Review by Phil Rozier for MPM
I was a touch late when it came to putting pen to paper on this one. Not through life getting in the way, but I genuinely wanted to be patient and give this album the attention it deserves. Afterall, this is the 12th studio album from one of the biggest thrash metal bands on the planet. My ears must not be rushed. And Cursom Perficio is Latin for ‘I finish my journey’. So, I very much wanted to finish this, properly.
As it happens, I was a bit late to coming to the Anthrax party full stop. I don’t think I saw this one of ‘the big 4’, until late 2000’s, in Hammersmith, I think supporting Motorhead. Imagine, those were the days, never to be repeated. What a show, what a venue, what a line up. Anyways, here we are, some nearly 20 years later, and the thrash titans have put together another anticipated collection of tracks.
Opening with a brief 70 seconds of tension building, this is little instrumental, led by a haunting piano, definitely does its job. As the goosebumps appear, I’m questioning what is about to follow…. And there it is. That signature Jackson and Scott Ian chug of the E string. The first true track of the album, is a lesson in big 4 thrash. ‘The Long Goodbye’ is heavy, banging, and constant. Joey’s voice is as always. It isn’t overpowering and stays as steady now as it’s always been. Wait for the double kick drum, it’s got awesome written all over it!
Previously released as a single, ‘It’s For the Kids’ is perhaps that step up closer to thrash as some would love it. It’s faster, its raw, and then breaks down into a sing along chorus. I dig it. Even the crazy guitar effects grow on me after several listens. Its crazy wild, distracting, buzzing, and then it’s gone as quickly as it arrived. Leaves you thinking ‘what the…’ but you soon get lost in the groove. Nicely put together, and one for the stage for sure.
Track 4 of 11 is a bold statement. It claims that ‘Everybody’s Got a Plan’. Probably just a name for a song rather than a true belief (what have I told myself about over thinking?), it’s easily headbangable. A track I’d describe as an Anthrax staple. It isn’t ‘Anti Social’, but, it isn’t one to pass on either. I’m fan of the Anthrax pre chorus, and this ditty is pretty classic in that sense.
‘The Edge of Perfection’ is the albums first longer track, at nearing 7 minutes. That said, the majority of the additional notes are taken up in a pretty anthemic opening scene. Before the verse kicks in we’re greeted with some high level whoah whoah whoah’s. As it’s a well-known rule of rock, you’ve gotta have some whoah whoah whoah’s at some point. They died out for a while in thrash, but it’s good to hear them back again.
I think this album is perhaps stepping away from the more traditional thrash that Anthrax are famed for, and actually, I think I prefer it. Anthrax was famed for that constant, fast, banging on the snare, and double kick drum. For me personally, great for a track or two… but for a stage show, it can be rather draining. This record I think has a better balance between that old school faster attack, and a possible more melodic structure. It might not be where the older fans wanted it to be, but, I’m OK with it. ‘Infectious’ even has a touch of the Zakk Wylde’s about it. Nice.
The album flies by pretty quickly, and the rocking ‘NYC 93’ precedes the album’s title track. One of my preferred songs of the 11 recordings, it’s a good mix of melodic riffs and thrash beats. I actually think that last 3-4 songs get better, whereas on some albums, the last few tracks can seem a little rushed or less important. ‘Watch It Go’ is a particular stand out, lovin’ the palm muting.
As the album draws to a close for about the 10th time for me over the past few days, I’m left with mixed opinions. For clarity, there isn’t one of those mixed opinions that doubt the quality of the album, it’s more about where it sits in the collection. I don’t think it will be a common belief, but for me this could be the Anthrax ‘Youthanasia’. When Megadeth produced that album back in the 90’s, it wasn’t met with the best of public review. And yet, I thought it was one of the best alums one of the other Big 4 had created. And now, over 25 years later, that previously criticised album, is now seen as one of their technical master pieces.
I would suggest that Anthrax, or any of the big thrash titans of metal, won’t be doing another 12 albums ahead of them, as they have had behind them. If this is one of the latter albums that the guys have created for our rock beaten ear drums, then let’s rejoice and make the most of it! Crank it up and annoy the fuck out of the neighbours, like you always have done.
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