ARTIST: ANTHRAX
ALBUM: CUSRUM PERFICIO
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 18TH 2026
LABEL: MEGAFORCE RECORDS
REVIEWER: MERT TYSON
Anthrax – Cursum Perficio: A Review
Anthrax is back with Cursum Perficio, and if you’ve been waiting for the band to deliver a record that feels like a slap to the face paying homage to their past present and future elements of Fistful, Spreading, Among the Living into 2026, this is it!
The band, the sound, the statement
Right out of the gate, the album announces itself: big riffs, huge drums, and Belladonna sounding as powerful and pitch-perfect as ever. The production is clean without sanding off the aggression; every instrument has room to breathe, but the overall impression is still “in-your-face” Anthrax. It’s polished, yes, but not pop-polished more like a well-oiled thrash machine.
As long as I can remember Anthrax have stayed true to the metal and my memories of the metal years were all of Maiden, Priest, Anthrax and Metallica among other things but this band got me through college in a big way and the memories remain around Spreading the disease and Among the Living, brilliant original melodic metal all the way… What a band Among the Living definitely a highlight and many a day headbanging with Nav to this bad boy!
Anyway, I digress… Fast forward 2026
The current lineup Joey Belladonna (vocals), Scott Ian (rhythm guitar), Jonathan Donais (lead guitar), Frank Bello (bass), and Charlie Benante (drums) sounds locked in, hungry, and absolutely on fire.
What stands out immediately is how melodic this record is without losing any of the band’s signature bite. The guitar interplay between Scott Ian and Jonathan Donais is a highlight: Ian’s chunky, rhythmic foundation paired with Donais’ fluid, singing leads gives the album a rich harmonic texture that feels both classic and refreshed. Frank Bello’s bass is right up in the mix, driving the songs with that signature punch, while Charlie Benante’s drumming is nothing short of phenomenal technical, dynamic, and relentlessly heavy.
Track-by-track highlights
1. Intro Persistence of Memory into The Long Goodbye
beautiful little intro that proceeds to then grab you by the balls with a killer riff that hits like a freight train. The intro sets the tone: this is going to be a ride. Belladonna’s entrance feels like classic Among the Living-era Anthrax, but with a modern sheen. The song is surprisingly melodic, with a chorus that sticks in your head and a breakdown that feels almost magical in how it transitions back into the main riff. Frank Bello’s bass lines are gorgeous here his tone cuts through beautifully. Clever guitar changes and a very “Anthrax” feel but with fresh melodic turns. Ian and Donais trade off some really tasty parts, and the verse-to-chorus build is fantastic. Belladonna is in top form his phrasing and power are impeccable. This one feels like a bridge between old-school thrash and the more melodic side of Thrax!
3. For the Kids
The first single, and a perfect introduction to the album. It’s flat-out Anthrax: fast drums, chugging riffs, and a chorus that’s both anthemic and heavy. The title and theme hit hard, and the song structure is classic big intro, pounding verses, and a melodic, sing-along chorus. Donais’ solo is a standout, weaving beautifully around the vocal melody. This track alone justifies the hype. Anthrax have made a dead set statement here and the bar has been raised bloody high!
4. Everybody’s Got a Plan
Starts with a nice guitar intro before launching into a chunky, driving verse. The lyrics carry some weight “in the hands of children, we build the sharpest knives” and the music matches that intensity. The breakdown is eerie and heavy, with a solo that creeps up on you before exploding into a final chorus. Belladonna’s vocals are flawless here; he’s absolutely on top of his game.
5. The Edge of Perfection
One of the heaviest tracks on the record. The intro lulls you in with a melodic guitar line before the full band kicks in and punches you in the gut. The verses are brutal but still melodic, and Belladonna’s performance is outstanding his pitch and power are incredible. The solo is killer, and the song’s dynamics keep you hooked from start to finish.
6. Infectious
A bit of a rocker with a real groove to it. This one feels like it could sit comfortably alongside early ’80s hard rock but with that unmistakable Anthrax edge. It’s fun, headbang-worthy, and has a chorus that’s impossible not to sing along to. Probably one of the most “infectious” (pun intended) tracks on the album. I sat at the light this one cranked to 11 do strange head movements due to my age this is what happens!
7. NYC ’93
A love letter to the band’s roots. Fast, aggressive, and packed with classic thrash riffs. The gang vocals in the chorus are a nice touch, and the lyrics (“like a kid, I’m about to set fire to a curtain”) feel like a nod to the band’s early days. This is Anthrax at their most straightforward and unapologetic.
8. Cursum Perficio (title track)
Big, bold, and typical Anthrax in the best way. Lots of space for the instruments to shine, with a beautiful melodic solo that showcases Donais’ strengths. The title track feels like a statement: this is the band doing what they do best, with confidence and precision.
9. Tomb
Another consistent, high-energy track with classic Anthrax riffing and Belladonna delivering powerful vocals. The song’s structure keeps things interesting, with plenty of changes and dynamic shifts. Benante’s drumming is particularly noteworthy here his fills and double-kick work are insane.
10. Watch It Go
A bit of a departure from the rest of the album, with a darker, more experimental vibe. It’s heavier and more atmospheric, almost like a blend of Anthrax and Megadeth. Not an immediate fave when I first heard it but man it’s a grower the more you listen, the more you appreciate its depth and intensity.
11. My Victory
A fitting closer, with gang vocals, big riffs, and a chorus that feels like a victory lap. The intro echoes the album’s opening interlude, bringing the record full circle. It’s classic Anthrax, with a melodic sensibility that harkens back to Among the Living.
The verdict
Cursum Perficio is a triumph. It’s the sound of a band that knows exactly who they are and isn’t afraid to lean into their strengths. The songwriting is tight, the performances are flawless, and the production is top-notch. Every track is a highlight, and the album as a whole feels like a cohesive statement rather than a collection of songs.
If you’re a longtime Anthrax fan, this album will feel like a homecoming. If you’re new to the band, it’s a perfect entry point. Cursum Perficio is easily one of Anthrax’s finest records, right up there with a mix of Fistful, Spreading and a combo of Among the Living and Persistence of Time. It’s heavy, melodic, and utterly relentless a 11/10 (because why stop at 10?).
Turn it up to 11, buy the vinyl, and welcome back Anthrax. They’re back, baby!
“Cursum Perficio” is Latin for “I finish the course” or “I complete the journey.”
I for one certainly hope not… Mert 🤘
