Anthrax drummer calls Boston's 1976 debut the "perfect first album" and a forerunner of thrash

by Steve Newton on January 15th, 2013 at 4:07 PM

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A week or so ago I posted a blog about how Anthrax was going to release an album of cover material, including hits by Thin Lizzy (yeah!), AC/DC (yeah!), Rush (yeah!), and Journey (meh).

Today the New York City thrash masters posted some more info on the upcoming CD on their website, including quotes from various members.

In regards to his band recording a version of Boston's "Smokin' ", Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante—who was 14 when "More Than a Feeling" started owning the airwaves—had this to say about the 1976 debut album that has moved more than 17 million copies in the U.S. alone.

“If ever there were a perfect first album, it’s Boston’s first album," said Benante, before making another observation that took me for a bit of a loop. "The harmony leads they did would later be heard by Iron Maiden, which of course would lead to thrash metal.”

Maybe Benante's right. Maybe Tom Scholz's tone-tastic leads were a direct influence on Maiden's style. All I know is, that Boston album still rocks my world. Hell, even the tracks that weren't huge radio hits are killer.