Anthrax - Cursum Perficio

Anthrax need no introduction. The New York Thrash Titans are set to release their 12th full-length studio album titled Cursum Perficio on September 18th via Nuclear Blast Records and Megaforce Records (North America). The phrase Cursum Perficio is Latin for “My journey has come to an end,� “or “I complete my journey.� It’s heartening to hear from the band themselves that the album title doesn’t necessarily mean that this is Anthrax’s final album. Apparently it was chosen more for the fact that the band believe the album is a culmination of everything they’ve learned across their 40+ year career. Playing through the album its hard to argue with that statement. I look at Anthrax’s career in 3 parts. Their early Thrash era, where they released seminal Thrash metal albums like Spreading the Disease, Among the Living and Persistence of Time. The John Bush era, where the change in vocalists made the band a slightly different, yet still formidable act, adding classic albums such as the Sound of White Nosie and We’ve Come for You All to their cannon. We’re now in the Joey reunion period. It’s been a decade since 2016’s For All Kings, but as always Anthrax are prioritising quality over quantity in the twilight of their career. Cursum Perficio does sound like a true culmination of all three periods.

The album gets underway with a short instrumental build up titled "Persistence of Memory". It’s the sort of piece you can image the band playing over the PA while they make their way to the stage. Its followed by "The Long Goodbye", which is the first tack proper and a mid-paced chugging metal track with great vocal hooks. Joeys ‘oooOOOOooo’ parts will be great on the stages of the European festival circuit.

The up-tempo thrasher "It's For the Kids" is everything old school Anthrax fans could possibly want to hear from an Anthrax track in 2026, complete with the ferocious ‘mosh part’ at the end (I can see Scott Ian ‘stomping bugs’ in my mind’s eye when that riff hits).

Everybody’s got a plan is a great hard rocking track. If you were a fan of Workship Music and For All Kings you’ll really dig tracks like this one - just well-crafted metal tracks littered throughout the whole album.

"The Edge of Perfection" is my standout track on the album. Its getting some great wraps from fans as a pre-release single, and quite rightly so. Charlie’s blast beats have been influential since the early days of S.O.D, but to hear him blast to an almost atmospheric black metal style chordal arrangement on an Anthrax track is super refreshing and a bit of a unique offering. No doubt a highlight on the album.

The material at the back end of the album is damn good too. Infectious is a mid-packed chugger of a track and one I really enjoy - it’s got a nice bridge and Joey really shines on here (in fairness he does the entire album). Jon’s solo is also a highlight - I still see him as the ‘new guy’, but he’s been with the band for well over a decade now so I probably need to reevaluate how I see his legacy in the band. NYC 93 is a ripper, and the title track "Cursum Perficio" is one of the best tracks on the album, with an epic chorus and overall vibe. "Target On My Back" and "Watch it Go" sound like they were lifted from the SOWN / Stomp 442 era to me, but with Joey doing vocals. It’s a nice nod to that part of their history and certainly adds to the feeling that this album encapsulates the bands career. The album is closed out with "My Victory" which is a great closer and a strong and melodic thrash track that gets its hooks into you. JD’s lead guitar work is super strong once again too.

If you rank their latter day albums, Anthrax are arguably the strongest (certainly the most consistent) of the big 4. Ive been a massive wrap for their material since Joey rejoined the band and Cursum Perficio is arguably the best of those albums. Great band, great album.

Track Listing

1. Persistence of Memory
2. The Long Goodbye
3. It's For the Kids
4. Everybody's Got a Plan
5. The Edge of Perfection
6. Infectious
7. NYC 93
8. Cursum Perficio
9. T.O.M.B. (Target On My Back)
10. Watch It Go
11. My Victory

Added: August 7th 2026
Reviewer: Chris Reid
Score:
Related Link: Anthrax Online
Hits: 18
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]