Metal Mayhem ROC: Anthrax’s Frank Bello- New CD Cursum Perficio & Iron Maiden Tour Stories
Evaluation and Summary
Frank Bello, bassist for Anthrax, sits down with host Jon Verno to discuss the band's first album in a decade, 'Cursum Perficio,' and share stories from their recent touring experience alongside Iron Maiden and Megadeth. The conversation centers on the new record's darker sonic direction and the creative process behind it, including sessions recorded at Dave Grohl's studio. Bello expresses genuine enthusiasm about the touring experience, particularly his appreciation for watching Iron Maiden perform night after night. The episode touches on Anthrax's touring plans for 2027, suggesting forward momentum for the band. A notable anecdote involves a backstage crisis in San Antonio when drummer Charlie Benante experienced severe vertigo, forcing replacement drummer Mike Heller to prepare for the set with only fifty minutes' notice—a story that illustrates the unpredictability and resilience required in touring metal bands. The episode appears structured around balancing discussion of the new music with colorful road stories that give listeners insight into the touring lifestyle and band dynamics.
Verdict: A solid interview with a credible insider that delivers on its promise of album and tour discussion, with enough specific anecdotes to engage metal fans, though the show notes suggest surface-level musical analysis rather than deep insight.
Music rubric
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Musical insight 3/5 20%
The episode mentions the new album's 'darker direction' and recording at Dave Grohl's studio, but the show notes provide limited detail about musical analysis or what specifically makes the record work.
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Access and stories 4/5 20%
Frank Bello as a primary source provides direct access; the San Antonio vertigo crisis and Iron Maiden tour observations are specific anecdotes, though notes suggest these are highlights rather than deep-dive stories.
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Discovery 3/5 15%
The episode centers on Anthrax's new album 'Cursum Perficio' and discusses their touring with established acts, giving listeners a clear album to explore, though no broader discovery angle is evident from the notes.
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Substance 3/5 15%
The episode balances album discussion with tour stories and 2027 plans, suggesting solid content, but the show notes don't indicate depth of analysis or whether there's padding; 49 minutes is moderate length.
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Delivers on its title 5/5 15%
Title promises 'Metal Mayhem ROC: Anthrax's Frank Bello—New CD Cursum Perficio & Iron Maiden Tour Stories' and the notes confirm discussion of the new album, tour experiences, and specific anecdotes from touring.
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Value for time 3/5 15%
At 49 minutes with a guest interview plus multiple topics (new album, touring, 2027 plans, specific anecdotes), the pacing appears reasonable but without hearing the episode, it's unclear if there are slow stretches or tangents.
Worth it if you're an Anthrax fan curious about 'Cursum Perficio,' enjoy metal tour stories, or want direct access to a band member discussing their creative process and road life.
Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.
Show notes
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