Anthrax - Potters Field (1993) reaction commentary

Today I listen to American thrash metal band, Anthrax perform Potters Field from their 1993 album, Sound of White Noise. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 0:16 - Potters Field 5:20 - My thoughts 9:30 - Who are Anthrax? Links Original video: Anthrax playlist: Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The group is considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene from the 1980s and is part of the “Big Four“ of the genre, along with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. They were also one of the first thrash metal bands (along with Overkill and Nuclear Assault) to emerge from the East Coast. The band’s current lineup consists of Scott Ian, drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, vocalist Joey Belladonna and lead guitarist Jonathan Donais. Anthrax’s lineup has changed numerous times over their career, leaving Ian as the only constant member of the band. Ian and Benante (who replaced one-time drummer Greg D’Angelo in 1983) are the only two members to appear on all of Anthrax’s albums, while Bello has been a member of Anthrax since 1984, replacing Lilker. Sound of White Noise is their sixth studio album, released on May 25, 1993. It is the band’s first album to feature vocalist John Bush, who replaced longtime frontman Joey Belladonna in 1992, and the last studio album with longtime lead guitarist Dan Spitz. The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 charts, selling 62,000 copies in its first week. It is Anthrax’s highest ever chart position. It sold 40,000 more copies in its second week. Sound of White Noise was certified gold by the RIAA on July 13, 1993. As of 2002, the album had sold 511,284 copies in the US. Potters Field is the opening track, written by John Bush, Scott Ian, Frank Bello and Charlie Benante John Bush – lead vocals Dan Spitz – lead guitar, backing vocals Scott Ian – rhythm guitar, backing vocals Frank Bello – bass, backing vocals Charlie Benante – drums Lyrics [Intro] This is a journey into sound [Verse 1] I was told to love you I was told to try I was born to save you I was born to die I’ll always be your scapegoat You’ll never take the blame You never had a chance It was your soul to save I am your one-night nightmare Pain is all you see The blood is on your hands I hope you’re proud of me [Verse 2] I was told to love you I learned how to hate I was born to save you Your choice became your fate You can’t take care of yourself How could you care for me? I am your retribution When is my soul free? I never asked for mercy You told me to forgive The blood is on your hands I hope you’re proud of me And what I’ve done to set you free I can barely hold myself [Pre-Chorus] Fascination, stimulation Stronger as I learn By his hand, I understand I was told to burn [Chorus] Bastard son, your saving grace Left alone I found my place I find love in what I steal You should have let me rest In Potter’s field I was told to, I was told to [Guitar Solo] [Verse 3] Your beliefs turned me into this Bite the hand that feeds You’re so selfish Thank you, mother For giving me this life I’ll bring down the rapture Then we’ll see who lies [Pre-Chorus] Fascination, stimulation Stronger as I learn By his hand, I understand I was told to burn [Chorus] Bastard son, your saving grace Left alone I found my place I find love in what I steal You should have let me rest In Potter’s field I was told to, I was told to I was told to, I was told to Stop it