Anthrax Has Topped the Hard Rock Albums Chart
The band reached the number one spot with their latest studio album, Cursum Perficio.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Metal
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Anthrax has claimed the top position on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart with their new studio album, Cursum Perficio. The release earned 22,000 equivalent album units in the United States during the week ending Sept. 24.
Why it matters
This achievement marks a significant return to the top of the chart for the band, which last hit the number one spot on the Top Hard Rock Albums list in 2016 with For All Kings.
Cursum Perficio sold 21,000 copies, including 8,000 vinyl units, helping it debut at No. 4 on the Top Album Sales survey and No. 27 on the Billboard 200. This is the 14th Anthrax release to reach the Billboard 200 since 1985.
The players
Anthrax
Anthrax is a veteran American heavy metal band that has been a significant force in the genre since the early 1980s.
The details
As the 12th studio album for the band, Cursum Perficio successfully leveraged strong physical sales to secure its high chart rankings. The project also debuted at No. 7 on the Vinyl Albums chart, highlighting significant interest in the band's physical media offerings.
Timeline
The band first appeared on the Billboard 200 in 1985.
Anthrax previously led the Top Hard Rock Albums chart in 2016.
Data for the album was tracked through the week ending Sept. 24, 2026.
The achievement was reflected on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart dated Oct. 3, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The success of Cursum Perficio illustrates how established legacy acts continue to find chart success by driving physical and vinyl sales within the modern streaming-dominated Billboard 200 album tracking methodology. This trend underscores the enduring value of physical collectibles for long-standing fanbases in the metal genre.
Fans can purchase the album through major retail channels where physical and digital editions are available. The album's strong debut ensures widespread availability across streaming services and standard music retailers for those looking to listen.
The takeaway
This chart-topping debut demonstrates that physical media remains a vital component of success for established heavy metal acts. Collecting vinyl remains a primary way for fans to support and engage with new releases from legacy artists.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Metal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Billboard.
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