"Not quite the glorious showstopper it could have been." Are Anthrax nearing the end? If so, new album Cursum Perficio is a solid if imperfect send-off

After a decade since their last release, Anthrax unveils their twelfth studio album, 'Cursum Perficio,' arriving amid speculation about the band's future trajectory. The album’s title, derived from Latin meaning 'My Journey Is Over,' suggests a potential closing chapter for the veteran thrash metal pioneers who have shaped the genre over 45 years.

Anthrax’s career has witnessed the evolution of thrash, with contemporaries like Slayer disbanding and reforming, Megadeth embarking on farewell tours, and Metallica maintaining their dominant position. Against this backdrop, 'Cursum Perficio' arrives as a thoughtful reflection on legacy, continuity, and artistic exploration.

The album opens with an orchestral prelude that nods to their earlier work, specifically evoking the tone of their 1990 release 'Persistence of Time.' This introduction sets a contemplative mood, signaling a blend of reverence for their past and a readiness to explore new sonic avenues.

Tracks like 'The Long Goodbye' navigate themes of enduring loss and finality, employing mid-tempo rhythms and melodic structures that have become synonymous with Anthrax's more mature material. While these compositions provide solidity, they don’t deliver the high-impact intensity traditionally associated with milestones in the band’s history.

In contrast, 'It’s For The Kids' recalls the vibrant energy and aggression that defined Anthrax’s early years. Characterized by rapid-fire guitar squeals, driving percussion, and dynamic mosh sections, the song channels the thrash metal excitement that initially propelled the band to prominence, albeit paired with unexpectedly serious lyrical content.

The album’s diversity continues with 'Everybody’s Got A Plan,' which adopts a more restrained pace, followed by the ambitious 'The Edge Of Perfection.' This nearly seven-minute piece ventures into atmospheric and experimental territory, incorporating elements reminiscent of black metal while maintaining a cohesive thrash identity. This track exemplifies Anthrax’s willingness to innovate even after decades in the industry.

Further into the album, 'Infectious' offers a slower, doom-infused tempo, while 'NYC 93' invokes punk-metal nostalgia, reinforcing the band’s roots. The title track diverges into hard rock territory, highlighting the group’s versatility beyond traditional thrash confines.

Additional songs like 'T.O.M.B.' and 'Watch It Go' add texture through grooving rhythms and grungy riffs, the latter drawing subtle comparisons to Metallica’s mid-1990s style and Slayer’s aggressive tone. This blend of influences underscores Anthrax’s capacity to integrate various metal subgenres into their sound.

Concluding with 'My Victory,' the album returns to familiar territory, combining weighty riffs with melodic sensibilities that have become a hallmark of their recent output. The song encapsulates the duality of reflection and endurance that permeates 'Cursum Perficio.'

Overall, the album presents a balance between homage to Anthrax’s legacy and a commitment to creative evolution. While it may not represent the monumental final statement some anticipated, it stands as a commendable addition to their discography, showcasing maturity and experimentation.

Released on September 18 through Nuclear Blast, 'Cursum Perficio' invites listeners to consider the band's enduring relevance and the possibilities that still lie ahead, even as they acknowledge the passage of time. Details about the band's future plans remain limited, leaving fans and critics to interpret this release as either a poignant farewell or a transitional milestone.

The response captured in reviews highlights that despite some unevenness, Anthrax continues to engage with their musical identity thoughtfully. Their ability to merge nostalgia with new directions at this stage in their career reflects a nuanced understanding of their place within the metal community and an openness to growth after nearly half a century in the industry.