Anthrax at Mohegan Sun Arena – February 3, 2023

After their successful co-headlining tour last summer, Anthrax and Black Label Society are back out on the road again. Joining them this time are fellow thrash pioneers, the Bay Area’s Exodus. As the temperatures drop below zero degrees, this trio of bands came roaring into Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

Exodus

Kicking off the night with a thunderous 45 minute set was Exodus. When the “Big Four” bands of thrash are brought up, including show headliner Anthrax, Exodus is often mentioned as a potential band if you expand the list to a “Big Five.” The band was instrumental in the start of the thrash movement, having been co-founded by Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett.

The band is supporting 2021’s Persona Non Grata, which was their first album in seven years. That said, they only played two songs off the album, with their main focus on their debut album, Bonded by Blood, with songs like “A Lesson in Violence” and “Strike of the Beast” getting the crowd warmed up.

Anthrax

After a great set by Black Label Society, it was time for Anthrax to close out the night. After an introductory video celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary, they started things off the way their classic album Among the Living begins, with the title track and “Caught in a Mosh.” They kept the crowd thrashing through 70 minutes of classic material, with songs like “I Am the Law” and their cover of “Bring the Noise” being highlights.

Scott, Joey, Frank, Charlie and Jon are as solid as ever. Scott commented that the last time they were at Mohegan Sun, only four years ago, they were playing in “the lobby” (the Wolf Den venue out inside the casino). Fast forward to tonight, and they had the 6000 capacity arena sold out! As the band rolls into their 42nd year, things continue looking up, and they don’t show any sign of slowing down.