Anthrax is an American, New York City-base thrash metal band, who released its first full-length album in 1984. The band was one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene and are notable for combining metal with rap and hardcore music early on. They have sold over 10 million albums worldwide, and are classified as one of the "big four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer.