The classic Among the Living lineup of speed- and thrash-metal icons Anthrax has finally regrouped, meaning for the first time in 13 years, guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Spitz, vocalist Joey Belladonna, bassist Frankie Bello and drummer Charlie Benante will once again be making brutal music together.

On Thursday morning (March 24), the influential New York band released an official statement on the reunion, confirming weeks of Internet rumblings and metal-scene gossip. But Anthrax fans have been expecting some big news ever since the Ozzfest 2005 lineup was announced (see [article id="1498146"]"Ozzfest Lineup, Itinerary Announced"[/article]). Beginning March 15, the front page of the band's Web site has featured an ominous countdown clock that continues to tick away to April 1. Just what April Fools' Day would hold for Anthrax lovers, beyond a practical joke, was unclear.

According to the Anthrax statement, the band has scheduled a press conference for April 1 at 2 p.m. at the headquarters of Sirius Satellite Radio in New York City, to formally announce their reunion, kick off the "Spreading the Anthrax Weekend" on Sirius' Hard Attack channel and "make an important statement regarding the U.S. Government and the anthrax vaccine." The release says the group wants to raise public awareness about the dangers of the vaccine, as well as the newly legislated Project BioShield Act, which explicitly allows the Food and Drug Administration to approve drugs and vaccines that have not been fully tested during times of declared emergency.

While nothing has been confirmed yet, Anthrax have been discussing possible "new music releases," and are expected to make additional touring announcements as well. For now, Anthrax have confirmed that they'll be playing two shows at the House of Blues in Chicago, on April 30 and May 1, and will head to Europe for the Dynamo Open Air Festival in Hellendoorn, Netherlands, on May 7 and the Download Festival on June 11 at England's Donington Park.

The band will also appear at other European rock fests, including the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, which runs June 9 through June 11; the Gods of Metal Festival in Bologna, Italy, taking place on June 11 and 12; the Fury Fest in Le Mans, France, running June 24 through June 26; the Metal Camp Festival in Tolmin, Slovenia, also running June 24 through June 26; and With Full Force, which takes place July 1 through July 3 in Löbnitz, Germany.

Said Judas Priest's Rob Halford of the reunion, "Everyone in Judas Priest congratulates our good friends from Anthrax for passing their 20th year metal milestone. We have always been fans of the band and had the pleasure to do many shows together. Anthrax are true pioneers with their unique style, sound and heavy brand of metal. They have always and will continue to inspire and influence those around them within the metal world."