Sound of White Noise
Sound of White Noise is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Anthrax, released on May 25, 1993, by Elektra Records. It was the band's first album to feature vocalist John Bush, who replaced longtime frontman Joey Belladonna in 1992, and the last studio album with longtime lead guitarist Dan Spitz. It was also the second album Bush worked on with producer Dave Jerden, as he also produced Symbol of Salvation for Bush's previous band, Armored Saint.
Overview
The album, produced by the band and Dave Jerden, includes the singles "Only", "Room for One More", "Black Lodge" and "Hy Pro Glo". Jerden was known for producing the likes of Alice in Chains and Jane's Addiction. With the departure of lead vocalist Joey Belladonna, the album marked a significant revision in the band's sound. Their earlier fast-paced thrash metal style was de-emphasized, with a new focus on relatively slower tempos and hints of alternative rock, grunge, and groove metal.During the recording of the album, the band produced the songs "Poison My Eyes" and a cover of the Smiths song "London".
Reception
Dave Connolly reviewed the album on behalf of AllMusic and called it "surprisingly melodic" but "predictably pummeling" and the music "relentless". He commends the overall quality of the songs on the album before settling on "Only" as the best overall, but calls out several other tracks for praise as well. Rock journalist Martin Popoff praised the performance of new singer John Bush and the production by Dave Jerden and defined the album's music "top-flight, state-of-the-art metal, fortified by the band's usual societal concerns, here elevated to eloquent outrage at man's crumbling morality." Spin critic John Wiederhorn described the album as "a good typical heavy-metal record." Nevertheless, he also noted that the album "doesn't wander beyond the sound of its dark, moody intros and tuneful, galloping rhythms." Tom Sinclair of Rolling Stone described the album as "a powerful comeback from a group that never went away."Among the album's songs, "Only" has received particular attention; Metallica frontman James Hetfield is said to have referred to "Only" as a "perfect song".
Commercial performance
The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 charts, selling 62,000 copies in its first week. It is Anthrax's highest ever chart position. It sold 40,000 more copies in its second week. Sound of White Noise was certified gold by the RIAA on July 13, 1993.As of 2002, the album had sold 511,284 copies in the US.
The singles "Only" and "Black Lodge" charted at No. 26 and No. 38, respectively, on Billboards Album Rock Tracks chart. In the UK, "Only" and "Black Lodge" charted at No. 36 and No. 53, respectively.