ANTHRAX Bassist Says There Are No Plans For Retirement: 'We Are Hungrier Now Than Ever'

In a brand new interview with Sweden’s RockSverige, ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello was asked if he can see his band going on for another decade or longer, especially in the wake of SLAYER announcing its retirement earlier in the year. He responded: “Well, first off, I hope so, and I don’t think about it that much. The reaction that ANTHRAX has had for the last two records, I think we’re in a good place, writing-wise, and I think we’re in a good place with people coming to our shows and our fanbase is growing. It’s a really postive thing in ANTHRAX. Let me tell you something, in the band ANTHRAX, we are hungrier now than ever. We have a writing session in January and I can’t wait to get into the studio and start writing heavy songs with these guys. I’m looking forward to the next page.”

Asked if there has been a time when he felt he wanted to walk away from it all, Bello said: “I’ve always wanted to play music. I remember when the grunge era happened in the ’90s, and that was a rough era for metal, let’s face it. It was a rough period and those were tough times, but at the same time, I couldn’t wait to play, so I don’t think there’s ever been a time I didn’t wanna play. I enjoy the experience of connecting with people with music. It’s why I’m here. I need that energy.”

ANTHRAX‘s latest album, “For All Kings”, was released in February 2016. Its arrival followed a five-year period during which the band experienced a rebirth of sorts, beginning with ANTHRAX‘s inclusion on the 2010 “Big Four” tour with METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH, and continuing with the 2011 release of comeback LP “Worship Music”.

ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE, the project featuring Bello and MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, will release its debut album, “Get It Out”, on January 18, 2019 via Megaforce. The follow-up to ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE‘s 2014 self-titled EP was once again produced by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER, STONE SOUR), with Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE, ASHES DIVIDE) returning behind the kit.