Anthrax are working on “something big” to commemorate their career, according to drummer Charlie Benante. Most likely taking the form of a special live streamed show, the event is set to feature some deep cuts, as well as tracks from right across their more well-known catalogue.

Charlie made the revelation in a chat with eonmusic about his album Silver Linings, which is released via Megaforce Records on May 14.

Said Charlie: “Well, we’re working on something big for June, maybe July, which is going to commemorate our career, and we’re putting that together now. It may be like a livestream type of thing."

Anthrax were formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Danny Lilker, and the plans coincide with the 40th anniversary of the New Yorker’s formation. As such, the band seem to be planning a treat for the hardcore fans, promising do dig out some rarely, and never before performed tracks for the occasion. “It’s going to consist of a lot of songs, and a lot of songs that we’ve probably never played before”, said Charlie, who added; “we wanted to make something special out of this.”

Concluding, he said; “look out for that announcement. We’re just putting it together now.”

Elsewhere, the drummer revealed that plans for a follow-up to 2016’s For All Kings are well under way. “I think, so far, I think it’s going to be really good, because it’s exciting me, and whenever I get excited, it’s like it spawns more”, he said.

Adding that the album’s sound is likely to be influenced by current world events, Benante said; “I think this next record is basically going to be a reflection of the dark times, and some of the good times too, but I think it’s definitely an angrier record, but that’s only because of the surroundings.”

Read the entire interview where Charlie chats about his love of former label-mates U2, reconnecting with John Bush, and more, on eonmusic .

Benante recently announced the above mentioned Silver Linings album, 14 tracks that feature an all-star cast of "who's who" in the thrash, metal, and rock worlds. With all cuts culled from Benante's acclaimed 'Quarantine Jam Video Series', the album is aptly titled  Silver Linings and is due out May 14 via Megaforce Records.   

Benante has earmarked a portion of the Silver Linings proceeds for the Neal Casal Music Foundation, an organization that provides musical instruments and lessons to students, and makes donations to much-needed mental health organizations that support musicians in need. Today, the album's track "Run-DMC Medley", featuring Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Volbeat's Rob Caggiano, Ra Diaz from Suicidal Tendencies, and Benante, is released. The song can be streamed here, and the video of the original 'Quarantine Jam' session can be viewed below. Pre-orders for Silver Linings can be placed now at this location.

"Back in February of last year," Benante remembers, "with COVID and all the other B.S. that was going on, I was glued to the 24-hour news cycle on the TV and my phone, and I started to get really depressed.  My girlfriend said I needed to turn off the news and suggested I do something creative, whether it was art or drumming or writing new songs, and she was right."

Benante set up his electric drum kit at home in his art room and started playing along with music he had grown up listening to. It pulled him out of his depression and reignited his creative drive. "I knew a lot of my musician friends were going through the same thing I had been, so I started asking them if they wanted to get involved, play some songs with me, maybe make a video - that's how it all started."

Throughout the 'Quarantine Video Series', Benante collaborated on jams with fellow Anthrax bandmates Frank Bello, Scott Ian and Jon Donais, his girlfriend, Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies), Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour), Ra Diaz (Suicidal Tendencies), Mark Osegueda (Death Angel), John 5 (Rob Zombie), and Alex Skolnick (Testament), among many more.

Some of Charlie's favorite songs by Rush, Tom Petty, The Beastie Boys, Stormtroopers Of Death, Kings X, Run DMC, Massive Attack, U2, Fugazi, The Chemical Brothers, and Billie Eilish were covered.

For the album's cover art, Charlie recruited his friend, artist Brian Ewing, whose art he's always loved. "I think he did a great job," said Charlie, "and the package's artwork ties in my fascination with horror."

"This isn't a solo album," Charlie added. "This is a record of my favorite songs done with some of my friends during a very dark time. We found a shining light and this is the result of that light. I was really happy that my musician friends came on board and helped make this record what it is. I appreciate all of them, and they all did such a fantastic job. Despite all of the darkness we've experienced this past year, there are 'silver linings,' that's why I chose that title for the album."

Tracklisting:

"City Of Blinding Lights" / U2 - Frank Bello, Mark Osegueda, Charlie Benante
"Chloe Dancer / Crown Of Horns" / Mother Love Bone - Mark Menghi, Mark Osegueda, Charlie Benante
"Teardrop" / Massive Attack - Carla Harvey, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante
"Run DMC" / Run DMC - DMC, Rob Caggiano, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante
"Rhiannon" / Fleetwood Mac - Mark Menghi, Jennifer Cella, Randy McStine, Charlie Benante
"Yer So Bad" / Tom Petty - Carla Harvey, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante
"Transylvania" / Iron Maiden - Snake Sabo, Frank Bello, Jon Donias, Charlie Benante
"Presto Vivace" / U.K. - Ra Diaz, Alex Skolnick, Jordan Rudess, Charlie Benante
"Bad Guy" / Billie Eilish - Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante
"Jimmy James" / The Beastie Boys - Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante
"All The Way" / KISS - PJ Farley, Joe McGinness, John 5, Charlie Benante
"Mr Speed" / KISS - Joe McGinness, PJ Farley, Charlie Benante
"Public Image" / Public Image - Hank Von Hell, Dave Brownsound, Jason "Cone" McCaslin, Charlie Benante
"Funny Vibe" / Living Color - Ra Diaz, Corey Glover, Henry Flury, Charlie Benante

(Photo - Jimmy Hubbard)