Joey Belladonna: A Journey Through the Annals of Heavy Metal

From the depths of the New York City underground, Joey Belladonna emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy metal. His distinctive vocals and charismatic stage presence propelled him to the helm of Anthrax, one of the "Big Four" thrash pioneers.

Early Life and Influences:

Born Joseph Belladonna on October 13, 1960, in Oswego, New York, Joey's passion for music ignited at a young age. Inspired by the raw energy of bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, he began honing his vocal abilities as a teenager.

Joining Anthrax (1984-1992):

In 1984, Belladonna joined Anthrax, replacing original vocalist Neil Turbin. With his soaring vocals and ability to command a stage, he infused the band with a newfound vitality. Together, they released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Spreading the Disease" (1985), "Among the Living" (1987), and "State of Euphoria" (1988).

Challenges and Controversies:

Belladonna faced his fair share of challenges during his tenure with Anthrax. In 1991, he was arrested for possession of an illegal substance, leading to his dismissal from the band. However, he was reinstated shortly after, inspiring the hit single "Only" from the album "Sound of White Noise" (1993).

Departure from Anthrax:

In 1992, Belladonna parted ways with Anthrax, pursuing a solo career. He released several albums, including "Belladonna" (1995) and "0141610" (2003), but struggled to replicate the success he had achieved with his former band.

Return to Anthrax (2010-Present):

In 2010, Belladonna returned to Anthrax for a second stint, replacing Dan Nelson. The band embarked on a triumphant tour, performing classic hits to the delight of their loyal fans. Since then, they have released two albums together, "Worship Music" (2011) and "For All Kings" (2016).

Discography:

With Anthrax:

* "Spreading the Disease" (1985)
* "Among the Living" (1987)
* "State of Euphoria" (1988)
* "Sound of White Noise" (1993)
* "Stomp 442" (1995)
* "Volume 8: The Threat Is Real" (1998)
* "Worship Music" (2011)
* "For All Kings" (2016)

Solo:

* "Belladonna" (1995)
* "0141610" (2003)
* "J.B.O./Belladonna" (2006, collaboration with J.B.O.)
* "Seasons of Witch" (2014)

Members:

* Joey Belladonna - Vocals
* Scott Ian - Guitar
* Charlie Benante - Drums
* Frank Bello - Bass
* Jonathan Donais - Guitar