ANTHRAX 'Cursum Perficio'

ANTHRAX
Cursum Perficio
Megaforce Records / Nuclear Blast

While the Latin title “Cursum Perficio”, translates to “My journey has come to an end”, ANTHRAX are proving they are far, far from an end to an outstanding legacy that has lasted over 4 decades. Their share of hardships and minimal line-up changes has provoked some of their best music. From “Among The Living”, "Persistence Of Time”, “Sounds Of White Noise” and the sleeper hit, 1 of my favorites “Worship Music” - not even a plague could stop New York’s finest. Now a decade since their last release which landed them in the Billboard top 10, “For All Kings”, ANTHRAX returns with a vengeance and top it off with a tour with Legends IRON MAIDEN for their new album “Cursum Perficio”.

First they hit us with the single ‘It’s For The Kids’ along with a video that revisits the ‘Madhouse’, with a classic ANTHRAX trademark breakdown that gets you stomping and gives praise to their loyal fan base. The accompanying video for the melodic waltz of ‘The Edge Of Perfection’ takes you in the story of the album art. Their use of practical make-up effects, authentic production design that gets spotlighted in a behind-the-scenes video that I highly recommend you check out, together combine for a masterful piece of work. And credit to Charlie’s drumming as he has elevated his approach ever since the Bush-era, clever patterns and bringing blast-beats on this one (argument if blast beats belong in Thrash aside), something he hasn't done since his days in S.O.D., makes this song one of may favorites. Another video debuted upon the album’s release for the title track Featuring London May of goth-rockers SAMHAIN, that excellently captures a dream we’ve all must have felt at one time or another.

With a heavy ad campaign leading up to its release, an album 4 years in the making, one of the (America’s) Big 4 of Thrash has done it again with a great, well rounded release. While not a straight up Thrash record (by today’s standards), ANTHRAX has shaped to be a little something more with neck breaking, slowed-down grooves and catchy riffs that always stand out in their music. Incorporating more melody and “clean” guitar sounds in their later years, but still manage to hold on to their intensity and fun-factor that has always made ANTHRAX stand alone among the Thrash genre.

Possibly landing on my personal list of “Best Releases of 2026”, I have a lot of favorite tracks on this album. They close things out tight with ‘My Victory’, start strong with ‘The Long Goodbye’ (despite the needless instrumental intro) and floor it with ‘For The Kids’. ‘Watch It Go’ gives me ‘Sacrifice’ (MOTORHEAD) vibes with a strong hint, a possible honoring of Dime and Vinnie of PANTERA with a domination-type of love.

It’s worth noting that ANTHRAX will continue to celebrate 4 decades of Metal thrashing madness as they partnered with Z2 comics for “NOT: The History of Anthrax” to be released in 2027 as a graphic novel and limited edition picture disc.. 

This album, through music and visuals is laced with hints of their legacy. With beautiful Art by Mark Stritzel, there’s also a backstory to the characters featured on the cover that is explained through a series of audible stories available to stream (check it out on TIDAL HERE). Rowan Fenn the Magician, Miss Clara Thorne, Grim and others, all part of this excess content they felt necessary but won’t take away from your enjoyment of this obviously well thought out release. Also with an overload of vinyl variants for this one, choose wisely and don't get “Caught In The Mosh”. 

4.5 Out Of 5.0