Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante gave an update about the band's new album amid his touring schedule with Pantera.
Anthrax just wrapped up its busy schedule after completing a 24-date tour with Black Label Society. It welcomed EXODUS as a special guest. While the band is chilling for now, its drummer is currently working with Pantera.
Amid his 2023 gig, Benante set the record straight about whether his work with the other band would affect Pantera's schedule.
Anthrax's New Album Coming Soon
The drummer recently sat down for an interview with Robert Cavuoto where he was asked about Anthrax's follow-up album.
According to Benante, the bandmates are actually preparing to start recording the new material already.
"We're actually going in two weeks to start recording the record," he said. "But it probably wouldn't come out till '24 anyway. But the good part about it is we are going in to start recording it. So that's awesome."
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Anthrax has not released a new album since 2016, "For All Kings." However, it remained active, especially in 2021, when it marked its 40th anniversary. So far, the band has released 11 studio albums since its formation on July 18, 1981.
As of press time, it remains unknown whether Anthrax's new album would dethrone "For All Kings" as the band's "strongest album to date."
Why Anthrax Has Not Released New Album for years
Metal Rules' Robert Cavuoto also asked the drummer why it has been taking Anthrax too long to write the album completely. Just like the other bands, Benante said they were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He revealed that the band wrote some songs before the health crisis started, but they are already old to him. Despite that, the drummer said they are still working on the older tracks because they like them so much.
As of press time, Anthrax has reportedly been adding more to the new songs it has created so far.
His statement resonated with what guitarist Scott Ian told Metal Edge in January. He disclosed that the band had 11 musical arrangements and had created lyrics for the next album.
Benante also told We Go To 11's Ruben Mosqueda that they would enter the studio during spring to record the new LP.
"We're hoping to have it finished before Pantera go to Europe [in late May]. I have a little window after that, before [Pantera's stadium tour with] Metallica starts," he went on.
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