11 Heaviest Anthrax Riffs | Scott Ian's' Picks

Anthrax songs are filled with riffs. Fast ones, chuggy ones, springy ones, nimble ones, catchy ones, moshy ones. Riffs are what rhythm guitarist Scott Ian does best, and while there're plenty of musically nuanced and pleasantly melodic guitar passages in Anthrax's catalog, we asked Ian to pick the 11 heaviest in the band's repertoire. The ones that make you want to bang your head until you pull a muscle. The ones that make you want to punch the drink out of the hands of the dude standing next to you, just because. Watch above to see which riffs Ian selected, and hear him sing them all a capella. Let us know some of your favorite Anthrax riffs in the comments below!
Backing music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Photo by Travis Shinn
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#anthrax #scottian #metal #thrashmetal #riffs #guitar #amongtheliving #fistfulofmetal #spreadingthedisease #persistenceintime #wevecomeforyouall #stateofeuphoria #deathrider #caughtinamosh #indians #gungho #madhouse #imitationoflife #keepitinthefamily #heavymetal

[@jimmer1047]

My sister told me 40 years ago "you're gonna grow out of this music eventually." At 63 I'm still waiting! 😂🎸🥁🎹

[@Greg-om2hb]

I thought I would grow out of it, too. But no. It warms my heart to see bands like LOVEBITES carrying the Thrash flag forward.

[@ScottDaddyMac]

As I get closer to my 60s my tastes in music are intensifying. I have completely embraced Anthrax as one of my favorite bands when I was well into my 50s. It's a shame I can't find anyone who wants to make a band playing this type of music. Everyone here wants to play covers that have been played to death.

[@sarajamus]

My aunt said the same this to me about 25 years ago when I was in high school… still waiting for it to happen!! Lmao

[@coldean8587]

Lol...I love it..its what keeps us Rockers going...BS...lol

[@jimmer1047]

@@ScottDaddyMacsince I retired I've really revisited the "grunge" bands as well as Motorhead. I've gotta give Anthrax another listen.

[@itchyvinyl]

A band where the DRUMMER writes the riffs, and the GUITARIST writes the lyrics. Anthrax is one of a kind.

[@Faks.09]

Iron Maiden vibes haha

[@scottashe984]

Meshuggah's drummer writes lyrics and thier guitarists write the percussion with computers and then the drummer learns it.

[@manuele.itriagom.728]

It’s actually not as uncommon as you think

[@itchyvinyl]

@@manuele.itriagom.728 I can think of bands where members other than the singer writes lyrics. But I can’t think of many/any where the drummer writes the majority of the guitar parts.

[@mot0rdeth]

@@itchyvinyl If I remember correctly, Gene Hoglan wrote many guitar parts for Dark Angel. I could be wrong though.

[@sadboi7537]

Persistence Of Time has some of the hardest riffs in the entire Anthrax catalogue. Such an underrated album.

[@Lulustucru2393]

Too bad the production sucked ( In my opinion ). Otherwise I agree It's a solid album

[@BeastCake1349]

That’s my favorite album from them. Every song is a masterpiece.

[@ericsyre9418]

Keep it in the Family has truly heavy ones.

[@justinatest9456]

Belly Of The Beast is killer.

[@jamesennis8837]

@REVOLVER_1 thanks you have been randomly selected to get ripped off send me your banking details

[@EmrahUncu]

I liked how he gave credit where credit was due for the riffs.

[@ukrpgfan4029]

I could just listen to Scott making guitar sounds all day.

[@dekapitatorr]

then revisit Bevis and Butthead

[@richardaaron4454]

I enjoyed that as well.

[@danzigjr]

Much respect to Scott for including a riff written by co-founding Anthrax member Dan Lilker. His contributions to this band should not be forgotten or glossed over.

[@thomasstogner4715]

Which song?

[@Faks.09]

@@thomasstogner4715 deathrider

[@hmetaljustin]

Dan Lilker is the shit!

[@blackwrits]

Don't forget Greg Walls

[@no_problem8023]

Lilker and Walls wrote ALOT of the main riffs on that first record. Walls has come out and made videos on how bad the band fucked him over, and Dave Mustained him.

