Anthrax have unleashed “The Edge of Perfection,” the second single from their upcoming album Cursum Perficio, out September 18th.
The single is a dynamic and extremely heavy song, featuring an atmospheric opening that incorporates slight shoegazing elements before launching into an assault of blast beats and tremolo riffs that the thrash legends have been keeping their ear to the ground these past few years. There seem to be slight nods to all kinds of musical traditions, from a slick black metal transition to a rhythmic structure that wouldn’t be out of place on a Baroness record. It’s a superlative track, justifying Scott Ian’s comments on the song.
The Anthrax guitarist said, “It’s the apex predator of Anthrax songs. I think it’s the best song we’ve ever written and the best thing I’ve ever been a part of creatively. What’s the most powerful emotion that moves me more than anything? Of course, it’s love. Nothing moves me like the deep feeling that I get from my wife and son. I’m living on that edge for the rest of my life. This is mine, but there are a lot of ways to ruin it. I’ve ruined it in past iterations of my life, but it got me to where I am. Love is perfection, and I like being on the edge of it. I don’t want everything to be about all of the same shit. This record has a whole bunch of love, a whole bunch of fun, and a little hate.”
The single follows first single “It’s for the Kids,” which we named Heavy Song of the Week upon its release.
Anthrax are preparing to hit the road as part of Iron Maiden’s “Run For Your Lives” tour featuring fellow Big Four thrashers Megadeth. We named the outing one of our 10 must-see heavy metal and hard-rock tours of the summer. Get tickets here.
Watch the music video for “Edge of Perfection” below.
