Madhouse (song)

"Madhouse" is a song by the American thrash metal band Anthrax. It was released in 1985 on Megaforce/Island Records.

"Madhouse"
Single by Anthrax
from the album Spreading the Disease
ReleasedOctober 7, 1985
Recorded1985
GenreThrash metal
Length4:19
LabelMegaforce, Island
Songwriter(s)Joey Belladonna, Dan Spitz, Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante
Producer(s)Carl Canedy, Anthrax
Anthrax singles chronology
"Soldiers of Metal"
(1984)		 "Madhouse"
(1985)		 "Armed and Dangerous"
(1986)

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.

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

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
  • 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 is 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.

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.

Personnel
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References
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