The best Anthrax album? I think so. Far darker than anything prior, and more mature (overall). Joey's vocals even seem to be in a slightly better register, not as piercing as before. The whole band just seemed tight and focused, even though Joey's departure and a whole new sound would emerge within the next two years...
The songs are longer than typical for ANthrax, but don't drag. Darker subject matter, written about in a more serious vein than usual, as well. Not that the fun is all gone... the killer cover of Joe Jackson's "Got the Time" is an absolute blast, and Frank Bello shows that bass players CAN be a good thing in metal (for once)!
Personal favorite, the last track "Discharge"... an awesome and slightly underrated album. Start here first, then move on to "Among the Living".
A real classic This is the last album that Anthrax did before kicking out their lead singer Joey Belladonna. On the next album they went for a more fashionable sound, and while that album was a huge success, it lacks soul when compared to Persistence of Time.
While it's not excessively dark or fast, Persistence of Time is heavy in a more profound way, this album has such a great attitude. Belladonna's voice fits perfectly and I feel that firing him may have been their biggest mistake.
Anthrax without Belladonna just isn't Anthrax any more.
Anthrax enter the Nineties After several very successful years in the 1980's, including releasing what many consider their best album (1987's "Among The Living"), Anthrax were at the peak of their career. The problem with this, though, is that they had a lot to live up to. And while some bands would have crumbled beneath the pressure, or just made a simple rehash of a past album, Anthrax released yet another solid album, "Persistence Of Time." This disc, which was their first album of the 1990's, was also the group's last studio effort with singer Joey Belladonna.
Most of the speed punk beats that "Among The Living" had are gone from these songs, as are the shout-along choruses. But "Persistence Of Time" retains the catchy songs and buzzsaw guitar riffs. And Joey still chooses to sing his vocal parts, so most of these songs have a melodic edge on them. This album is also noteworthy for arguably being Joey's finest hour from a lyrical standpoint, as they have clearly gotten quite a bit smarter and more mature and profound. (Political statements -- like anti-hatred and prejudicism -- is the main theme here.)
The album's first track, "Time," is about the only song on here with punk-ish drumming. This song also features punching riffs and catchy vocals. "Keep It In The Family" is slower its surrounding songs, with a mid-tempo rhythm, slowly grinding riffs, and a sluggish drum beat. The next song, "In My World," which has an inherent groove with surging guitars, thumping drums, and a memorable chorus, is very catchy. Elsewhere, "Gridlock" has blistering fast riffs and a winding guitar solo, "Intro To Reality" is entirely instrumental, "Got The Time" has a very punk-like feel to it, and, lastly, the album ends with "Discharge," which has chug and churning riffs and machine gun drums.
"Persistence Of Time" loses some points for recycled, repetitive riffs and overly long songs (making some tunes, like "H8 Red," become rather boring). But, all in all, this disc is worth your time and money if you're a speed metal or Anthrax freak. It's not a classic, but it still makes for a very enjoyable, worthy listen.
Technical Thrash This is by far Anthrax's most complex album. Kinda like their "...And Justice For All" but with a better production. If you like progressive thrash metal, you're bound to like this record.
Goofball New York Thrashmetal with a brain and a Punk attitude Not as intense nor anywhere near as morbid as Slayer's Seasons In The Abyss of the same year, Anthrax's Persistence Of Time cries for tolerance and the end of hatred and stupidity in a more melodic sort of way. While both albums are good favorites of mine, I enjoy this one especially for it's passion and agression. While many typical air-headed mainstream metal fans would possibly like this cd for it's tough hooks and the more extreme fans of death metal might find it to be too simplistic, Persistence of time finds perfect ground between punk rock anger and speed and heavy metal musicianship. I believe anyone who likes rock music could find enjoyment with this album. The lyrics are definitely a plus for those with an intellectual side. Calling for action and positive thought among the rat race of despair, death, greed, racism, and substance abuse, Anthrax stand high above their thrash metal peers leading a revolution that would sadly go nowhere and lead to bands like limp biskit and korn spouting utter nonsense. If you like any kind of heavy music with an intelligent side then please give this cd a listen. Any other person who likes Slayer and the Dead Kennedys like I do could truly enjoy this. Even fans of the Cro-Mags come to think of it. If Blood, Discharge, and Belly of The Beast don't get your blood flowing, you may possibly be dead or into twangy annoying CMT crap...
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