Tag: zakkwylde

January 31, 2023 – The Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Black Label Society & Exodus lit the stage on fire for the one and only Anthrax. One doesn’t need to open an unmarked envelope to know the power of Anthrax.

The Wellmont was packed to the roof with a sold out crowd, substantiating that this slash metal genre doesn’t exist without the fans, the music and musicians. The fans and music have been crucial in keeping this scene alive. As Zetro once quoted, “Slash Metal doesn’t exist without each other. It’s the only form of music that has to have both. You are either a metalhead or you’re not. It’s your mindset.”Metalheads will always be there and they were on this night with this killer lineup.

The heavy hitting Exodus opened the evening with a thunderous performance with Steve “Zetro” Souza (vocals), Gary Holt (guitar), Lee Altus (guitar), Jack Gibson (bass) and Tom Hunting (drums). Since their formation in 1979, Exodus has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album, and a re-recording of their first album. Along with Metallica, they are often credited as pioneers of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Founding member Gary Holt has managed to keep the band alive during what can be perceived as a turbulent existence. And thankfully so, as what transpires on stage delivers thrash metal fans an express trip to metal euphoria.

As anyone with a particular pallet knows anything “Black Label” is of premium quality and the appropriately named Black Label Society (BLS) is no exception. You don’t need to plant a bean and grow a bean stalk to experience the presence of GIANTS. BLS consists of the legend himself, Zakk Wylde (frontman, guitarist), Dario Lorina (guitar), John “J.D.” DeServio (bass), and Jeff Fabb (drums). Kilt and all, giant presence with giant shredding are the best way to describe Zakk and BLS. Boot stomping, vein popping, head banging & hair tossing energy, the band throws down thrash metal rock like no other and were the perfect set up for Anthrax.

This tour is part to Anthrax’s 40th anniversary celebration wrapping up on February 18th. Formed in 1981 in New York City, Anthrax has released a total of 11 studio albums, received 6 grammy nominations, and along with Metallica, Slayer & Megadeth… Anthrax is one of the exclusive “Big Four” defining the thrash slash metal genre. Anthrax consists of long time members, Joey Belladonna (vocals), Scott Ian (rhythm guitar), Fank Bello (bass), Jonathan Donais (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums).

The headliner powerhouse started the evening substantiating their thrash metal prowess with a 10 minute video showcasing music icons and celebrities sharing love for Anthrax in short quotes. The last couple minutes of the video were edited down to Hollywood and musical icons such as Keanu Reeves, Slash, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Henry Rollins, Dee Snider, Rob Zombie, Sammy Hagar, Rick Nielsen, John 5, and many more…all repeating “Anthrax, Anthrax, Anthrax, Anthrax” until the curtain dropped, the band came on stage, and the crowds anticipation was satisfied.

If I didn’t say it enough already in this review, the entire evening was high energy. Anthrax has always been high voltage and the sold out crowd welcomed it like a lightning rod welcomes a bolt of electricity. Anthrax sent a jolt to the packed house of fans who will all go home feeling the intense electricity of the evening.

I look forward to experiencing Anthrax when lightning strikes again whether in the same spot or not!

For more info please visit: http://www.anthrax.com http://www.blacklabelsociety.com http://www.exodusattack.com