Music
Charlie Benante on new Anthrax, honouring Pantera, and why Jaws is still the greatest movie ever made.
Few musicians have left a fingerprint on thrash metal the way Charlie Benante has. As drummer, songwriter and driving force behind Anthrax, he helped shape one of metal’s most explosive eras — and decades later he’s still pushing forward.
Ahead of Anthrax’s long-awaited return to Australia, Benante talks about intimate shows, the band’s long-awaited new album, stepping behind the kit for Pantera in honour of Vinnie Paul, marrying Carla Harvey with Gene Simmons officiating — and why the music of John Williams still inspires him.
BACK DOWN UNDER
Anthrax are finally returning to Australia in 2026, and the shows promise to be loud, sweaty and close to the fans — including Sydney’s Enmore Theatre.
For Benante, though, venue size isn’t what defines a great show.
“It doesn’t matter where we play,” he says. “I’m still doing the same thing — playing drums and seeing the people out there. Whether it’s a huge place or a smaller room, the connection is the same. I’ll play anywhere.”
What fans can expect is a set-list built for maximum impact.
“When you haven’t been somewhere in a while, you’ve got to play the standards,” he says. “People want those songs. But we like to rotate things too, and maybe we’ll sneak a new one in — just to add some new blood.”
NEW BLOOD FOR ANTHRAX
It’s been nearly a decade since Anthrax released For All Kings, an album many fans consider one of the band’s strongest modern releases.
Benante believes the upcoming record might top it.
“Personally, I think this new album is a step up,” he says. “People told me they couldn’t believe we were still writing songs like that at this point in our career. But that’s the goal — I always push myself to make the music as good as it can be.”
There was even a moment where he questioned whether bands needed to make new albums at all in today’s music landscape.
“The industry is so different now,” he admits. “There was a time where I thought maybe bands didn’t need to release new music anymore. But once I started writing and the songs started coming together, I got excited again. When the ideas start flowing, you just go with it.”
THRASH FOR A NEW GENERATION
One of the biggest surprises for Benante in recent years has been the number of younger fans discovering thrash metal through streaming platforms.
“It’s amazing when a new generation finds your band,” he says. “I saw it happen with Metallica. Younger fans hear the older songs and they don’t think of them as ‘old songs’. To them, they’re brand new.”
Which means Anthrax’s upcoming record could become the first real introduction to the band for many listeners.
“When they hear the new album, that might be their record — the one that belongs to their generation.”
A WEDDING WITH GENE SIMMONS
Outside the studio and the stage, Benante recently had another huge life moment: marrying metal singer Carla Harvey.
And yes — the ceremony was officiated by the Demon himself, Gene Simmons!
“Before the wedding I was sitting with Gene Simmons just talking and hanging out,” Benante laughs. “I wasn’t nervous at all because I’m sitting there talking about rock and roll and Kiss.”
It turned the day into something unforgettable.
“What he did for us made it even more special. It was just a magical day.”
BEHIND THE KIT FOR PANTERA
Few gigs carry more emotional weight in metal than stepping behind the drum kit for Pantera.
Benante didn’t take that responsibility lightly. To honour Vinnie Paul’s legendary sound, he even adjusted his own setup to match Paul’s.
“That’s 100 percent true,” he confirms.
The first show — in Mexico City — came with a serious case of nerves.
“I was very nervous,” he admits. “I had to take a couple of shots of whiskey before going on.”
But once the music started, the nerves vanished.
“When we started playing, everything clicked. I was focused on the songs and enjoying it.”
Still, there’s one moment in the set that hits differently every night.
“When the intro to ‘Cowboys From Hell’ starts… that’s the one,” he says. “I get so pumped up. At the same time I’m thinking about my history with those guys — with Dime, Vinnie, Phil and Rex. I’m just grateful to be there.”
THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE
Benante is famously obsessed with Jaws — the iconic shark thriller directed by Steven Spielberg.
Ask him the greatest movie ever made and the answer comes instantly.
“We know it’s Jaws. Only Jaws,” he laughs.
If he had to pick another favourite?
“Probably the original Star Wars.”
THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS
Part of what makes Jaws so unforgettable is its legendary score by John Williams.
As a musician, Benante holds the composer in the highest regard.
“John Williams is one of the greatest composers ever,” he says. “What I love is that he started out as a jazz pianist. That’s a tough musical background.”
That musical foundation helped him craft some of the most recognisable film scores in history.
“He came from the hardest musical place and became the greatest. Every soundtrack he’s done is incredible.”
CAKES AND METAL FANS
After decades of touring, Benante has plenty of stories — but some of the most memorable moments come from the fans themselves.
“People message me saying they want to bake me a cake,” he laughs.
And sometimes they actually do.
“Then they show up at meet-and-greets with these huge cakes. It’s amazing. It’s not really funny — it’s just really endearing.”
ONE BIG PARTY DOWN UNDER
With Anthrax finally heading back to Australia, Benante has one message for fans.
“We can’t wait to come back. It’s been a long time.”
And when the lights go down and the riffs start flying, the mission is simple.
“We want it to be a huge event. One big party. Everybody come out and let’s have a great fucking night.”
ANTHRAX AUSTRALIA 2026
Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Monday 23 March
Hindley St. Music Hall, Adelaide
Wednesday 25 March
Festival Hall, Melbourne
Thursday 26 March
Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 28 March
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.com.au