Anthrax: State of Euphoria 30th Anniversary Edition Review
Anthrax were at the peak of their career in 1988. Among the Living had been a genre-defining album and I’m The Man was certified platinum. With the release of State of Euphoria, Anthrax cemented their place in the Big Four. That now classic recording earned the band a gold record and proved that thrash could have broad commercial appeal.
MTV threw their support behind the band. Headbangers Ball invited Anthrax to host the show and visited the studio where writing sessions for State of Euphoria unfolded. Cameras trailed the band around New York City as the five musicians visited NYC landmarks.
Headbangers Ball also sponsored their U.S. tour with Exodus and Helloween. MTV even filmed a humorous commercial to promote the tour.
Behind the scenes, Anthrax were less than enthusiastic about the new record. The band later conceded that State of Euphoria wasn’t “finished.” Determined to participate in the Monsters of Rock tour with Iron Maiden, they rushed to complete the album before the stadium dates began.
While Anthrax harbored reservations, fans found no flaws. They embraced the new record with open arms. The band also earned new fans thanks to videos for “Anti-Social” and “Who Cares Wins.” New converts joined the converted as Anthrax hit the road.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of State of Euphoria, Anthrax have released a deluxe edition of the 1988 classic. Available as a 2 CD or 2 LP set, collectors may wish to purchase the limited edition red and yellow vinyl.
Packaging unfolds to reveal vintage photos and Anthrax magazine covers. It’s amusing to read the headlines. “MORE NEVER-SEEN GUNS N’ ROSES PINUPS” and “THE MOST OBNOXIOUS POISON INTERVIEW EVER” capture the spirit of 1988. Somehow, in this climate of pop-oriented glam rock, a thrash band like Anthrax was deemed popular enough to land on the cover.
A booklet includes vintage band photos and liner notes. Several pages of fan quotes talking about State of Euphoria’s impact add a personal touch.
Recent years have found the band voicing negative opinions about the album. They have forgotten that State of Euphoria is beloved by Anthrax fans. Perhaps the band will take the quotes to heart and add neglected tracks from 1988 to the current setlist.
Disc one includes the re-mastered album along with B-Sides from the “Anti-Social” and “Make Me Laugh” singles. While the tracks “Parasite,” “Sects,” and “Pipeline” were later released on Attack of the Killer B’s, other bonus tracks from disc one remain relatively rare. Although “Friggin’ in the Riggin’” and the French version of “Anti-Social” can be found on the overseas EP Penikufesin, many U.S. fans have never heard these songs. It’s nice having all songs recorded during the State of Euphoria sessions on one disc.
Disc two is where the fun begins. Titled “Charlie’s Archives,” listeners get to hear the writing process unfold from inside the rehearsal room. Every song except for “13” is represented. Charlie bangs out riffs on a practice amp before homemade demos morph into professionally recorded instrumental takes.
A few tracks stand out. In the studio demo, the haunting cello from “Be All, End All” assumes a more prominent role. Rather than disappear after a few solitary measures, the cello plays along with guitar, bass, and drums.
It’s intriguing to hear songs without a polished production. “Make Me Laugh” is a great example. The sound is raw but organic. The power of the intro riff somehow got diminished in a professional studio.
“Finale” is yet another standout in Charlie’s Archives. Unlike the first eight tracks, we are treated to a blistering live version. Performed during the State of Euphoria tour, the refrain “Over, finished, gone, done, out,” make “Finale” the perfect closer. There is ample energy in the performance and the audience sounds absolutely rabid. It’s perplexing that the song was dropped in future tours. “Finale” is custom built to close a show.
CD listeners will want to let the final track play through after Joey Belladonna says goodnight to the crowd. After several minutes of silence, we are treated to Anthrax commentary and the band goofing around while playing cover songs.
The statements are a continuation of an interview with the clever title “Statements of Euphoria.” Rather than devote a track to Anthrax talking, clips are spread out over disc two. Band members choose their favorite tracks, discuss filming the “Anti-Social” video, and plug the Oidivnikufesin VHS.
Both discs are a trip down memory lane. Deluxe versions of Spreading the Disease and Among the Living are already out of print. Anyone wishing to own a 30th anniversary edition of State of Euphoria is advised to make a purchase immediately.
