Is Backwaxed a good place to start with Anvil?

Yes, Backwaxed is recommended as a starting point for new Anvil listeners. A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and gritty vocals, embodying the raw energy of 80s metal culture. Backwaxed was Anvil's third studio album, released during a period when they were still striving for wider recognition in the heavy metal scene. Following their previous album, Forged in Fire (1983), this record aimed to solidify their sound and presence among contemporaries like Metallica and Slayer.

Who is Backwaxed for?

Backwaxed works well if you're into steady energetic flow throughout, unapologetic rebellious spirit and for headbanging moments.

How many songs are on Backwaxed?

Backwaxed has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Backwaxed

Anvil · 1985

37 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and gritty vocals, embodying the raw energy of 80s metal culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Backwaxed Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Metal on Metal — This track showcases Anvil's signature blend of speed and melodic hooks, capturing the essence of their energetic live performances and resonating with the heavy metal ethos.
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Pussy Poison — With its provocative lyrics and driving rhythm, this song exemplifies the band's bold attitude and willingness to tackle controversial subjects, making it a staple in their catalog.
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You're a Liar — The powerful vocal delivery and aggressive instrumentation in this track highlight Anvil's ability to blend storytelling with hard-hitting music, marking it as a defining moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid heavy metal writing and performance but lacks broader appeal and cohesion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that sets a fast-paced tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
Vocals are delivered with a gritty edge, often layered over aggressive guitar riffs that dominate the mix.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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
unapologetic rebellious spirit
for headbanging moments
short tracks for quick bursts

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, introspective music
seek complex musical arrangements

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped establish Anvil's reputation in the heavy metal scene.
Themes: 80s metal culture· provocative lyrics· live performance energy
Career context: Backwaxed was Anvil's third studio album, released during a period when they were still striving for wider recognition in the heavy metal scene. Following their previous album, Forged in Fire (1983), this record aimed to solidify their sound and presence among contemporaries like Metallica and Slayer.
Stylistic neighbors: Accept· Judas Priest· Motörhead