ANTHRAX – Cursum Perficio

There could be a lot of unknown reasons for the massive delay of Anthrax’s 12th studio album; the most obvious reason is the COVID-19 pandemic. Though it’s annoying to keep talking about it, there’s no denying that the pandemic had something to do with why it took so long for Cursum Perficio to become a reality. That and touring schedules getting in the way because albums don’t generate income anymore; touring does. The guys in Anthrax have to pay their bills somehow. Cursum Perficio, the follow-up to For All Kings (2016), will be released on September 18, 2026 through Nuclear Blast Records and Megaforce Records. It was recorded in Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Northridge, California, and produced by Jay Ruston alongside the band. The lineup that plays on the album includes Scott Ian on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Charlie Benante on drums, Frank Bello on bass guitar and backing vocals, Joey Belladonna on lead vocals, and Jon Donais on lead guitar and backing vocals.

The album title, “Cursum Perficio,” means “My journey has come to an end” in Latin. Could this possibly mean that Cursum Perficio will be the last Anthrax studio album ever? Though the band has clarified that it won’t be the last studio album, only time will tell.

The Elephant in the Room

Before diving into the music, it’s worth noting that the album cover is lazy as heck. It’s an eye-catching piece of art with the bride cut in half and spilling blood. With the darkened sky, vampire, and other disturbing creatures, the artwork has an 18th-century vibe. However, there is no album title, nor is the band name present on the album cover. Sure, there are online sources to promote the album, but back in the old days, people bought albums in record stores because the album cover was cool. With the album title and band name present, music lovers easily associated the band with the album artwork. That’s not the case anymore. Artists in the pop genre have embraced the idea of not including an album title nor the artist name on their album covers and unfortunately, some artists in the hard rock and metal genres have embraced it, as well. But what if a random guy shopping in a record store has no idea who Anthrax are? Then what?

The Journey Is Not Over

With that out of the way, the songs are enjoyable for the most part. They all have certain elements that stick with listeners after a few listens. The album’s first single, “It’s For the Kids,” is a love letter to Anthrax fans. The instrumentation is crushing with a wicked bass line, frantic drumming, and blazing guitar work. The music video depicts the band performing in what looks to be a mental institution for their fans, some of them wearing straitjackets. It plays on the notion that heavy metal is part of an outsider culture and, though misunderstood, the fans are not alone and have each other’s backs. The album’s third single, “Everybody’s Got a Plan,” has a modern punk rock feel with loads of melody. The album’s second single, “The Edge of Perfection,” is the album’s big epic with a run time of six minutes and forty-six seconds. It’s grand and atmospheric with such alluring imagery.

“Infectious” is an evil-sounding track with a stomping groove and doom elements. Also, the vocal harmonies at the 3:09 mark leading up to the guitar solo were a nice touch. The title track is another grand and alluring track with a dark atmosphere that showcases a band that has been through thick and thin and is fully aware that the end is near. “T.O.M.B.” is a doom metal fest with a stomping groove, a crushing guitar riff, and a wicked bass line. There is a thrash metal break from 2:06 to the 3:03 mark, but for the most part, it’s a doom metal banger. On the subject of doom metal, Anthrax do that genre really well, especially with the loud and disturbing bass lines. It can even be argued that they play doom metal better than thrash metal. Hence why the thrash eccentric, “Watch It Go,” sounds like a chaotic, hot mess!

Final Assessment

Overall, Cursum Perficio is a headbanging blast with killer riffs, excellent modern production, and a “I don’t give a dang” attitude. Despite the lackluster album cover, Cursum Perficio has a lot to offer from a band who clearly aren’t ready to call it quits (as long as there’s no pandemic standing in their way). For those who are interested, give Anthrax’s Cursum Perficio a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Persistence of Memory
2. The Long Goodbye
3. It’s For the Kids
4. Everybody’s Got a Plan
5. The Edge of Perfection
6. Infectious
7. NYC 93
8. Cursum Perficio
9. T.O.M.B.
10. Watch It Go
11. My Victory

Band Lineup

Scott Ian – rhythm guitar and backing vocals
Charlie Benante – drums
Frank Bello – bass guitar and backing vocals
Joey Belladonna – lead vocals
Jon Donais – lead guitar and backing vocals

Check out the music video for “Everybody’s Got a Plan” from Anthrax’s Cursum Perficio album!