Still Going Strong cover

Still Going Strong

Anvil · 2002

42 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and anthemic choruses that echo the enduring spirit of classic metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Race Against Time Start here — This opening track sets an energetic tone with driving rhythms and powerful vocals, encapsulating the band's determination and resilience.
  • →
    Still Going Strong — The title track serves as an anthem celebrating perseverance, featuring catchy hooks and a powerful message that resonates with fans old and new.
  • →
    Defiant — This song exemplifies Anvil's classic heavy metal sound, combining aggressive guitar work with a defiant lyrical stance that speaks to the band's legacy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic riffs with anthemic choruses, appealing to classic heavy metal fans while showing some evolution.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high-energy tone, maintaining a consistent tempo across the first half.
  • Choruses are often anthemic and repetitive, encouraging listener participation during live performances.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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 energy
  • anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
  • resilient themes of perseverance
  • for workout motivation
  • great for road trip playlists

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek delicate, quiet moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Reaffirms Anvil's influence while showcasing adaptability in sound.
Themes
heavy metal resurgence· defiant legacy
Career context
By 2002, Anvil had been a staple in the heavy metal scene since their formation in 1978, but they were experiencing a career resurgence with 'Still Going Strong', their first studio album in nearly a decade. The release came after a period of relative obscurity, marking a return to form that sought to re-establish their presence in the evolving metal landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Accept· Judas Priest· Motörhead

Tracklist

  • 1 Race Against Time Start here 4:36
  • 2 In Hell 4:20
  • 3 Holy Wood 3:29
  • 4 Still Going Strong 3:41
  • 5 Don’t Ask Me 4:39
  • 6 Waiting 4:26
  • 7 White Rhino 5:20
  • 8 What I’m About 4:39
  • 9 Sativa 3:11
  • 10 Defiant 4:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata