Is Pounding the Pavement a good place to start with Anvil?

Yes, Pounding the Pavement is recommended as a starting point for new Anvil listeners. A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and raw vocals that embodies the spirit of classic metal with a modern edge. When 'Pounding the Pavement' was released in January 2018, Anvil was navigating a resurgence in popularity following their documentary 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil.' This album served as their 17th studio release, marking continued momentum after a period of renewed interest in their music and legacy.

Who is Pounding the Pavement for?

Pounding the Pavement works well if you're into steady energy for workout sessions, anthemic choruses for sing-alongs and ferocious riffs that energize.

How many songs are on Pounding the Pavement?

Pounding the Pavement has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Pounding the Pavement

Anvil · 2018

48 min · 13 tracks · heavy metal

A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and raw vocals that embodies the spirit of classic metal with a modern edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bitch in the Box Start here — The opening track sets a defiant tone with aggressive guitar work and provocative lyrics, exemplifying the band's signature blend of humor and heavy metal bravado.
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Doing What I Want — This track encapsulates the album's theme of self-empowerment through its rebellious lyrics and energetic instrumentation, making it a standout anthem for fans.
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Smash Your Face — With its infectious chorus and driving rhythm, this track showcases Anvil's knack for creating anthemic songs that resonate with audiences during live performances.
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World of Tomorrow — This song highlights a more reflective side of the band, combining thought-provoking lyrics with powerful melodies that push the boundaries of traditional heavy metal.

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 balances classic heavy metal elements with modern production, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new listeners.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high-energy pace with aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that showcase the band's musicianship, particularly in guitar solos.
The lyrics across the album often focus on themes of rebellion and personal empowerment, delivered with raw and gritty vocal performances.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 energy for workout sessions
anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
ferocious riffs that energize
consistent pacing for road trips

Maybe skip if you

prefer softer, mellow sounds
want instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Anvil's continued relevance and energy in a late-career resurgence.
Themes: heavy metal resilience· road warrior spirit· self-empowerment anthems
Career context: When 'Pounding the Pavement' was released in January 2018, Anvil was navigating a resurgence in popularity following their documentary 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil.' This album served as their 17th studio release, marking continued momentum after a period of renewed interest in their music and legacy.
Stylistic neighbors: Accept· Judas Priest· Motörhead

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Doing What I Want

The verses directly confront societal expectations, boldly declaring independence from external pressures without reservation.

This direct challenge to conformity underscores the album's themes of personal freedom and authenticity, marking a crucial lyrical pivot.