The heavy metal band whose 1987 album Among the Living became a classic thrash metal record was Anthrax. It was the band’s third studio album and one of the defining releases of the late-1980s thrash era.
Among the Living was released on March 22, 1987, through Megaforce Records in the United States and Island Records elsewhere. The album combined rapid guitar riffs, pounding drums, and the energetic vocals of Joey Belladonna. Its songs included “Caught in a Mosh,” “Indians,” and “I Am the Law,” all of which became important parts of Anthrax’s live repertoire.
The album was dedicated to Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, who had died in a bus accident six months before its release while Metallica were touring with Anthrax as an opening act. Anthrax later became one of thrash metal’s “Big Four,” along with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. The title can be confused with Overkill or Testament because both bands also released influential thrash albums during the same period.