Artist: Anthrax Album: Persistence of Time

Year: 1990
Duration: 58:51

Anthrax's Persistence of Time: A Classic Album with an Armored Edge

New York's Anthrax has been shredding their way through the thrash metal world since the early 80s. And there is no better showcase for their talent and energy than their 1990 album Persistence of Time. As an avid music listener, I took it upon myself to dive into this classic album and see what all the fuss is about. In this article, we will take a closer look at the album, its genre, and its most innovative parts, and determine if it still holds up to this day.
Before we get to the album, let's do a quick recap of Anthrax's history. They are pioneers of thrash metal, bringing an east coast flavor to the genre that was mostly based on the west coast. Anthrax is known for their fast-paced riffs, scorching solos, and hard-hitting drums that never let up. They've always been on the cutting edge of metal music, and Persistence of Time is no exception.
The sound of Persistence of Time is hard and heavy, a prime example of the thrash metal genre. Anthrax incorporates heavy use of double bass on the drums, giving a fast and intense feel to the album. The riffs are absolutely crushing and will get your heart pumping. It's not just an all-out, high-speed assault though. There are moments of melody, like in the song Got the Time. Anthrax proves that they can pull off technical wizardry while still being groovy and enjoyable.
One of the best parts of this album is the lyrics. They are politically charged, dealing with hard-hitting issues like war, drug addiction, and social injustice. Anthrax doesn't shy away from controversial topics, and manages to pair the weighty lyrics with the equally impactful music. They also pay homage to the great works of literature, like in their song Belly of the Beast which nods towards George Orwell's 1984. The lyrics of the album are a statement in themselves, and give the listener something important to think about.
The album also has a few standout songs that still hold up to this day. In My World is an absolute classic, with a riff that will knock your socks off. Time features a powerful chorus that will stick with you long after the song ends. The album's title track, Persistence of Time is a true masterpiece. It is a slow and haunting track, with a crushing breakdown that will give you goosebumps. The song has a dark and ominous feel, with thought-provoking lyrics that will stick with you.
As for the more innovative parts of Persistence of Time, Anthrax really pushed the limits of the genre. There are elements of funk in Keep it in the Family, something that is not common in thrash metal. They also incorporate a small amount of rap in the song Gridlock, which was unheard of in the world of metal back then. These small touches go a long way in setting Persistence of Time apart from the rest of the metal albums of that era.
After listening to Persistence of Time multiple times, it's clear that Anthrax created a timeless classic that still holds up today, thirty years after its release. It has the perfect blend of thrash metal intensity, thought-provoking lyrics, and the occasional funk and rap accents. Not only is it a showcase for Anthrax's technical abilities, but it also includes some of their greatest songs to date. In a world where metal music is constantly changing and evolving, Persistence of Time will forever remain a landmark album that still manages to enthrall and inspire music listeners all over the world.
After listening to Persistence of Time multiple times, it's clear that Anthrax created a timeless classic that still holds up today, thirty years after its release. It has the perfect blend of thrash metal intensity, thought-provoking lyrics, and the occasional funk and rap accents. Not only is it a showcase for Anthrax's technical abilities, but it also includes some of their greatest songs to date. In a world where metal music is constantly changing and evolving, Persistence of Time will forever remain a landmark album that still manages to enthrall and inspire music listeners all over the world.