ANTHRAX Announces More Dates As BELLADONNA Rumors Gain Strength

ANTHRAX has scheduled the following dates:

Jun. 16 - Warsaw, Poland @ Sonisphere
Jun. 18 - Wil, Switzerland @ Sonisphere
Jun. 19 - Mimon, Czech Republic @ Sonisphere
Jun. 20 - Vienna, Austria @ Arena Wien
Jun. 22 - Sofia, Bulgaria @ Sonisphere
Jun. 24 - Athens, Greece @ Sonisphere
Jun. 26 - Bucharest, Romania @ Sonisphere
Jun. 27 - Istanbul, Turkey @ Sonisphere
Jul. 31 - Knebworth, UK @ Sonisphere
Aug. 01 - Lokerse, Belgium @ Lokerse FeeSten Festival
Aug. 03 - Hengelo, Netherlands @ Metropool
Aug. 05 - Moscow, Russia @ B1
Aug. 07 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Sonisphere
Aug. 08 - Pori, Finland @ Sonisphere

ANTHRAX has yet to address rumors that the band is about to rejoin forces with singer Joey Belladonna for the upcoming "Big Four" shows in Europe with METALLICA, MEGADETH and SLAYER.

As BLABBERMOUTH.NETfirst reported two days ago, Belladonna was seen with ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante and bassist Frank Bello at the April 28, 2010 FOZZY concert at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City,

Eddie Trunk — co-host of the VH1 Classic television program "That Metal Show" who has stated a number of times in the past that he is a close personal friend of ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello — wrote the following on his blog on May 4, 2010:

"Tons of rumors about Joey Belladonna going back to ANTHRAX. I can tell you this is NOT confirmed. Not saying not possible, just not 100%.

"Here is what is fact: Bello, Benante and Joey were together at the FOZZY show, [Singer John] Bush [who has fronted ANTHRAX for all of its concerts over the course of the past nine months] was on my [radio] show saying he is not interested in much touring and only will do ANTHRAX or ARMORED SAINT when he wants to, ANTHRAX wants to work and are doing 'Big Four' dates which is the Belladonna era. Put all that together and make of it what you will.

"For me, regardless of Joey or John, I just want to see these guys get an album out and kick some ass again. They did great things with both guys, although I have admitted on radio and TV that Joey has a special place for me because he was during that classic period and showed great vocals at a time thrash didn't have it.

"Expect an official announcement one way or the other soon."

In its description of ANTHRAX as one of the event's performers, the web site of the Swedish edition of the Sonisphere festival states (in Swedish): "Who is singing? Let's say this: His initials are J.B. And he has one goal: a mosh, for everyone."

ANTHRAX was supposed to release its new album, tentatively titled "Worship Music", last October. However, the set has been delayed indefinitely following the departure of singer Dan Nelson in July 2009 and the return of John Bush, who fronted the band between 1992 and 2005.

Belladonna was the lead singer of ANTHRAX from 1984 to 1992, and was considered part of the band's classic lineup (alongside Dan Spitz, Scott Ian, Frank Bello and Charlie Benante),which reunited and toured during 2005 and 2006. His voice was featured on over 10 albums, which reportedly sold eight million copies worldwide.

After splitting with ANTHRAX, Joey continued to make music with a solo project called BELLADONNA, which released its first self-titled debut in the mid-'90s. A follow-up effort, "Spells of Fear", came out in 1998 and it was heavily criticized for bad production and sloppy musicianship. The third album, or rather the demo recordings for what was supposed to be the third BELLADONNA album that was never recorded in a real studio, was self-released by Belladonna in 2003. It was a return to better songwriting and musicianship and it was well received by the fans.