Anthrax "Sound of White Noise"

Sound of White Noise is the sixth studio album by American thrash metal band Anthrax, released in May 1993 on Elektra Records. It is the band's first album to feature vocalist John Bush, who replaced longtime Anthrax vocalist Joey Belladonna in 1992. It is also Anthrax's last studio album with longtime lead guitarist Dan Spitz. This was also the second album Bush worked with Jerden, as Jerden produced Symbol of Salvation for Bush's previous band, Armored Saint.

The album, produced by the band and Dave Jerden, includes the singles "Only", "Room for One More", "Hy Pro Glo" and "Black Lodge". This album marked a significant revision in the band's sound, with the departure of lead vocalist Joey Belladonna and the introduction of grunge influences. Jerden was known for producing the likes of Alice in Chains and Jane's Addiction.

With Sound of White Noise, Anthrax moved away from the rapid-fire thrash metal that had defined their earlier output, often emphasizing more melodic songwriting and abandoning the goofy humor. Songs like the walloping "Only" and stuttering, stop-start dynamics of "Hy Pro Glo" maintained a level of aggression on par with anything else the band recorded, but in a different alternative metal style. Other songs found Anthrax exploring new territory, like the mid-tempo "Room for One More," and the atmospheric "Black Lodge" (inspired by the Twin Peaks TV series and featuring keyboardist Angelo Badalamenti). Bush's lower-pitched, darker vocal style also was a drastic change from Belladona's tendency towards operatic falsetto.

The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 charts, Anthrax's highest ever chart position. Sound of White Noise was certified gold by the RIAA. "Only" and "Black Lodge" charted at No. 26 and No. 38 respectively on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

Trivia:

- C11 H17 N2 O2 S Na is the chemical formula for Sodium Pentathol, a truth serum drug.

- Black Lodge is a collaboration between Anthrax and Angelo Badalamenti, soundtrack composer for David Lynch's films and TV series. Black Lodge is the name of the alternate dimension in the Twin Peaks TV series.

The booklet folds out into a poster.

Recording information:

Co-produced by Anthrax.

Drums and bass recorded at A&M Studios.

Rhythm guitar recorded at Eldorado Studio.

Lead guitar and vocals recorded at Cherokee Studios.

Additional guitars recorded at Excalibur Studio.

Mastered at Future Disc.

Mixed at Right Track Recording.