Anthrax Prepping Heaviest Album Yet

The thrash metal veterans will release their 12th studio album in May, their first new music in 10 years.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Anthrax, the iconic thrash metal band from New York, is gearing up to release their 12th studio album in May 2026, their first new music in a decade. Bassist Frank Bello confirmed the news, describing the upcoming record as their "heaviest" yet, with some parts being "really hard to play." The album was recorded at Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in California, with producer Jay Ruston at the helm.

Why it matters

Anthrax is considered one of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. Their new album will be highly anticipated by their loyal fanbase, who have waited 10 years for new music from the group. The band's return to the studio also signals a resurgence of interest in the thrash metal genre.

The details

According to Bello, the new Anthrax album will feature Joey Belladonna's powerful vocals, which he says are "killing it." The band recorded portions of the album at Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in Northridge, California, with producer Jay Ruston overseeing the sessions. Anthrax is currently on tour in North America with Megadeth and Exodus, with plans to continue touring in Australia, Japan, and Europe throughout the summer.

  • Anthrax last released an album, For All Kings, in February 2016.
  • The new album is set to be released in May 2026.
  • Anthrax has been teasing a new album for at least the past 5 years.

The players

Frank Bello

The bassist for the thrash metal band Anthrax.

Joey Belladonna

The lead vocalist for the thrash metal band Anthrax.

Dave Grohl

The founder of the recording studio, Studio 606, where Anthrax recorded portions of their new album.

Jay Ruston

The producer who oversaw the recording sessions for Anthrax's new album.

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What they’re saying

“The record will come out in May. I'm very proud. It's so heavy. Some parts are really hard to play, really hard to play, which I'm happy to say, because I like the challenge of it all.”

— Frank Bello, Bassist (Planet Rock)

“Joey's vocals, I don't understand how the guy could sing like that, but he still is killing it. And I'm very psyched. If you like the last two records we've come out with and the past stuff, I think everybody's gonna be happy, because as fans, we're very stoked. And it's been a while, guys, so thank you for waiting. It's been 10 years. So we made sure it's worthwhile.”

— Frank Bello, Bassist (Planet Rock)

What’s next

Anthrax is currently on tour in North America with Megadeth and Exodus, with plans to continue touring in Australia, Japan, and Europe throughout the summer.

The takeaway

Anthrax's return to the studio after a 10-year hiatus is highly anticipated by their loyal fanbase, who are eager to hear the band's "heaviest" album yet. The new record signals a resurgence of interest in the thrash metal genre and showcases the enduring talent and creativity of one of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands.