"Israel Do You Like Thrash Metal?!!", Scott Ian Rosenfeld screamed at the hundreds at the Barby Club, and I believe that the rest said it all. The ANTHRAX mega force was finally in Israel, regretfully, like I always say – "we always get them tired and red". However, after the other night, I think that Israel received a red hot dose of what is the true meaning of 80s US, New York born and raised, Metal with more than just a mere glimpses of their past legacy.

But it didn't start with just ANTHRAX, it began outside the Barby Club when nearly an hour before the club's gates were open for the ticket lines, it seemed like a building up crowding. Not that many youthful faces, as probably most of them preferred purchasing a ticket to check out the French GOJIRA two days later, yet still it was a decent mixture of Metalheads waiting to see one of the stellar groups in Metal music.

A little before 22:00 and the place was packed and the local groove bangers, BETZEFER (Congrats for the new management contract) waited for their cue to step up to the stage for their warm up gig. I have to admit that their part of the stage was a little crowded, yet I was sure that they could manage it rather well. The stage crew flashed it BETZEFER one after another took their places and the rumble began. Honestly, I can't proclaim myself as a fan of their music as at times it felt drone and monotonous to bear, however these guys are a tight Metal machine playing live, everything clicked and the serving was top notch. I wouldn't say the same about the sound engineering, especially with the drum set not heard completely or the guitar sounding backwards in comparison to the bass that took charge. Throughout their act, BETZEFER introduced two new tracks, "Milk" and "Cannibal", which will be featured on their upcoming album via their new label, SPV / Steamhammer Records. I found them with some potential, a few BLACK SABBATH lines with a modern pinch, though I can't really admit that I found anything overwhelming. With "Doomsday", BETZEFER cut the cord, leaving the packed Barby waiting for the ANTHRAX crew.

I had a chance to watch the entire gig behind the sound and lighting stations, two of the ANTHRAX crew, took charge from the local crew and manned their posts. They seemed rather experienced (as they turned out to be), making all the preparations and finalizing checks. After a short while, with all the instruments set, the lights slowly deemed and it was time. Damn, that electrical charge through my veins was fierce, so much excitement I had a slight headache. To the blazing echoes of the intro to "Among The Living", from the black in the back hailed Jon Dette, both SLAYER and ANTHRAX's touring drummer, then rose up touring lead guitarist Jonathan Donais (SHADOWS FALL). Slowly, the band's legendary members, Scott Ian and Frank Bello made their appearances, and the songs began with a bang with Belladonna taking his place in the front center. Damn it was an amazing sight. ANTHRAX bombarded the Barby with the first salvo with three tracks from "Among The Living", mercilessly crushing the place with their intensity. Even with the ear plugs on, it was hard to escape the loudness, but I didn't care as it was perfectly made. Crossing through the first tracks, Ian and Belladonna acknowledged the audience for their attendance. Throughout the gig ANTHRAX introduced three tracks from their latest album, "Worship Music", announcing their slow comeback to the basics, back to their mid 80s. I was thrilled by the "Devil You Know" and "Fight Em' Till You Can't" tunes, even better than the studio versions. However, my main power moments were on their ancient "Deathrider" out of the band's debut "Fistful Of Metal" that cracked my ribs with its intense Speed / early Thrash Metal devastation. It is such an amazing classic song that I would have never imagined checking out live. If they would have played "Metal Thrashing Mad" I would have probably been too far gone. Eventually they didn't. Furthermore, I received my true dosage of American heaviness with "I Am The Law" and "Be All, End All". For a second there I couldn't believe that I was listening to these two gigantic hits, so powerful and highly addictive, the riffs played on the studio versions seemed like weaklings in comparison to the heavily carnage, generated by their guitars and preamps, that came out of  the sound system. That was mega awesome, simple as that. At a first listen, at least for a moment there, it was believed that ANTHRAX are about to cover JUDAS PRIEST's "The Ripper", yet it was one of Ian's pranks and "Madhouse" commenced, grabbing the people's attention, an amazing classic track and quite an experience listening and watching it live.

During the gig, I was glad that Belladonna still has it in him to sing in a rather high end register; no doubt that he is the old fashioned Metalhead crazy person, yet commanding and dominant, a great example for the perfect frontman. Scott Ian and Frank Bello, especially Bello, displayed the meaning of true stage mania, crossing and turning, showing their enthusiasm and how proud of what they are. It is hard to describe in words their wicked Metal hops and raves. I didn't expect anything out of Jon Dette, yet he also made a few gestures. Sadly, Donais seemed out of focus, performing his lead guitar role with a fine measure of skill, yet not showing anything other than that. Here and there he would headbang, but his face and his moves showed no emotion, stiff coldness, surely not suitable for ANTHRAX that every time on stage generate a full stretch spike of energies.

ANTHRAX finished their Israel gig with the known TRUST cover for "Antisocial", again one of the heaviest versions to that song that I have ever heard. Scott Ian conveyed his thanks to the Barby attendees and the production for their chance to perform and then throwing his guitar picks to the air. With "Long Live Rock N' Roll", ANTHRAX stepped down, leaving a patch of memory behind with of course a promise to return.

I would like to thank to my dear friend and guitarist / producer Fede "FedeRock" Taich, at SWITCHBLADE, and his brother Seba for being there with me on those special Metal moments and giving me a ride.