Is Plugged in Permanent a good place to start with Anvil?

Yes, Plugged in Permanent is recommended as a starting point for new Anvil listeners. Raw riffs and thunderous drums intertwine with provocative lyrics, embodying the unfiltered spirit of heavy metal's underground scene. By 1996, Anvil had experienced a rollercoaster ride in their career, having released their debut album in 1981 and facing ups and downs in popularity. 'Plugged in Permanent' marked their return after a challenging period following the late '80s when they struggled to find mainstream success and navigate the changing heavy metal landscape.

Who is Plugged in Permanent for?

Plugged in Permanent works well if you're into steady mid-tempo engagement, aggressive energy release and socially charged lyrical themes.

How many songs are on Plugged in Permanent?

Plugged in Permanent has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Plugged in Permanent

Anvil · 1996

45 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

Raw riffs and thunderous drums intertwine with provocative lyrics, embodying the unfiltered spirit of heavy metal's underground scene.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Racial Hostility Start here — The opening track sets a confrontational tone with its aggressive riffing and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle themes of intolerance.
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Doctor Kevorkian — This track combines dark humor with serious subject matter, reflecting Anvil's signature blend of irony and hard-hitting commentary on societal issues.
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Truth or Consequence — With its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies Anvil's musicianship while delving into the complexities of personal accountability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 6% of albums we've rated

The album combines raw energy with socially charged lyrics, making it a notable entry in Anvil's discography.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from aggressive riffs to slower, more introspective sections.
The lyrics tackle social issues directly, often delivered with a raw vocal style that emphasizes their provocative nature.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 5/10
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 mid-tempo engagement
aggressive energy release
socially charged lyrical themes
consistent flow throughout
motivational workout soundtrack

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
dislike raw, aggressive sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Represents Anvil's raw sound and resilience but lacks mainstream recognition.
Themes: racial intolerance· dark humor commentary· heavy metal resurgence
Career context: By 1996, Anvil had experienced a rollercoaster ride in their career, having released their debut album in 1981 and facing ups and downs in popularity. 'Plugged in Permanent' marked their return after a challenging period following the late '80s when they struggled to find mainstream success and navigate the changing heavy metal landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Accept· Judas Priest· Motörhead

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Racial Hostility

The verses present stark imagery that confronts prejudice directly, utilizing visceral language that forces listeners to engage with uncomfortable truths.

The direct confrontation of societal issues marks a notable shift from typical heavy metal themes, emphasizing the band's commitment to addressing real-world problems.