[@JR-dd4ec]

Know this: I'm 44 (born in 78) and I have stage 4 cancer and I'm dying this year. Why I'm telling you this is BECAUSE I GREW UP ON ANTHRAX!!!!!!!!! When I got older and wanted to play guitar guess who one of my top 4 influences and favorite guitarists are......SCOTT IAN!!! I didn't want to be a shredder I was a rhythm player and he was my biggest influence. Fun fact: I grew up in Elmira NY and he recorded some S.O.D in Ithaca. My youth I grew up on Anthrax, is and until my last breath be always one of my favorite bands, and this video is like a freaking musical time life in my life ANTHRAX IS THE BEST AND MY FAVORITE, I LOVE YOU SCOTT AND YOUR INFLUENCE IN MY LIFE!!!!!

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

Bless you brother! 1969 metalhead D&D nerd here. We were so lucky to be living during this time (in the video). Hope to see you on the other side, brother!! \m/ Chris Forever

[@Randy-jz9ox]

🤘

[@johnpelfrey2425]

Prayers my friend so sorry

[@andrewrocco]

I can't believe the opening riff of "I am the Law" didn't make the list.

[@THESNEAKERADDICT]

💯💯💯 that riff is epic and when that bass come in too, sheesh

[@M0RGAT0RY]

This dude is underated... Everyone says Hetfield is the best rhythm guitar player, when it's him and Scott Ian. Charlie is killer too

[@johnkatsoudas4767]

​@Daddy absolutely!

[@4967eljefe]

Keep it in the family is my favorite Anthrax song . Persistence of time in my opinion is their best album.

[@itsalwayssomething7490]

I think that was their best of that era, but I think the last 2 albums are their best overall albums.

[@rmattbill]

The bridge in that song is killer.

[@lawrencestalbow-best2317]

Keep It In The Family is one of the heaviest fuckin things ever

[@spineappletea]

it's insane how scott is such a great guitarist that he can perfectly replicate the sound of a guitar with his mouth.

[@williamnelson2332]

While air drumming

[@bertall1ca]

That's probably how he writes his best riffs. It's gotta help when getting a riff from your head & out through the guitar.

[@Pewtooyou]

It's from all the handies and honkers.

[@rockarolla9054]

I know everyone gives all the love to Among the Living but Spreading the Disease has always been my favorite Anthrax album.

[@THESNEAKERADDICT]

I agree 10000 percent ! My favorite album and then Among the living . songs like stand and fall and The enemy were sleepers on that album too.

[@rockarolla9054]

@@THESNEAKERADDICT As basic and repetitive as it is, Medusa is a mf jam. Joey’s voice in that song especially in the beginning is even more bad ass than usual to my ears.

[@chriswilkinson7636]

Lone justice 🤘🤘

[@johnpage7624]

It's a Madhouse!!!

[@nicholasbradshaw]

​@@rockarolla9054 Absolutely agree. I love that song so much, so fun to play. My favourite album is Persistence of Time, though. It's like Metallica's Puppets to me in the sense that I can't trim the album down at all. It might not have the biggest hits in it, but he songs are so consistently good.

[@adamwhite1977]

I have always loved Room For One More, such a sick riff 🤘🏼😝🤘🏼

[@tommymills3666]

Damn skeletons didnt make the list ??

[@rytistitas1356]

Love how he sounds like Beavis when huming the riffs! Love Scott, love Anthrax 🤘

[@stephenm8725]

haha I totally thought that too

[@masalps]

He's still an excited little kid when it comes to all things metal, impossible not to like the guy

[@rytistitas1356]

@@masalps exactly!

[@llongone2]

Love that he mentioned "Imitation of Life" - great Anthrax track

[@ryantherusskie]

Fun fact - Originally written for S.O.D. as "Aren't You Hungry?"

[@joshallen3558]

My favorite

[@Starca71]

There is never be thrash riff without Ian Scott riffs! March Of The S.O.D is a thrash riff hymn!🤟✊🤟✊🤟✊

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

I want some milk

[@robertwalker3357]

Seasoning the abyss

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

@@robertwalker3357 *obese

[@petrilampela]

Charlie Benante wrote most of these riffs though.

