ANTHRAX INDUCTED INTO THE "HEAVY METAL HALL OF HISTORY"

Gesualdo stated: "We are so proud to induct Anthrax, one of the 'Big Four' [of 1980s thrash metal], for the band's pioneering of a genre and continuous contribution to heavy metal for the past 38 years."

Guitarist Scott Ian said: "I'd like to say thanks. It's kind of weird that we're getting in before IRON MAIDEN, but it's a great honor — it's a great honor to be included in the Hall Of Fame with KISS and METALLICA and all of the other bands… Anytime anyone pays attention to anything that we do, it's awesome."

Added bassist Frank Bello: "This is an honor and a privilege. This is beautiful — after all the work we've done, to get a little thing like this. It's great. We wanna thank everybody for supporting ANTHRAX over the years. Without you, we're nothing. So thank you to all of our fans out there. We'll keep doing it as long as you keep listening."

Drummer Charlie Benante said: "This means a lot to us, because we take our music very serious. We are very passionate about heavy metal, as many people here in Montreal are very passionate. Since the first time we came up here, we just felt this vibe, and we never stopped coming up here… So for us to be in this whole thing almost 40 years, it's just crazy."

The Hall Of Heavy Metal History was established as a non-profit organization with the purpose of highlighting icons in rock and metal. The organization pays the highest homage to those who have paved the way to establish the genres, as well as help them to flourish. The Hall Of Heavy Metal History is also affiliated with both the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, as well as the D.A.D. program help children with disabilities globally.

Anthrax continues to tour in support of the band’s most recent effort, 2016's "For All Kings," hailed by some as the band's strongest album to date. See all tour dates below.