If you read some of my other reviews, you’ll see that I can be a very, very vicious critic. But I’m probably not going to be that vicious here. I love this album. And now, after an extended hiatus, I’m back to make fun of albums that I both love and hate.
State of Euphoria is an underrated album. Not just for Anthrax, but probably the most underrated album of the Big Four’s entire catalog. Yes, it’s not quite as good as the ‘Thrax albums it’s sandwiched between, but outside of “Antisocial”, nothing on SOE generally gets much love or respect, which is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad thing. This album boasts some of Anthrax’s best riffs, catchiest hooks, and showcases Joey Belladonna’s vocals at, arguably, their very best. SOE isn’t riddled with masterpieces like the previous couple Anthrax records, but the good songs on here are extremely good.
The album opens with the stompy-as-fuck “Be All, End All,” which is a perfect microcosm of this album. Just listen to that riff (but ignore the weirdly out-of-place cello intro). Listen to that melodic crunchiness. Terrific. “Antisocial” is a great cover of what was originally a pretty softcore song, and makes us all remember what punky East Coast thrash is all about. The riff for “Misery Loves Company” is OK, but the song is really all about the vocals. The melodies are the most memorable on the whole album. Listen to that chorus! Total earworm. “Finale” is just that: all the best riffs Anthrax had on this album are right there in all their majestic load-blowing glory.
There are a few square wheels here as well, but nothing deal breaking. “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” might be the most by-the-numbers Anthrax song they ever wrote. It feels forced and generic and just a whole big pile of other “blah” words. “Now It’s Dark” is a pretty mediocre song, but the lyrics were inspired by Blue Velvet, which is one of my favorite (and one of my wife’s least favorite) movies. So, SOE earned an extra point or two out of me just for that.
Anthrax’s classic albums haven’t really been known for having the best production values, but SOE manages to finally hit that sweet spot, making it the overall best-sounding classic ‘Thrax album.
I was watching Caddyshack when I wrote this review and this album gets no respect. No respect at all, I tell ya! If you don’t think this album is underrated and secretly great, you’re entitled to your opinion, but fuck you because you’re wrong.
Track List :
1. Be All, End All2. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
3. Make Me Laugh
4. Antisocial (Trust cover)
5. Who Cares Wins
6. Now It's Dark
7. Schism
8. Misery Loves Company
9. 13
10. Finalé
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