Released October 7, 1985 Genre Thrash metal Label Megaforce, Island | Recorded 1985 Length 4:19 | |
Writer(s) Joey Belladonna / Dan Spitz / Scott Ian / Frank Bello / Charlie Benante | ||
"Madhouse" is a song by the American thrash metal band Anthrax. It was released in 1985 on Megaforce/Island Records.
Contents
Background
Madhouse was released as the only single and third track from the group's second album, Spreading the Disease. The song is written in an up-tempo time signature, with heavy distorted guitar riffs.
It has become a staple of live concerts, and has also appeared on Anthrax's "best of" album, Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991). In 2009, the track was named the 46th best hard rock song of all time by VH1.
Music video
A music video was produced, which features the band performing in an insane asylum with several mental patients moving along to the tune. However, the video did not receive much airplay because it was banned from MTV, who believed the content to be degrading to the mentally ill.
Appearances
Covers
• The heavy metal band Pantera released a live cover of the song in 1987.
• Canadian thrash metal band Mortillery included a cover of the song as a bonus track on their 2013 album Origin of Extinction.