After a decade-long wait for a full-length studio record, Anthrax have officially launched the rollout for their upcoming album Cursum Perficio, due out September 18, 2026 in North America via Megaforce and in Europe through Nuclear Blast. The campaign begins with the release of the lead single, “It’s for the Kids,” marking the band’s first new studio material since 2016’s For All Kings.
A Long-Awaited Return
The gap between albums has made Cursum Perficio one of the most anticipated metal releases in recent years. According to details shared by the band, the record carries 11 tracks and reflects a wide creative scope, balancing Anthrax’s signature speed and aggression with more expansive, concept-driven songwriting.
The album title itself—Latin in origin—is tied to Marilyn Monroe’s final residence and is commonly interpreted as “My journey ends,” though it can also be read as “I will persevere” or “I accomplish my course.” That duality seems to echo the band’s own position: decades into their career, still evolving, still pushing forward.
Studio Sessions and Creative Process
Parts of the album were recorded and mixed at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Northridge, California, adding another layer of modern production influence to the project. The band also filmed the official video for “It’s for the Kids” last December, signaling that this rollout has been carefully in motion for some time.
Drummer Charlie Benante has described the album as “really, really good,” while guitarist Scott Ian has pointed to the band’s long-distance writing process during the pandemic as a key factor in keeping momentum alive despite logistical challenges.
Tracklist Highlights
The reported 11-song tracklist includes titles such as:
- “It’s For The Kids”
- “My Victory”
- “Persistence Of Memory”
- “The Long Goodbye”
- “Everybody’s Got A Plan”
- “The Edge Of Perfection”
- “Infectious”
- “NYC 93”
- “Cursum Perficio”
- “T.O.M.B.”
- “Watch It Go”
Taken together, the titles suggest a record that leans into reflection, urgency, and broader thematic ideas—while still grounded in the sharp-edged identity Anthrax have carried since the 1980s.
Touring Plans and 2026 Momentum
The album cycle is set to coincide with a packed 2026 touring schedule. Anthrax are confirmed for European festivals and club shows through the summer, followed by North American dates in the fall. These include major festival appearances and shared stages with Iron Maiden, signaling a major live push to support the new material.
Watch the First Single
The official video for “It’s for the Kids” is already available:
With Cursum Perficio, Anthrax aren’t just returning—they’re reasserting themselves in a modern metal landscape they helped define. Whether the album leans more toward raw thrash energy or expands into more experimental territory, the rollout makes one thing clear: this comeback has been built to matter.