Anthrax release pent up fury on Cursum Perficio - a defining album for the NYC thrashers

It is 25 years since Anthrax returned to form, surprising the doubters, with Worship Music. That was on September 11, 2011. On September 18, 2026 they will release Cursum Perficio. And, again the doubters of the band's place in the pantheon of thrash greats will be forced to shut up.

Of course, there will be always those who criticise anything via social media but they can fuck right off and let the rest of us revel in the 54 minutes of metal excellence.

It could also be said that it is a step up from 2016's For All Kings. It has more edge, and more aggressive feel.

The lead singles 'It's For The Kids' and 'The Edge of Perfection' will already be familiar t many, but it is worth noting that they represent a neat summary. Bracketing the album (leaving aside the short instrumental into( they showcase where Anthrax are in 2026. It's For the Kids is a furious four-minute thrasher with quarter notes tight riffs and drumming that veers between speed and off beats to create tension.

Edge of Perfection has elements that would not feel out of place on Worship Music, with contemplative elements and a melodic intensity liberally applied to emphasise the reflective lyrics.

Created in the wake of the pandemic, this is a collection of songs that feel like four friends found their feel for what they enjoy. 'NYC 93' recalls early Anthrax but with 2026 aggro added in.

Produced by Jy Ruston and the band the overall sound is well balanced, bright but with enough bottom end to make sure rumble reverberates.

We all know that Anthrax can do the business, but the stable footing of that playing comes with a sense of the five-piece finding the illusive equilibrium of flair and precision. But most of all there is a sense of enjoyment captured in the furious playing.

Cursum Perficio is one of those rare beasts in modern music, an album that deserves a full play each time, rather than picking one or two songs to stick onto your streaming playlist. Whether it be 'T.O.M.B. Everybody's Got A Plan' or 'The Long Goodbye' they stand as great songs, but the entire album has a flow. 

The sense or urgency was reflected by Scott Ian when he said: "We were supposed to make this in 2020, but the universe had other plans for everyone. After the Pandemic, we got to be a band again. When we started working on the record, we were just happy to be in a room together. It was so exciting that it was like being reborn in a way. All of that energy and emotion went into the music. The fear of being forced out of our lives and the joy of coming back together are present."

The official blurb for the album claims this is Anthrax's Magnum Opus, which is perhaps a little unfair on their back catalogue's achievements, but this is a band that knows that where it not for the 

foundations set, they could not be where Cursum Percficio stands today.

With that said it comes with a slight fear that this a closing chapter. The title track's refrain that 'the journey's over', and the translation of Obscurum Perficio is 'I accomplish the course'.

Charlie Benante said: “When I found out what the phrase meant, it immediately clicked with me. We aren’t saying this is our last record, but our journey has come to an end. I believe we’ve completed the task."

After 45 years in the business no-one could begrudge them hanging up their spurs, however that statement about completing the task.

Whether it is the end or not Obscurum Perficio is a landmark for the band, 54 minutes worthy of revelling in and rejoicing in its power.

Obscurum Perficio is available now on Nuclear Blast in the UK, and Megaforce in the USA.