[@TheRonNasty]

Danny Lilker wrote loads too

[@aneinthedark5008]

Quite a nice surprise here with 'What Doesn't Die', I was genuinely surprised. I thought he wouldn't pick an single riff from the Bush days....

[@dimebagdave77]

Count your blessings that we still have Anthrax keeping it pure and putting it straight to your skull after all these years🔥

[@THESNEAKERADDICT]

Big fn fasts

[@rockarolla9054]

They continue to put out hard ass albums with killer riffs. Worship Music and For All Kings are awesome.

[@franco1926]

Anthrax in the 2010's pretty much ruled it over the other bands in the big 4.

[@FRANKBURNSONE]

'Hy Pro Glo' is one of my favorite songs from Anthrax. 'Belly of the Beast' is another one. I first started going to concerts in 1972 and have always liked hard and fast music. I was so happy when Anthrax came along. Still a fan to this day.

[@Hupomone]

I agree entirely. Those two songs are Anthrax all-timers.

[@riz040]

How about every riff you did in S.O.D? New Scott Vid! Anthrax keeping metal alive!

[@MrMvidz]

Indians was the song that made me an Anthrax fan. Among the living is the best classic thrash album for me. All killer, no filler.

[@grymmjack]

Seeing and hearing Scotty Ian talk about his greatest riffs and using his guitar sounds and faces and emotes is awesome. Anthrax was one of my favorite bands in the old days!

[@DeathPenny]

Keep it in the Family Brother - SICK AS FUCK!!!!!

[@Gee-no]

I like how Scott sings each riff. Epic.

[@scottarmbruster7759]

Medusa deserves a mention Scott Also a great heavy riff I was lucky enough to be a teenager in the 80s when the big 4 were knocking the earth off its axis As good as the other 3 are I have always loved Anthrax’s riffs They have always been catchy, groovy and heavy at the same time Thankyou Scott we are blessed to have your music in our lives Your performance at River Stage in Brisbane was awesome

[@BazookaToe]

Yep. It put them on the map in my opinion.

[@beelzebubbalicious]

Medusa, for sure

[@michaelfrancis1930]

Yep. Fking LOVE Medusa.

[@Lucrei.]

Medusa intro riff is killer

[@DizGuys]

Right on...I was 13 in 1987, had such great music to grow up with

[@rayzorraymon9721]

Out of sight out of mind has the greatest opening riff of all time actually there Scott.

[@milhouse4240]

Starting at 3:30, after the last solo, on "A Skeleton in the Closet" from Among the Living. That fast back and forth into that slower crunch and then into a blistering pace which goes out with just the rhythm hanging out there on its own with Charlie's drums leading it back into the last verse. I'm 55 years old and I still get shivers up my spine when I hear it. Yours truly, NOT

[@tommymills3666]

I too was suprised it didnt make the list. Thought it was #11 !!

[@nickstrange2989]

​@@tommymills3666that song is so heavy - the song Time from Persistence has this really heavy and brutal riffing similar to Skeleton!

[@creamysauce7966]

Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Dan Spitz, Charlie Benante and Joey Belladonna are the true ANTHRAX. Always my favorite. Irreplaceble. I missed their reunion in 2005.. I wasn't even 1 year old when that happens

[@Svartie]

The One and Only true NY Gang squad. Most iconic New York figures 👊

[@samuelmagnum6047]

Keep it in the Family for sure is the heaviest of the heavy. Solid list!!!

[@sadboi7537]

Persistence is Anthrax’s version of “And Justice…”. Dark, heavy and pissed off.

[@robertcallander6772]

First international band I ever saw (Testament) and Anthrax, Edinburgh Playhouse, 1987. And still playing the same vinyl! What a bargain

[@hotblackdesiato3451]

I can beat that! Saw Anthrax support Metallica at the Playhouse on the Master of Puppets tour in Sept '86 - Frankie was wearing a ballerina's tutu and fishnets for some reason. All that for just £5.50 a ticket.

