If it hadn't been for poor marketing, this probably would have been one of the biggest hits of 98. After Stomp 442, which suffered from many songs that pretty much sounded alike, Anthrax increased their range for Volume 8 and came up with a collection of songs that are heavy, funny, and dynamic.

The only thing that stops it from being a 5-star winner is the fact that it's not all that groundbreaking. Still, it's far better than anything from the Belladonna years.

Another reviewer noted that Dimebag Darrel played on this recording, and he did indeed assist on an album that saw a few different things going.

Anthrax still delivered heavyweight riffs, powerful vocals from Jon Bush and some incisive, biting tracks. "Born Again Idiot," that title pretty much says it all, and other killers were "Catharsis" and "Hog Tied."

There were a number of tracks were you heard some very different sounds from the band, with members taking up some different instruments and trying out some new stuff. Hardly filler.

The comedic side of the guys is still there. "Cupajoe" is hilarious (and is on my answering machine--keeps the telemarketers away!).

Doesn't matter what purists think--this album rocked, and I enjoyed it highly.

Ever since Anthrax re-released "Sound of White Noise" and "Stomp 442", I'd been anxiously awaiting the re-issue of "Volume 8: The Threat is Real" that we all knew would eventually come. And here it is, and just like the previous two re-issued albums, this edition includes some bonus tracks and extras. Standout tracks include the excellent roaring opener "Crush", along with the classic "Inside Out", "P & V", "604", "Born Again Idiot", "Killing Box", and "Stealing From a Thief"; all of which display Charlie Benante's thumping drums and Scott Ian's ripping guitars. "Volume 8" is easily the best Anthrax album of the John Bush era, and the best Anthrax album since the classic "Among the Living".

If I may offend Joey Belladonna fans, the best thing that Anthrax could have done is hired John Bush as their singer. Anthrax does their own thing and they do it well. John Bush is easily one of the best vocalists in all of rock. Don't forget that in the early 80's every single metal band was courting this guy to be thier singer including Metallica. He adds a fresh and melodious element to Anthrax's music that is uncontrolably infectious. Vol.8 and Stomp442 are my 2 favorite albums of all time. Since John joined the band in '92 Anthrax's music has been really hard to define. Prior to '92 they were strictly lumped into the thrash category but after John joined you can't label them as that. The music is still really heavy and uptempo but the vocals have a melodious twist that makes it very non-linear un-like old thrash. These guys are paving the way for 21st century thrash like they did for 80's thrash. If you're afraid to buy this album because you think Anthrax is a washed up 80's band; you're sorely mistaken. Vol.8 as was Stomp 442 is a very innovative album that shows that Anthrax is clearly ahead of their time.

Wow,

I read the reviews of this, which were mostly positive, so I checked it out, having been a rabid Anthrax fan in the late '80s and early '90s. For those of you who liked them then and are wondering about this - be warned. The compositions here are lacking. The sound is 'modernized' alright, right into oblivion. There is no melody here, all of about 6 notes are used in the rhythm through the whole album, very monotonous. Where are the killer arrangements that graced Among the Living? Seems that's too much like work... The lyrics are uncompelling. John Bush may be a 'desired metal vocalist', but he can't write a song. There are no real riffs to be found. I listened through it and found it barely palatable. The energy, passion, FUN, they're all gone. If you want a great Anthrax album, pick up Among the Living or Persistence of Time and listen to the progressions that Scott comes up with on those. Mind blowing. And the solos, and Charlie's manic drumkit. It's all back there, not here.