Spreading The Disease by Anthrax, released 25 September 1986, includes the following tracks: "Armed & Dangerous", "The Enemy", "Madhouse", "A.I.R." and more.
This version of Spreading The Disease comes as a 1xCD. -
Recorded at Pyramid Sound, N.Y.
Digital master at Masterdisk.
Originally released in 1985.
"Spreading The Disease" on CD is a landmark release by Anthrax, capturing the band at a decisive turning point in the evolution of thrash metal. Originally released in 1985, this album helped define the genre's fusion of extreme speed, razor-sharp riffs and socially aware lyrics, while already hinting at Anthrax's later melodic and groove-oriented tendencies. The CD format offers a clear, powerful sound that does justice to the intricate guitar work, driving bass, rapid-fire drumming and dynamic vocals that made the record a cult favorite among metal fans worldwide. Tracks like "Madhouse" and "A.I.R." are considered classics, combining memorable hooks with technical precision and relentless energy, and the album as a whole has retained its intensity and relevance over the decades, making it a must-have for collectors and new listeners alike.
Anthrax, formed in New York in the early 1980s, are regarded as one of the pioneering "Big Four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth. Over their long career, they have built a reputation for high-octane live performances, genre-crossing collaborations and a distinctive sound that blends hardcore punk aggression with metal virtuosity and an often playful sense of humor. While "Spreading The Disease" marks their early breakthrough in the metal scene, Anthrax would go on to achieve international success with albums such as "Among the Living" and later mainstream recognition through their innovative crossover with Public Enemy on "Bring the Noise." The band's influence can be heard in generations of metal and alternative acts that followed, and this CD documents the moment when they truly began to leave a lasting mark.
The manufacturer Island is known as a significant and influential label in modern music history. Throughout the decades, Island has built a catalog that spans multiple genres, from rock and pop to reggae and alternative music, and has repeatedly demonstrated a keen ear for artists who shape their scenes rather than simply follow trends. Releases under the Island banner are associated with high production standards, strong distribution and a focus on artistic identity. With "Spreading The Disease" on CD, Island continues its tradition of bringing important and genre-defining works to a broad audience, ensuring that milestones of metal history remain accessible in a high-quality physical format for dedicated fans and discerning collectors.
The second studio album by the American heavy metal band Anthrax, released in October 1985. In a contemporary review, Howard Johnson of the British magazine Kerrang! recommended the album as the best example of thrash metal and equated Anthrax to Metallica in terms of songwriting capability.
Aleksandr N. - 06/Jan/2022
The second album from one of the best American thrash metal bands! Excellent speed thrash metal, a step forward compared to the debut work, a classic of the genre!
Alexander S. - 25/Jun/2019
One of the oldest thrash-style albums. Classics of the genre. It is also felt the influence of hardcore. The most interesting things are "A.I.R." and "Madhouse" occupy, in my opinion, a worthy place among such thrash hits like "Disciples of the Watch", "Chemical Warfare", "Wrecking Crew" and "Master of Puppets". Minus for too dull sound and monstrously stupid album cover.