ANTHRAX's 'Worship Music' Passes 100K Sales Mark In U.S.

ANTHRAX has released the following "open letter" to its friends and supporters:

"To our fans and everyone who has supported ANTHRAX and [the band's latest album] 'Worship Music':

"It was a little more than a year ago — September 13, 2011 — that 'Worship Music' was released, and all of us in ANTHRAX can't believe how much has happened since then.

"Our friends in the press gave the album great reviews, and so many writers singled it out as one of the best metal albums of the year.

"Our label just told us that 'Worship Music' has just passed the 100,000 mark on albums sold [in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan].

"Since 'Worship Music''s release, we've played 107 concerts all over the world — in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia, South America, and the U.K. — we've gone home to New York to not only play Yankee Stadium as one of the 'Big Four', but had September 14 named 'Anthrax Day' in The Bronx, where Charlie [Benante, drums], Frankie [Bello, bass] and Rob [Caggiano, guitar] grew up.

"We've been so lucky as a band, and we know we're able to do what we do because of you, our fans, and all of our supporters in the press, at radio and retail, online, on the road, everywhere.

"We've had one of the best years of our career, and we share it all with you. So thank you for making the ANTHRAX's 'year of 'Worship Music'' the best! More to come!"

ANTHRAX recently spent time in the studio recording several cover versions of some of their favorite rock classics, to be included with the upcoming re-release of "Worship Music".

In addition to RUSH and BOSTON covers, ANTHRAX is also recording its versions of AC/DC's "T.N.T.", JOURNEY's "Keep On Runnin'" and BLACK SABBATH's "Neon Knights". The latter song is expected to appear on the upcoming Ronnie James Dio tribute album which is being assembled by the singer's widow and longtime manager Wendy Dio.