Signed with Ignition Records

In late 1997, Anthrax signed with Ignition Records, an independent label distributed by Tommy Boy Records . The label released Volume 8: The Threat Is Real in July 1998. As on Stomp 442 , Benante performed lead guitar parts along with Crook and Darrell. The album also features Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo making a guest vocal appearance. Towards the end of 1998, Tommy Boy ended its distribution deal with Ignition, after which the label went bankrupt, disrupting its distribution. Anthrax then signed with Beyond Records , who released the greatest-hits album Return of the Killer A’s (1999), after which Beyond went out of business as well. During this period a two-vocalist tour with Belladonna and Bush was planned, but Belladonna decided not to participate at the last minute; however, on the mentioned Return of the Killer A’s compilation, a cover of The Temptations song ” Ball of Confusion ” was recorded with the then-current lineup of the band (Ian/Benante/Bello/Bush/Crook), in addition to former vocalist Belladonna and former bassist Lilker. This is the only song to feature both Belladonna and Bush on co-vocals.