Usually I go more for punk type music, but Anthrax is one of my favorite metal bands. They've got the great mix of upbeat but heavy riffing, and lyrics that are sometimes fun and sometimes serious, but not depressing. And No Spandex!

This live album, mostly from a night in California, with a few tracks done on a radio show. There are a few interesting moments during the show in Cali, mainly when Public Enemy joins them for "Bring The Noise". I wish they had done some more songs together. There is some nice banter on a few tracks, particularly right before "Antisocial" and "Indians". "Antisocial" is another song from Trust, who they also covered on "Attack of the Killer B's".

Other than that, the sound quality is not quite what I've come to expect from a band as big (at the time) as Anthrax. The rhythm and lead guitars mud together much of the time, making it hard to tell one riff from another. And although I preferred Joey Belladonna's vocals (even though he's being a prick, and John Bush is pretty good too) they often don't show up great either. Most of these tracks are much better in the studio, and there is a superior live version of "Keep It In the Family" on "...Killer B's". On most tracks there is a little too much extended jamming for my taste, though I'm sure it is good for the pit.

The four songs recorded live for WSOU show, on the other hand, are pretty good. They still jam a little, but not as much. You can also hear the backing shouts much better. The bass is clearer, just overall better recording. But these four can't save the album. After being bombarded with the first eight tracks, it is a little difficult to enjoy them.

If you want good live Anthrax, I'm afraid you'll have to settle for B-sides and the like, or better yet, go see them next time they tour, but this album really doesn't do them justice.

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Recommended: No

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