Published: May 17, 2026 · 3:01 PM EDT
The New York thrash metal legends return with their first studio album in ten years through Megaforce Records
Anthrax have officially announced the new studio album “Cursum Perficio”, scheduled for release on September 18, 2026 through Megaforce Records, while simultaneously unveiling the first single and official video “It’s For The Kids”.
The release marks the band’s first studio album in a decade following “For All Kings” (2016), which debuted inside the Billboard 200 Top 10.
According to guitarist Scott Ian, “It’s For The Kids” was intentionally written as a direct tribute to Anthrax fans while simultaneously reconnecting with the aggression and energy associated with the band’s earliest thrash era.
Musically, the song combines fast-paced riffing, melodic hooks, and classic thrash intensity in what Ian described as “a very angry four-minute package.”
The accompanying video was conceived as a visual throwback to the band’s classic “Madhouse” era and prominently features fan participation throughout the clip.
Drummer Charlie Benante additionally praised the energy created through the interaction with fans during filming and described the song as one of his favorite riffs on the record.
Vocalist Joey Belladonna characterized the track as straightforward Anthrax with strong momentum and intensity, while guitarist Jonathan Donais emphasized its aggressive and live-oriented structure.
The phrase “Cursum Perficio” translates from Latin as “My journey has come to an end” or “I complete my journey.”
Recorded at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Los Angeles, the album was produced by Jay Ruston alongside Anthrax themselves.
The band originally intended to begin work on the album in 2020 before the pandemic interrupted the process. According to Scott Ian, the eventual return to recording after that period significantly shaped the emotional atmosphere and aggression present throughout the material.
Charlie Benante additionally described the release as the culmination of the band’s evolution since “Worship Music” (2011), while Ian compared the importance of the album within the band’s catalog to landmark releases such as “Among The Living.”
TRACKLIST — “CURSUM PERFICIO”
1. Persistence of Memory
2. The Long Goodbye
3. It’s For the Kids
4. Everybody’s Got A Plan
5. The Edge Of Perfection
6. Infectious
7. NYC93
8. Cursum Perficio
9. T.O.M.B
10. Watch It Go
11. My Victory
FORMATS
Standard CD
Target Exclusive CD including fabric patch
Standard Black Double LP with pop-up gatefold
Target Exclusive Red Zoetrope Double LP
Amazon Exclusive Purple Zoetrope Double LP
Merch Exclusive Lilac Vinyl Double LP
Metal Injection Exclusive White Vinyl Double LP
Talk Shop Live Exclusive Signed Red Ripple Vinyl Double LP
Indie Exclusive Red/Orange/Yellow Vinyl Double LP
LINEUP
Joey Belladonna — vocals
Scott Ian — guitar
Jonathan Donais — guitar
Frank Bello — bass
Charlie Benante — drums
Formed in New York during the early 1980s, Anthrax became one of the defining bands of thrash metal’s “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.
Across a 45-year career, the band helped shape the evolution of thrash through landmark releases including “Among The Living,” “Spreading The Disease,” and “Persistence Of Time,” while also expanding the genre through collaborations, groove experimentation, and crossover influences.
With “Cursum Perficio,” Anthrax revisit the aggression, speed, and melodic intensity associated with their classic thrash era while presenting a modern continuation of the sound that established the band as one of heavy metal’s most influential names.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo credit: Travis Shinn
Watch the official video for “It’s For The Kids” below.
