jam, it’s WHAT they jammed: “YYZ” from Rush. It was mind-blowing and without question, a perfect start to the day and the week. I shared it, I immediately subscribed to his YouTube page as well where I found even more amazing things. Like another collaboration with original Anthrax and S.O.D bassist, Dan Liliker and Scott Ian to perform “March of the S.O. D.” He even dropped a few minutes of him jamming some King’s X on guitar! Which if you read his reason, listen to him when he tells you if you haven’t discovered King’s X yet, do it. He’s right. They are one of the most underrated bands ever.

So, thank you Charlie! For while you are keeping yourself sane, you’re keeping me sane too! You are truly so talented and such an great dude, I appreciate you! Stay safe, and Watch the Beat!