"Madhouse" is a song by American thrash metal band Anthrax, released in 1985 on Megaforce Records and Island Records.

"Madhouse"
Single by Anthrax
from the album Spreading the Disease
B-side"A.I.R., God Save the Queen"
ReleasedOctober 7, 1985
Recorded1985
GenreThrash metal[1]
Length4:19
LabelMegaforce, Island
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Carl Canedy
  • Anthrax
Anthrax singles chronology
"Soldiers of Metal"
(1984)
"Madhouse"
(1985)
"Armed and Dangerous"
(1986)
Music video
"Madhouse" on YouTube

Background

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"Madhouse" was released as the only single and third track from the group's second full album, Spreading the Disease. The song is written in an up-tempo time signature, with heavy distorted guitar riffs. The song is about going insane.[2]

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.

The 12" vinyl features a cover version of the Sex Pistols song "God Save the Queen".

Music video

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A music video was produced, which features the band performing in an insane asylum with several mental patients moving along to the tune.

Appearances

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  • This song is featured in the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. It is featured on the in-game radio station "V-Rock".
  • A cover version of this song was included in the 2006 rhythm game Guitar Hero II.
  • This song was featured in an episode of the MTV series Nitro Circus.
  • A live version of this song was available as downloadable content for the Rock Band series of rhythm games.
  • This song is mentioned in the Stephen King short story Finn, first published in 2022.[3]

Covers

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  • The heavy metal band Pantera played the song live in their set in 1986-88
  • Canadian thrash metal band Mortillery included a cover of the song as a bonus track on their 2013 album Origin of Extinction.

Personnel

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References

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  1. ^ "Fan Poll: 5 Best Anthrax Songs". Revolver. July 21, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  2. ^ Jamieson, Don (July 31, 2015). "Top 10 Songs About Going Crazy". Loudwire. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  3. ^ "ANTHRAX's 'Madhouse' Gets A Mention In New STEPHEN KING Book". blabbermouth.net. Retrieved July 2, 2024.