Released 10 years ago
Anvil Is Anvil
Anvil · 2016
48 min · 13 tracks · heavy metal
A fierce blend of classic heavy metal riffs and raw, energetic vocals that encapsulate Anvil's enduring spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Daggers and Rum Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Gun Control — This track stands out for its sharp commentary on societal issues wrapped in a catchy chorus and driving rhythm, embodying the band's trademark blend of humor and seriousness.
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Zombie Apocalypse — With its infectious groove and apocalyptic themes, this track showcases Anvil's knack for storytelling through music while maintaining high energy.
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Never Going to Stop — The anthem-like quality of this song emphasizes resilience and determination, making it a quintessential representation of the band's ethos and appeal.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Anvil Is Anvil showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances, maintaining their relevance in heavy metal.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
- Several songs feature dual guitar harmonies typical of classic heavy metal, while the vocals often alternate between melodic and aggressive styles.
- The last three tracks exhibit a noticeable shift in tempo, creating a sense of closure as they wind down the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady energetic flow throughout
- for driving playlists
- engaging sing-along choruses
- raw intensity for workout sessions
- cathartic release of frustrations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow reflective music
- seek intricate lyrical depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Maintains relevance and showcases the band's enduring spirit after a career resurgence.
- Themes
- societal critique· apocalyptic imagery· heavy metal resilience
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Anvil Is Anvil marked the band's return to the studio after the acclaimed documentary 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil' reignited interest in their career. This album is notable as their 17th studio release, showcasing a consistent commitment to their heavy metal roots while embracing modern production techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Accept· Judas Priest· Motörhead
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It's Your Move
The moment shifts from introspective thoughts to a decisive call to action, inviting listeners to take charge of their lives.
This structural choice energizes the narrative by transitioning from contemplation to empowerment, emphasizing agency in personal choices.
Tracklist
- 1 Daggers and Rum Start here 5:14
- 2 Up Down Sideways 3:16
- 3 Gun Control 4:20
- 4 Die for a Lie 3:14
- 5 Runaway Train 3:38
- 6 Zombie Apocalypse 4:20
- 7 It’s Your Move 3:27
- 8 Ambushed 3:19
- 9 Fire on the Highway 4:29
- 10 Run Like Hell 3:05
- 11 Forgive Don’t Forget 2:37
- 12 Never Going to Stop 4:08
- 13 You Don’t Know What It’s Like 3:31
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Firepower
Judas Priest
Shares heavy metal riffs and themes of resilience and struggle against societal issues.
The Electric Age
Overkill
Features raw energy and a similar blend of metal sound with modern production techniques.
The Book of Souls
Iron Maiden
Explores apocalyptic imagery and societal critiques with powerful vocals and intricate guitar work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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