In a recent cover feature for magazine’s special thrash issue, ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante discussed the band’s long-awaited new album and why its release has been delayed since the 2016 album For All Kings. Benante clarified, “It’s always been a priority to finish the new ANTHRAX album. I don’t want people to think my involvement with PANTERA has delayed the completion of the album. The real issue was that some of the material wasn’t finished. We went back and reworked parts we weren’t entirely happy with.”
He explained further, “Some of these songs were written pre-COVID, and when we started layering the parts, we realized some of it felt outdated. We decided to give it time and revisit the material later. Ultimately, we’re aiming to make the best album possible.”
After a summer of touring with PANTERA, Benante reflected on his experience performing the iconic band’s music and playing Vinnie Paul Abbott’s original drum parts. “It’s awesome. I don’t take any of this for granted,” he said. “I feel extremely privileged to be in this position. My relationship with PANTERA, Vinnie, and Dime [‘Dimebag’ Darrell Abbott] goes way back. My bond with Rex [Brown] and Philip [Anselmo] is just as significant as with the brothers.”
Benante added, “There have been days on tour where the stories start flowing, and I can see Philip and Rex light up when we talk about the brothers. This experience has been therapeutic for all of us, especially for Rex and Philip. It’s been just as important for them as it has been for the fans.”
When asked about adapting his drumming to Vinnie Paul’s signature style, Benante revealed a special memory. “I’ve never told this to anyone before, but Vinnie told me many times that he took parts of my drumming and applied them to PANTERA’s sound. He told me, ‘You know that part on ANTHRAX’s Spreading The Disease? I took that idea for this track.’ When he told me that, I was like, ‘Are you serious?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely.’ Now when I listen back, I can actually hear what he meant.”
Benante also shared a personal sentiment: “If Vinnie were still here, I’d show him some of the drum parts I’ve used from PANTERA’s influence in ANTHRAX tracks. Some drummers have big egos and don’t typically talk about things like that, but the truth is, whatever you listen to in your life inevitably becomes an influence on your playing.”
Benante also revealed that late SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison had expressed a similar sentiment. “Joey told me the same thing Vinnie did—that he took some licks and ideas from my drumming for SLIPKNOT. I’m totally honored when I hear that. I do the same thing, telling other drummers, ‘Hey, I got this idea from your playing on this track.’”
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