[@scottblack9213]

Great tour - Testament the ultimate warm up act - absolute mad men back then - remember everyone gobbing at Chuck Billy and he opened his mouth and stuck his tongue out and 100's of spit came at him. 80's madness.

[@mudskipper0075]

Maybe the same year but at the Barrowlands ,crowd was brutal….👍

[@jedward5155]

I want someone to love me the way Scott Ian loves his own band's riffs.

[@shanewilliams613]

"Keep It In The Family" \m/

[@heavenly2k]

What Doesn't Die off We've Come For You is such a banger. Those riffs probably influenced a lot of future metalcore songs. My dad used to play that album in the car. Good times (:

[@cristianomonga]

My first listen to Anthrax was in 1988 through the VHS Hammersmith Odeon concert and I always rewinded over and over again the War Dance part on Indians. I was 12 (now I'm 47) and that riff it's still one of the heaviest shit I ever experienced.

[@THESNEAKERADDICT]

Anthrax goes so FN hard STILL and FOREVER! 🤘🔥🔥🤘

[@arvispinkletter5324]

I remember reading the lyric sheets included with the records and seeing "MOSH PART".... I loved that.

[@remygaron8311]

Love it since 1985 that is my anthrax forever 🤟🏼🤟🏼🇨🇦

[@dinoandino71]

I wish 'Tester' from Stomp 442 could've made the list. That whole song is a massive chug-a-riff!!

[@robertdysonn]

I’ve been listening to metal all my life and I did used to listen to anthrax in the 80s and had some of those great first albums but seeing this has inspired me to listen to anthrax again, just haven’t thought of them in the past couple decades. Learning to play the guitar now and those ribs are really cool, wish I had those skills. Going to get into iTunes now and get those first four or five albums to start with but the entire discography is going into my phone without a doubt.

[@guero_mocoso]

They're last 2 albums are killer

[@thunderbirdbrown3002]

The one and only Lord Scott Ian!!! !!! !!!🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿We can all learn from him and be inspired and enjoy each riff as our faces melts... headbanging, smiling with our Black tooth Grins.Hell Yeah 🤘🏿😎🤘🏿🥃👹🤘🏿 Getcha Pull 🥃-CHEERS 🍻

[@johnsplendido3556]

I have loved the first three albums for close to 40 years now. My favorite band. But the album I play most often right now is For All Kings. It is an amazing album….maybe a couple too many songs towards the end. But the first 7-8 songs are killer.

[@zanderkahres8112]

I love anthrax so much Scott Ian just seems like such a cool guy

[@savagevidz149]

He's an asshole to meet

[@schecterseven3894]

Hey it's Grandpa metal guy, much respect to Scott, great guy, great guitar player, in a great band.

[@JR-dd4ec]

After writing my life importance my FAVORITE song is "In my world" freaking LOVE THAT SONG on persistence of time

[@WhoseIAm7]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!

[@Hans_Hamon]

Nobody loves his job more than Scott Ian. lol… Gotta love the guy. 🤘

[@justamessenger4577]

Keep it in the family is awesome. The riff crushes and when Charlie gets that double kick behind it. Awesome! Lol

[@Sancte_Benedicte]

I'm glad Madhouse was on his list 😁😁😁

[@Olaverda]

Two off White Noise for me. "Only", makes me want to be violent every time without fail, followed by "Potters Field", pure class. Special mention for "Aftershock" at 3.39 the Riff and gutteral vocals blend perfect. Anthrax are the best of the Big Four and producing by far the best albums of any of the competition later in their career 🎸🥁

[@WilderAutumnBlaze]

From White Noise there is Invisible and Room For One More too

[@WhoseIAm7]

Potters Field!!!!!!! Yes!!!!!!!!

[@NyeGuy-yv2dv]

I saw Maiden and Anthrax in 91 in Sacramento. It was epic.

[@stephenm8725]

I'm the walkin' dude!

