I’ve seen a lot of heavy shows over the years, but nothing quite prepares you for the controlled chaos of an Anthrax performance. On August 3rd, 2018, I made the trip to Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY, ready to experience one of the most legendary thrash bands in the world. This wasn’t just another stop on their endless touring schedule—it was a statement of why Anthrax still matters decades after the birth of thrash. Sharing the stage that night with Slayer, Lamb of God, Behemoth, and Testament as part of Slayer’s final tour, Anthrax had a short but absolutely devastating set, proving once again that they remain one of the most vital and ferocious live bands in metal.
The Darien Lake amphitheater was buzzing long before Anthrax hit the stage. Fans wearing battle vests loaded with patches from every corner of the metal universe filled the pit and the seats, and the atmosphere felt like a celebration of everything loud, fast, and aggressive. By the time the lights went down and the intro tape rolled, the anticipation had reached a fever pitch. When Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Jonathan Donais, and Joey Belladonna stormed onto the stage, the roar from the crowd was deafening.
Setlist
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Caught in a Mosh (with Cowboys From Hell by Pantera intro jam)
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Got the Time (Joe Jackson cover)
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Madhouse
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Be All, End All
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Evil Twin
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Antisocial (Trust cover)
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Indians (with Cowboys From Hell by Pantera outro jam)
An Explosive Opening
Anthrax wasted no time in letting everyone know they meant business, tearing into “Caught in a Mosh” with a ferocity that shook the entire venue. Before the first note even rang out, the band teased the crowd with a quick jam of Pantera’s “Cowboys From Hell,” a fitting tribute to their fallen friend Dimebag Darrell and a nod to the shared DNA of thrash and groove metal. The instant the recognizable riff of “Caught in a Mosh” hit, the pit erupted. Bodies flew, circle pits spun like whirlpools of denim and leather, and fists pumped to every beat. Joey Belladonna’s vocals were sharp and commanding, his voice soaring over the thunderous assault of Scott Ian’s chugging guitar riffs and Charlie Benante’s blistering drums.
It’s hard to overstate just how powerful that opening felt. Anthrax didn’t ease the crowd in—they detonated like a bomb. Scott Ian stalked the stage with his trademark scowl, slamming out the down-picked riffs that helped define thrash metal in the 1980s. Frank Bello was everywhere at once, headbanging with a manic grin and adding gritty backing vocals. Drummer Charlie Benante, one of the genre’s most underrated players, was a machine behind the kit, his double-kick attack hitting like artillery fire.
Old-School Speed and Punk Energy
Without a single breath of downtime, Anthrax launched into “Got the Time,” their turbo-charged Joe Jackson cover that has become a live staple. The song’s punky energy was infectious, and the crowd responded with furious headbanging and shouting along to every rapid-fire lyric. Belladonna nailed the vocal lines with effortless charisma, proving that his return to the band years ago was nothing short of essential. The song may have started as a quirky cover back in 1990, but Anthrax have owned it for decades—it’s theirs now, and live it feels like an anthem.
The momentum didn’t stop as the band dropped into “Madhouse,” one of their early classics from Spreading the Disease. That iconic riff hit like a sledgehammer, and the venue turned into a frenzy of thrash devotion. The pit swelled with energy, fans colliding in joyous chaos as the band delivered one of the tightest renditions of the night. Joey prowled the edge of the stage, pointing the mic toward the crowd during the chorus, and the audience roared it back at him with equal ferocity.
Deeper Cuts and Modern Fire
One of the highlights of the set came with “Be All, End All,” a deeper cut from State of Euphoria that longtime fans greeted with ecstatic cheers. It’s not a song you hear at every Anthrax show, and its inclusion was a gift to the diehards. The track’s mid-tempo groove and moody intro showcased the band’s ability to blend melody with sheer heaviness. Donais, the newest member of the lineup, handled the solos with precision and flair, giving the song an updated edge while staying true to the original spirit.
Next up was “Evil Twin,” one of the standout tracks from their 2016 album For All Kings. Anthrax may have built their reputation on their ’80s classics, but this song proved they’re still writing music that hits just as hard. Its razor-sharp riffs and politically charged lyrics gave the set a shot of modern relevance. The band attacked the song with relentless energy, and the crowd responded with the same enthusiasm they reserved for the older hits. It was a reminder that Anthrax are not content to coast on nostalgia—they’re still pushing forward.
