On this day March 22 1987 thrash metal band Anthrax released their third studio album Among the Living. Some sources cite March 16 as the release date but March 22 is also widely referenced. The album became a breakthrough for the band reaching number 62 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying their place as one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica Megadeth and Slayer. Among the Living featured some of Anthrax’s most iconic songs including Caught in a Mosh I Am the Law and Indians. The album blended heavy riffs fast paced drumming and socially aware lyrics making it a defining release of the thrash metal movement.
80s insight: The song I Am the Law was inspired by the comic book character Judge Dredd showcasing Anthrax’s love for pop culture references in their music.