Anthrax's New Video: London May's Haunting Journey Through Chains and Art

Chains, Camaraderie, and Creative Catharsis

When you think of Anthrax, the name often conjures images of brutal thrash metal, headbanging anthems, and a legacy that's been shaped by both controversy and innovation. But with their 12th studio album and first in over a decade, Cursum Perficio, the band is pushing beyond the sonic limits of their genre into something darker, more introspective, and absolutely mesmerizing.

'Now it's over,' sings frontman Joey Belladonna over crashing drums and distorted riffs. But then comes a twist: 'Rise.' The visual narrative of this song is just as compelling.

The video, directed by the visionary Don Argott (who previously brought us Lamb of God's As the Palaces Burn and Taylor Swift's The End of an Era), is a black-and-white, cinematic experience that stars London May — best known for his tenure in Samhain, Glenn Danzig's goth-punk collective between the Misfits and Danzig.

May, who describes the shoot as 'as brutal as it looks,' broke his finger on the first day and still insists he'd do it all again. His physical and emotional investment in this project speaks volumes about how deeply the band sees this new chapter as a rebirth — or perhaps even a reckoning.

Breaking Chains, Breaking Boundaries

As the video begins, we see London May dragged through smoke-filled tunnels, across waterlogged streets, and down brick corridors. The chains are real, the pain is visceral, and the metaphorical weight of 'Cursum Perficio' — which translates to 'I have completed my course' in Latin — feels like a journey toward redemption.

But there's more to this tale than just physical suffering. It's a deeply personal narrative, one that echoes themes of struggle, transformation, and the question: Did it all amount to something?

Scott Ian, Anthrax's guitarist and lyricist, captures the essence of this journey when he says, 'How do you measure oceans of time, and what did you do with it? And were all the struggles worth it in the end?' These aren't just lyrics; they're a call to reflect on the weight of a life lived fully — whether in music or in personal turmoil.

A Visual Symphony of Pain and Power

Don Argott's direction is nothing short of breathtaking. The stark black-and-white cinematography enhances the filmic quality, making each frame feel like a still from a classic horror flick or a modern-day allegory. It's a visual journey that mirrors the album's themes — the chaos, the resilience, and the strength found in pain.

Drummer Charlie Benante adds his voice to the chorus of praise: 'This song has always been the dark horse of the record. This video may be as well.' And it's easy to see why. It's not just a music video — it's a full-blown artistic statement.

The Reckoning with Samhain

London May's background in Samhain gives this video an added emotional resonance. Samhain was more than just a band; it was a bridge between punk and goth, between rebellion and romance. The band's legacy is deeply entwined with the darker side of rock culture, and now, with Anthrax, May is stepping into a new realm — one where he can be both the victim and the victor.

What's fascinating about this video isn't just how it showcases May's commitment to his craft, but also how it reflects Anthrax's own evolution. Over two decades, the band has transformed from thrash pioneers to cultural icons — and now, with Cursum Perficio, they're taking a bold new turn.

Album Release and Tour Dates

The album's rollout has already seen the release of music videos for The Edge of Perfection, It's for the Kids, and Everybody's Got a Plan. The band is also preparing for an upcoming tour, including appearances at the Louder Than Life festival and stops in Los Angeles, San Antonio, and eventually Mexico, where they'll be supporting Iron Maiden.

For fans of Anthrax, this isn't just another album release — it's a return to form. It's a chance to witness the band evolve while honoring their roots. And with videos like this one, we're reminded that music is not just about sound — it's about storytelling, and sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones we can feel in our bones.

What This All Means

As I watched London May go through hell for this video, I couldn't help but think about what it means to be an artist in today's world. There's something poetic about how the band used real pain as a medium for art — and in doing so, they've created a powerful visual narrative that speaks to our collective journey of struggle and survival.

So when you watch Cursum Perficio, remember: this isn't just a song or a video. It's a statement — a declaration of how far we've come, how much we've endured, and how, ultimately, we rise from the ashes.