Released by: SPV/Steamhammer
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Heavy Metal
Links: http://anvilmetal.com/
Line Up:
Lips – vocals/guitars
Robb Reiner – drums
Sal Italiano – Bass
Tracklist:
01. Hope In Hell
02. Eat Your Words
03. Through With You
04. The Fight Is Never Won
05. Pay The Toll
06. Flying
07. Call Of Duty
08. Badass Rock N Roll
09. Time Shows No Mercy
10. Mankind Machine
11. Shut The Fuck Up
12. Hard Wired (bonus track)
13. Fire At Will (bonus track)
I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Anvil. Some might say that soft spot is in my head, but to hell with those people. I have been a fan of Anvil a long time now- well before the brilliant documentary Anvil: The Story of Anvil. Thanks to the success of that film I was finally given the chance to see the band live for the first time (and hopefully not the last) a few years ago and still remains as one of the most enjoyable shows I have seen. There was nothing particularly amazing about the show, but the love those three men had for the music and the fans and the sheer fun of their music just made for the perfect night of entertainment.
The release of their 15th album Hope In Hell is yet another notch in the long history of records for the band. Anvil is one of the most consistent bands ever, as you essentially know what to expect from an Anvil record. It’s going to be heavy, brash, raw, and best played at a high volume. They won’t convert those that have always hated them with this new album, but long time fans should be happy with more new music from the boys. Lips vocals and guitar work are up to his usual standard, Rob Reiner proves yet again that he is one of the most underrated drummers on the planet, and bassist Sal Italiano provides the perfect pulse behind the songs. With songs like “The Fight Is Never Won,” “Time Shows No Mercy,” and “Call of Duty” they continue on with their classic songwriting abilities of making simple, basic, fun metal songs.
Anvil are not building rockets or curing cancer with their music. They’re simply continuing a legacy started decades ago of making music for exactly the reasons music should be made: because its fun and people want to hear it. Not to mention the fact that they gain such pleasure out of it despite so many letdowns over the years. I don’t care if you’re a fan of the band or not. I am and will always be an Anvil fan for life, so just deal with it. If you’re a fan of the band, then add this one to your collection. If you hate them, then move along, there’s nothing to see here. If you’re new to the band, then give them a shot.
Written by Chris Martin
Ratings Chris 8/10
About Author
