In a no-holds-barred interview with Robb’s MetalWorks, Billy Milano—the fiery voice behind crossover thrash legends STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (S.O.D.) and frontman of M.O.D.—unleashed a wave of serious accusations against his former bandmates. Specifically targeting ANTHRAX’s Scott Ian and Charlie Benante, Milano claims the time has come to reveal decades of unethical conduct, creative theft, and personal disrespect. According to Milano, legal proceedings are already in motion as he and bassist Danny Lilker aim to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs.
The feud goes back to the very foundation of S.O.D. in 1985. While the band achieved cult status almost immediately, Milano says working with Ian and Benante was toxic from day one.
“We only did three shows and then I was like, ‘You know, these guys are a**holes,’” Milano said, pointing directly at Ian and Benante. He insists their selfishness affected every aspect of the band—from creative choices to financial arrangements.
Milano maintains that much of what made S.O.D. iconic was his own creation, including the band name and their infamous debut album, Speak English or Die.
“I made him use STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH. I made him use Speak English or Die. I made him write the intro for ‘March of the S.O.D.,’” he said, disputing any narrative that minimizes his influence. When asked about Scott Ian’s version of events, Milano didn’t hold back: “He’s a f**king liar.”
Financial and Legal Allegations Surface
Beyond creative disagreements, Milano highlighted deep-rooted financial issues. He described how he once sold $8,000 worth of merchandise in 40 minutes—far more than Ian or Benante ever managed. More troubling, Milano alleges that he and Lilker were denied royalties and cut out of international deals.
“They stole the Japanese record deal from JVC Victor. They never give us the money,” he claimed, suggesting a pattern of financial deception involving not just bandmates but also managers and booking agents.
The tension wasn’t limited to business. Milano recounted several personal incidents that left lasting resentment. He accused Ian of refusing to sign autographs in freezing weather and abandoning him and Lilker in a hotel while the rest of the tour crew traveled to open for SLIPKNOT.
“Scott Ian is a low-life c*cksucker. Period,” Milano stated.
Dimebag Darrell, Exploitation, and Creative Theft
Milano also made the explosive claim that ANTHRAX used the tragic death of PANTERA guitarist Dimebag Darrell to spin their reunion as a tribute—even though it had already been planned.
“Even Rob Caggiano said to me, ‘Yeah, that’s pretty low that they said they did it for Dimebag,’” Milano said.
He added that Dimebag himself was reportedly frustrated with Ian for copying his style, saying: “Why is Scott biting my stuff?”
Even ANTHRAX’s classic hit “Indians” didn’t escape criticism. Milano accused Benante of lifting the track’s main riff from the theme song of F Troop.
Lawsuits and the Fight for Royalties
With legal action now in progress, Milano’s goal is to secure publishing rights and unpaid royalties from S.O.D. material—some of which he says has been repurposed by ANTHRAX without proper credit or compensation.
“Scott Ian is a soulless piece of st and Charlie Benante is an evil fking woman,” Milano concluded, leaving no room for doubt about how he feels.
Whether this war of words leads to courtroom victories or further escalates tensions in the thrash metal world, one thing is clear: Billy Milano isn’t backing down.
Watch the full interview below:
