Of the original "Big Four" thrashers (Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer) Anthrax, for me, were always top of the heap. Not content with the limits that being metal titans brought, Anthrax were the most innovative and exciting of the gang, breaking new ground every step of the way.

Although they've made many mistakes along the way this album, along with Metallica's 'Master Of Puppets' and perhaps Slayer's 'Reign In Blood', is the greatest thrash album to come out of those heavy, heady days and should have formed the basis of any self respecting Über Röcker's metal stash since its original release twenty three long years ago.

The re-mastered CD alone in this package is worth its weight in gold, sounding head and shoulders above the original release. From the opening (and title) track, 'Among The Living', this is pure thrash magic. All the classics are on show here, 'Caught In A Mosh', 'I Am The Law', 'Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)', 'Indians'; the list goes on.

While the six bonus tracks added to the original nine track release are nothing special to write home about, the bonus second disc - the live DVD recorded at the mighty Hammersmith Odeon way back on the accompanying 'Among The Living' tour - makes this package even more special.

Anthrax have soldiered on through thick and thin, even managing to release a couple of great albums along the way, but they were never able to recapture this kind of metal majesty again.

Put simply, this is an essential upgrade to an album you should be ashamed of not already owning.

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