"Among The Living"

American Heavy Metal pioneers Anthrax release their monstrous third studio album on this day, March 22, 1987. 

"I Am The Law," a nod to comic hero Judge Dredd, and "Indians" would be released as singles.

Other tracks include "Caught In A Mosh," "A Skeleton In The Closet" and "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)," a stab at the rise and fall of the reckless John Belushi, "Nice Fuckin' Life" spelled backwards. Stephen King, war crimes of the Nazis during World War Two, nuclear proliferation and Reagan's "SDI" initiative during the height of The Cold War are among the subject matter throughout "Among The Living,' it's 1980s Metal at its finest, conscientious and smart, as usual and not the least bit intended for lame audiences and not seeking wide distribution among posers and clowns.

Here's Anthrax throwing down the entire album in 2014.

"Among The Living" is a clinic in Thrash Metal speed and precision and a thorough demonstration of Anthrax's deserved status among "The Big Four," of American Heavy Metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. "Among The Living" would be dedicated the memory of the great Cliff Burton, Metallica's bassist who was killed in a bus accident while on tour in 1986. 

 Scott Ian of Anthrax with Cliff Burton

"Among The Living" deserves the full Heavy Metal Thursday treatment; front to back, uninterrupted and as loud as it will go.