Ask a room full of metalheads who the definitive lead singer of Anthrax is, and you’ll basically start a civil war. It's one of those debates that never actually dies. Honestly, it’s the "Coke vs. Pepsi" of the thrash world, but with more leather and high-pitched screaming.
Most people immediately picture Joey Belladonna. He's the guy on the "classic" records. But then you have the die-hards who swear the band only found its soul when John Bush took over in the 90s. And we can't forget Neil Turbin, the man who started it all on Fistful of Metal. It’s a messy history.
Right now, in 2026, Joey Belladonna is firmly back in the saddle. He’s been back for a while now—since 2010, actually. He just finished recording vocals for the band's upcoming 12th studio album, which everyone is expecting to drop any minute. It’s their first new record in a decade, and the hype is getting kinda ridiculous.
The Belladonna Era: High Notes and Skateboards
When people talk about the lead singer of Anthrax, they usually mean Joey. He joined in 1984, right before they recorded the Armed and Dangerous EP. Before Joey, Anthrax sounded like a lot of other New York speed metal bands. He changed that.
Joey wasn't your typical thrash growler. He was a melodic powerhouse with a serious tenor range. Think Steve Perry but in a denim vest. This set Anthrax apart from the "Big Four." While Metallica and Slayer were getting darker and grittier, Anthrax was writing catchy, soaring choruses.
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- Spreading the Disease (1985)
- Among the Living (1987)
- State of Euphoria (1988)
- Persistence of Time (1990)
These are the pillars. If you’ve ever shouted "Caught in a Mosh" at a bar, you’re singing Joey’s lines. But things got weird in 1992. The band fired him. No one really saw it coming, including Joey. He actually ended up working at a horse barn for a while, cutting grass and doing maintenance. Can you imagine the guy who sang "Indians" just weedy-eating a fence line? It’s wild.
The John Bush Shift: Grittier and Heavier
When John Bush (formerly of Armored Saint) stepped in, the sound shifted. It had to. John didn't do the operatic screams; he had a gravelly, soulful rasp.
1993’s Sound of White Noise was a massive hit. It’s actually their highest-charting album. Fans loved "Only," but the old-schoolers felt like the band had lost its thrash identity. It felt more like "grunge-metal" or "groove metal."
Scott Ian and Charlie Benante have often said that John made them a better band technically. He stayed for over a decade. He did four albums. But for a lot of fans, it just wasn't the "real" Anthrax. It lacked that goofy, energetic, comic-book-reading vibe that Joey brought to the stage.
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The Current State of the Mic
So, where are we today? Joey is the lead singer of Anthrax once again, and he seems more settled than ever. They tried a few other guys in the late 2000s—remember Dan Nelson? That was a disaster that ended in lawsuits—but eventually, they realized the chemistry with Joey was irreplaceable.
As of early 2026, the band is mixing their new album. Bassist Frank Bello says they are "hungry." They’ve been playing massive shows, including dates with Iron Maiden. Joey’s voice is still holding up, which is rare for guys from that era. He still hits the high notes in "Madhouse," though maybe with a little more technique and a little less raw ego.
What Most People Get Wrong
A big misconception is that the band hated each other during the singer swaps. Usually, it was just "creative differences." In the 90s, metal was changing, and Anthrax felt they needed to change with it. Joey didn't fit the "90s sound."
Another myth? That Joey doesn't "get" metal. People point to his love for Journey and melodic rock as a weakness. But that’s actually the secret sauce. His outside influences are why Anthrax doesn't sound like a generic thrash band.
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Practical Advice for New Fans
If you're just getting into them, don't pick a side yet. Do this:
- Listen to Among the Living first. It’s the essential Belladonna.
- Then, pivot to Sound of White Noise. It’ll show you why the Bush era matters.
- Check out Worship Music (2011). It's the "comeback" record where Joey proved he could still hang with the modern sound.
Watch for their 2026 tour dates. They are hitting Canada, Australia, and Japan. Seeing them live is the only way to really understand why Joey is the guy. He’s a relentless frontman, constantly running, high-fiving the front row, and acting like a kid. That energy is what keeps the band alive while other 80s legends are slowing down.
Keep an eye on the official Anthrax site for the new album release date. It's supposed to be a "very New York" sounding record. Whether you’re Team Joey or Team John, new Anthrax is always a win for the scene.