[@Jason-nn9pl]

Riffs so heavy even the camera was headbanging!!!🤘

[@roelofzinn8227]

Man, I just love Scott Ian. Such a cool, laid back character, funny, geeky, with an impeccable taste in music, and a fantastic rhythm guitarist.

[@62swampboy62]

Great vid. All of those are really classic riffs - but I'm really glad that he put 'Keep it in the Family' in the list. Anthrax was the first thrash band I ever heard, back in '83.

[@TheGodseye76]

Dude, I grew up on all those riffs and the fact that you're holding down with Bungle puts you VERY high on my list of fuggin Riff Masters. Glad to follow you over the years.

[@spencerthu2956]

Hell yeah Scott! When ya got to 10 and talking about the heaviest riff! I remember first hearing keep it in the family. I kept listening to the beginning of it! From the start to when the vocals come in..It's so heavy but an amazing groove to it as well! The sound on your guitar is def Captain Crunchy!!! Love it

[@JazzSoulMetal]

I loveeeee Anthrax! One of my fave things ever was hearing many of these riffs during the Greater Of Two Evils sessions. With the more modern production, plus John on vocals, and Rob on secondary guitar and production - these songs sounded so heavy and brutal!

[@alexmartin51]

2:03 I’ve always wanted confirmation of whether the NYHC scene was an influence on Anthrax, sick to see Scott give it a mention

[@zankerfeld9596]

My pick would be the breakdown in Belly of the Beast, when it becomes very herky-jerky, and the drums change so they play like 3 over 4, it floors me everytime!

[@metalheadmike774]

We love you Scott!!! Been seeing and listening since 1988. One song nobody ever talks about is "This Is Not An Exit" that song absolutely GROWLS in my truck stereo. I play it as loud as i possibly can. That song...whew... so underrated...❤️

[@Jonhobbs64]

Awesome! Thank you for all the killer music!

[@basquo2]

I've been a fan of Anthrax since I was a little boy. There are so so many songs that could be picked from that are the epitome of meral. I'm seriously surprised that I'm alive wasn't on the list. The intro to that one is perfection. Also, no Medusa!? Thanks, Scott and the boys, for a lifetime of the best sound around.

[@sic1six]

AMONG THE LIVING FOR SURE! Anthrax always brings the CHUNKY CHUG but that one was somethin special man. That entire album had the best and deepest crunchy sound. IMO of course

[@coldblizzard5880]

ANTHRAX!!! One of if not my favorite Thrash bands! Thanks for this video 👍

[@derekwarren6171]

So why comment.

[@coldblizzard5880]

@@derekwarren6171 what?

[@BuggritHall]

My favourite live thrash band by far. Second favourite studio thrash band (the first three Megadeth albums are the pinnacle for me).

[@xwing1977]

Some amazing sounds and memories here! Killer riffs!!! My personal fav didn't make the list, the second riff in Imitation of Life (when it speeds up) is a devastating riff, and the epitome of Thrash in my opinion. CHEERS SCOTTY NOTTY!!!! \m/

[@elliehope266]

I fucking love anthrax so much they are metal as fuck and I also love that he is giving credit where it's due

[@smcgloth]

"Keep in the Family" melts faces. My favorite Anthrax riff

[@throughtheotherside420]

Anthrax! 🤘🏽💀🤘🏽

[@HamMan1997The2nd]

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY 🤟🏽

[@DeliriumElectric]

That was awesome! Great list. No arguments from me.

[@chadwallace9713]

Awesome video! freakin love Scott’s playing he is a bad ass

[@justamessenger4577]

I love the intro and end of imitation of life. Also love the beginning of be all end all. Brutal.

[@ThomwoththeWeather]

The Anthrax show from last weekend was EPIC! Penticton had a blast, hope you did, sure seemed like it!

[@dwaynestjohn5324]

Great picks. The main riff for one world is heavy also.

[@MDK2_Radio]

The opening riff to Caught in a Mosh is heavier than the breakdown riff. Ah well, they can’t all be right. 🙃

[@A-a-ron480]

I love anthrax sssooo good. So thankful you guys are still out there.

[@ericsyre9418]

The first riff of Be All End All is a very heavy and iconic one.

