Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 … Read Full Bio ↴Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The group is considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene from the 1980s and is part of the "Big Four" of the genre, along with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. They were also one of the first thrash metal bands (along with Overkill and Nuclear Assault) to emerge from the East Coast. The band has released 11 studio albums, several other albums, and 26 singles, including collaborating on a single with American hip hop group Public Enemy. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Anthrax sold 2.5 million records in the United States from 1991 to 2004, with worldwide sales of 10 million. Four of the band's studio albums have also achieved gold certifications by the RIAA, including their third full-length record Among the Living (1987), which cemented Anthrax's reputation as one of the most successful thrash metal bands.

Anthrax's lineup has changed numerous times over their career, leaving Ian as the only constant member of the band. The band has had a revolving cast of singers and lead guitarists, including Neil Turbin, John Bush, Dan Spitz and Rob Caggiano. Since 2013, the band has consisted of Ian, drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, vocalist Joey Belladonna and lead guitarist Jonathan Donais. Ian and Benante (who replaced one-time drummer Greg D'Angelo in 1983) are the only two members to appear on every album, while Bello has been a member of Anthrax since 1984, replacing original bassist Dan Lilker. After two stints in Anthrax, from 1984 to 1992 and again from 2005 to 2007, Belladonna returned to the band in 2010.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthrax_(American_band)

Studio albums
Fistful of Metal (1984)
Spreading the Disease (1985)
Among the Living (1987)
State of Euphoria (1988)
Persistence of Time (1990)
Sound of White Noise (1993)
Stomp 442 (1995)
Volume 8: The Threat Is Real (1998)
We've Come for You All (2003)
Worship Music (2011)
For All Kings (2016)

Toast To The Extras
Anthrax Lyrics

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Swimming on the surface
It's a hell of a lot safer up here
Ain't prepared to dive
And uncover all my darkest fears
This ain't no covert operation
I don't have that much concentration
Staring at the clock
And my patience is wearing thin

One more down the gullet
Keeps me from jumping out of my skin
I'm lost in the fog of contradiction
I toast to the extras
I drink to them 'cause they don't talk to much
They fill up space and entertain
And when I cut 'em loose they don't make a fuss
They all add up to zero in my life
They're just here to cure boredom for the night
Now sometimes all this leaves me feeling hallow
That's when I take refuge with my pillow

I'm not even ready for confession
That's right

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Anthrax's song Toast to The Extras reveal the singer's desire to avoid delving deep into his innermost thoughts and emotions. He prefers to remain on the surface, where he feels safe and comfortable. The darkness that lies beneath the surface is a source of fear for him, and he's not ready to confront it yet. The song's opening lines suggest that the singer is suppressing his true feelings and avoiding self-examination. He's not prepared to dive deep because he's afraid of what he might find.

The lyrics also reveal the singer's fondness for company that's uncomplicated and undemanding. He toasts to the extras, the people who don't talk too much and don't make a fuss when he cuts them loose. They fill up space, entertain him, and keep him from feeling bored. However, he acknowledges that this company doesn't add much value to his life, and they're just a temporary cure for boredom.

Overall, the song's lyrics depict the singer's struggle with inner turmoil, fear, and boredom. He seeks refuge in superficial company and avoids delving deep into his emotions.

Line by Line Meaning

Swimming on the surface
I'm avoiding deep introspection.

It's a hell of a lot safer up here
It's easier to avoid difficult emotions and experiences by staying on the surface.

Ain't prepared to dive
I'm not mentally or emotionally prepared to explore my inner world.

And uncover all my darkest fears
I'm afraid of facing my deepest, most painful emotional issues.

This ain't no covert operation
I'm not trying to hide anything from myself, but I'm not yet able to face my problems fully.

I don't have that much concentration
I lack the focus and determination necessary to explore my inner world.

Staring at the clock
I'm bored and restless.

And my patience is wearing thin
I'm becoming increasingly frustrated with my life and my inability to address my issues.

One more down the gullet
I'm drinking alcohol to numb myself and escape my problems.

Keeps me from jumping out of my skin
Drinking helps me avoid the discomfort of confronting my issues head-on.

I'm lost in the fog of contradiction
I'm confused and conflicted about my emotions and actions.

I toast to the extras
I acknowledge the people and distractions in my life that help me avoid my issues.

I drink to them 'cause they don't talk to much
I appreciate their company because they don't ask me uncomfortable questions or challenge me to face my problems.

They fill up space and entertain
They distract me from my problems and make me feel less alone.

And when I cut 'em loose they don't make a fuss
They don't protest when I prioritize my own comfort and escape over their company.

They all add up to zero in my life
These distractions have no real value or significance in my life.

They're just here to cure boredom for the night
Their sole purpose is to help me pass the time and avoid confronting my issues.

Now sometimes all this leaves me feeling hallow
At times, my avoidance and escapism make me feel empty and unfulfilled.

That's when I take refuge with my pillow
When I'm overwhelmed by my emotions, I turn to sleep and rest as a temporary escape.

I'm not even ready for confession
I'm not yet ready to admit my problems and face them honestly.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLIE L. BENANTE, FRANK JOSEPH BELLO, JOHN ROBERT BUSH, SCOTT IAN ROSENFELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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