Anthrax have a reputation as the goofballs of thrash: gym shorts on stage, rap singles (both novelty and collaborative), multiple songs about Stephen King novels and comic books and slam dancing. Their New York hardcore influences certainly gave them punk rock attitude, but even the goofier songs have a dark edge. The Stand and Apt Pupil aren’t exactly the the wackiest stories, you know? Other songs deal with drug overdoses, the Cold War, and the plight of the Native Americans (admittedly a popular topic amongst metal acts). This undisputed classic catches all of it into pit-ready anthems.

– Jeff Treppel