[@MrBlackskye]

Love the Purgatory shirt...I've gone thru in my lifetime

[@pantherhaste4554]

time to dig through the anthrax discography once again

[@panelvanhalen9717]

Don’t forget literally every riff in “ I am the law “ also 🔥

[@michaelfrancis1930]

Spreading the Disease is still one of my all time favorite albums. I went through 3 cassette tapes of that album in the 80s.

[@7Ossi5]

Damn Scott, I agree with most of your picks. Really solid choices!

[@dvalentino885]

My favourite is TAN TANN!! TCHUKA TCHUKA Tan Tann! Gaaaank gank gank Gank Gank! Awesome Riff!!! Scott Ian's Anthtrax thrash made me want to play the guitar 🎸!! What good kick it was! Greetings from Portugal - Keep headbanging and Thrash Aliiiiive! 👍

[@LuisFonseca1]

The "Among the living" riff always gets me, even more than 30 years later

[@justindevoe9556]

Leaving off I Am The Law and In My World is criminal, those riffs made me fall in love with Anthrax and aspire to be a rhythm guitarist

[@WhoseIAm7]

Yep, In My World is my favorite Anthrax song ever. Perfection.

[@3lullabies]

Take us to the Mosh Bridge Scotty!!! Much metal love from an old thrasher....ROCK ONWARD!

[@thrasher5122]

Keep It In The Family - Be All End All - Fight Em Til You Can’t

[@LouisGiliberto]

Am a huge Anthrax and Scott Ian fan, but yeah "humble" is not an adjective I would use for Scott. That's not an insult. He's not a braggard, he calls it like he sees it. That's part of why I'm a fan.

[@Tompeteux]

Hey, props for not going with the obvious and including I Am The Law on the list. 👍

[@philleclerc4283]

Going to see Scotty and the boys in 2 weeks for the 4th time. Can't wait! Got VIP passes, too!!!

[@anthonysuski9248]

Awesome!!! 😎 👍

[@scottbivins4051]

Scott I love you man! Straight up Legend in Thrash!

[@ZeroBudgetProductions]

Love the old stuff!

[@aboutthemetal8783]

I still can't get over how amazing worship for music and for all kings are as thrash metal albums . They sound so thrash metal that they could have been written in the 80s ,in my opinion those are the only two thrash albums written by any of the big four from the 2000s and on that are as good as the stuff written in the 80s . For me for all kings is one of the best thrash albums ever written , to hear joey singing better then ever ,and the band all locked in perfect together is a thing of beauty .

[@WhoseIAm7]

Agreed, Earth On Hell & You Gotta Believe?? GENIUS ways to kick off amazing records after all these amazing years. Potters Field is another one. They always seem to kick you in the nads from jump. Legendary band. Period.

[@CoalitionGaming]

Loved this list. Breathing Lightning and Crush are also fantastic. Room for one more as well.

[@WilderAutumnBlaze]

Yep. Inside Out too.

[@seanconnor4251]

Mate i saw you at Logan last September when i was flying home to Ireland with my mother with a burstin hangover I didn't wanna be that guy to say HEY I KNOW YOU. That was more or less for my mam's benefit. Love ya, man

[@RolanRoyce]

Gotta love Scott Ian, one of a kind. A lot younger looking than the Metallica guys too, except his beard. If it was dark you would think he was maybe 40.

[@Godflesh88v2]

I love the opening riff to Finale on State of Euphoria, it fuckin rips

[@dieselgrandpa4181]

I definitely love all of those, I was definitely in high school and absolutely loved it. But I have to say what about Nobody Knows Anything, that is killer and also Suzerain. I have grandchildren now but man I still love you guys

[@theangriestbassplayer7492]

The "Indians" bridge riff is a crusher. The only thing I'd add to Scott's list is the main riff in "Radom Acts of Senseless Violence". That riff destroys worlds.

[@prongATO]

State of Euphoria and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son were the first two CDs I ever purchased! I had cassette tapes but CDs promised non-degrading music! They were 20.00-25.00 a piece back in the 80s too! Worth it and I still have them.