Anthrax: Chile on Hell

Anthrax: Chile on Hell is a gripping live concert film that showcases the undying energy of the legendary American thrash metal band, Anthrax. Released in 2014, the film captures Anthrax’s mythologically raucous performance at Santiago, Chile's Teatro Caupolican on May 10, 2013. The film features the dynamic group of five: Joey Belladonna as the lead vocalist, Frank Bello on the bass, Charlie Benante on the drums, Scott Ian on the rhythm guitar, and Jon Donais on the lead guitar.

The movie vividly captures Anthrax's enormous on-stage force, their seamless connection with their audience, and the invigorating raw power of their thrash metal music. What separates Anthrax: Chile on Hell from many other concert films is the angular intensity with which it follows the band members, recreating the euphoria and connection of being at a live Anthrax show.

To trace the journey of an Anthrax concert, the movie starts with the band's arrival in Santiago, offering quick peeks into the behind-the-scenes activities leading up to the gig. The real meat of this release, however, lies in the numerous well-filmed concert footages. The camera swoops and dives on-stage, throughout the crowd, and around the theatre, capturing not just the adrenaline-pumped performers but also the sea of metalheads in the audience, reciprocating with equal gusto. The film is a visual and auditory testament to the band's power to enchant the fans with their riveting performances.

Frontman Joey Belladonna, with his soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence, commands the crowd like no other. Frank Bello's relentless bass assaults underscore the raging percussion laid down by Charlie Benante. Backing Belladonna is the efficiency and passion of Scott Ian and his iconic rhythm guitar work. Jon Donais' lead guitar riffs add the final piece to the dynamic puzzle that is Anthrax's sonic signature, stimulating the crowd into frenzied headbanging and furious mosh pits.

Anthrax: Chile on Hell is not just a showcase of the band's raw ability to electrify the stage; it is also a celebration of their illustrious discography. In the hour and half running time, the concert film slips seamlessly between their established hits and the relatively newer entrants in their oeuvre. The setlist is a spectacle in itself, with each song acting as a high-voltage chapter in this memorable story of a night in Santiago.

The film intersperses the songs with the band's members sharing brief, interesting anecdotes detailing tours, song origins, and their affinity for their fans. These moments shed light on the band’s humble nature despite their stardom and the deep connection they share with their audience. Notably, their interactions with Chilean fans reveal a genuine admiration for their unmatched energy and undying love for heavy metal.

The lighting and the sound mixing in the film are praiseworthy, adding to the overall sense of immersion. The crisp, high-definition visuals beautifully complement the flawless audio, presenting an experience that manages to salute the spirit of a live Anthrax concert with a level of precision and prowess that amplifies the band’s larger-than-life status. Along with the stunning visuals, the DVD also has a 5.1 Surround Sound mix, which lets viewers experience the concert in its full auditory glory.

Overall, Anthrax: Chile on Hell is a fiery, adrenaline-fueled journey through a memorable Anthrax concert. It relentlessly grabs the viewer's attention as any live heavy metal show should. While it may primarily appeal to the band's hardcore fanbase, the sheer energy, musicianship, and commanding performance displayed by the band make this a compelling watch for any lover of live music. The band's passion, their intense connection with fans and their ability to command attention on stage, transcend through the screen, making Anthrax: Chile on Hell an essential visual document for one of thrash metal's pioneering bands.