Thrash Anthems and Crowd Favorites
Of course, no Anthrax show would be complete without “Antisocial,” their beloved Trust cover that has become a permanent fixture in their setlists. The opening riff drew a roar of recognition from the audience, and the entire amphitheater sang along to the defiant chorus. Belladonna worked the crowd like a master, leading the chants while Ian and Donais locked into a crushing rhythm. Frank Bello, as always, looked like he was having the time of his life, jumping around the stage and screaming backing vocals into his mic.
As the set barreled toward its finale, Anthrax unleashed one of their greatest weapons: “Indians.” Before the song kicked in, the band teased another snippet of Pantera’s “Cowboys From Hell,” paying one last tribute to the groove metal pioneers. Then came the unmistakable opening of “Indians,” and the crowd absolutely lost it. The song’s mix of pummeling riffs and socially conscious lyrics has made it one of Anthrax’s defining tracks, and hearing it live is a visceral experience. When Joey shouted “WAR DANCE!” the pit responded instantly, exploding into one of the wildest circle pits of the night. It was pure thrash catharsis, the kind of moment that reminds you why you fell in love with heavy music in the first place.
The Band in Full Flight
Throughout the night, Anthrax played with the kind of precision and passion that only comes from decades of experience. Scott Ian’s rhythm guitar remains a force of nature, his right hand delivering those tight, down-picked riffs with unrelenting intensity. Charlie Benante, as always, was a revelation behind the kit—his fills were crisp, his double-bass work punishing, and his groove impeccable. Frank Bello was the band’s secret weapon, his energetic stage presence and ferocious bass lines driving the songs forward. Jonathan Donais has fit seamlessly into the Anthrax machine, his solos tasteful and razor-sharp. And Joey Belladonna, the voice of so many of these classics, sounded as strong as ever, hitting every high note and commanding the stage with a veteran’s confidence.
The chemistry between the band members was undeniable. There’s a joy to their performance that sets them apart from many of their peers. While the music is aggressive and intense, the band plays with a sense of fun that’s infectious. You can see it in the way Bello mugs for the crowd, in Ian’s sly smirks between riffs, and in the way Belladonna interacts with fans at the front of the pit. They’re having a blast, and they make sure the audience is too.
The Crowd Connection
Part of what made this show so special was the connection between the band and the fans. From the moment they stepped on stage, Anthrax treated the crowd like part of the family. Joey frequently reached out to the audience, encouraging singalongs and making eye contact with fans in the front rows. During “Caught in a Mosh,” he pointed to the swirling pit and laughed as if to say, “This is exactly what we came here for.” Frank Bello leaned into the barricade during “Antisocial,” slapping hands and shouting along with fans. The energy was a two-way street: the harder the band played, the crazier the crowd became.
A Testament to Thrash’s Staying Power
What struck me most about this show was how timeless these songs feel. Thrash metal may have been born in the early 1980s, but the music still sounds fresh, urgent, and alive. Songs like “Caught in a Mosh,” “Madhouse,” and “Indians” haven’t lost a bit of their power, and the newer material like “Evil Twin” fits seamlessly alongside them. Anthrax have managed to evolve without losing the core of what made them great in the first place. They’re not a nostalgia act—they’re a living, breathing force in metal.
This performance also served as a reminder of Anthrax’s place in the “Big Four” of thrash. Alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, they helped define a genre that continues to influence countless bands today. Watching them deliver such a ferocious, tight set more than 35 years into their career is nothing short of inspiring. They’ve weathered lineup changes, shifting trends, and the ups and downs of the music industry, yet they still play with the hunger of a band with something to prove.
Closing Thoughts
As the final notes of “Indians” faded and the band waved goodbye, I felt that familiar post-concert mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Anthrax had just delivered a 45-minute masterclass in thrash metal, proving once again why they remain one of the most important bands in heavy music. The set may have been short—such is the reality of a multi-band tour—but it packed more energy, passion, and sheer volume than most bands could deliver in twice the time.
Walking out of the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center that night, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. In a world where so many bands fade away or slow down, Anthrax continues to bring the fire every time they step on stage. Their music is as relevant as ever, their performances as ferocious, and their connection with fans as strong as it’s ever been.
If you ever get the chance to see Anthrax live—whether they’re headlining their own tour or sharing the stage with fellow thrash legends—do yourself a favor and go. You’ll witness one of the greatest metal bands of all time doing what they do best: delivering fast, loud, uncompromising music with heart, humor, and an unshakable sense of purpose. On August 3, 2018, at Darien Lake, Anthrax proved once again that thrash is alive and well, and they’re still at the top of the game.