This Is Thirteen
Anvil · 2007
65 min · 16 tracks · heavy metal
A raw, unfiltered return to form that fuses classic heavy metal riffs with a defiant, rebellious spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
This Is Thirteen Start here — The title track serves as an anthem of resilience, encapsulating the band's journey and determination in the face of adversity.
-
→
Bombs Away — With its driving rhythm and politically charged lyrics, this track exemplifies Anvil’s ability to blend classic metal sound with relevant themes.
-
→
Ready to Fight — This song stands out for its infectious energy and motivational message, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines classic heavy metal elements with contemporary themes, though it lacks strong cohesion across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a driving tempo and layered guitar harmonies, establishing a classic heavy metal sound.
- Several tracks incorporate gang vocals, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the sense of camaraderie and rebellion.
- The final three tracks slow down the pace significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing fluctuations
- varied intensity throughout album
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows renewed visibility and commitment to their roots after a resurgence in popularity.
- Themes
- raw resilience· political defiance· heavy metal legacy
- Career context
- By 2007, Anvil was enjoying a resurgence in popularity following the documentary 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil' released in 2008. This album marks their thirteenth studio release, showcasing their commitment to heavy metal and solidifying their legacy after years of fluctuating success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Accept· Judas Priest· Motörhead
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
American Refugee
The narrative shifts to address societal disillusionment directly reflects on the struggles of those displaced by circumstance.
The use of vivid imagery here starkly contrasts personal and collective experiences, elevating the urgency of the subject matter.
Tracklist
- 1 This Is Thirteen Start here 6:38
- 2 Bombs Away 3:26
- 3 Burning Bridges 5:50
- 4 Ready to Fight 4:09
- 5 Flying Blind 3:08
- 6 Room #9 3:46
- 7 Axe to Grind 4:30
- 8 Feed the Greed 3:47
- 9 Big Business 3:25
- 10 Should’a Would’a Could’a 3:02
- 11 Worry 3:13
- 12 Game Over 2:55
- 13 American Refugee 2:38
- 14 Metal on Metal 4:06
- 15 666 4:42
- 16 Thumb Hang 5:59
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Painkiller
Judas Priest
Shares the same raw energy and defiant spirit with heavy metal riffs.
Inferno
Motörhead
Combines a relentless sound with themes of resilience and rebellion in heavy metal.
Ironbound
Overkill
Features powerful riffs and a return to metal roots, echoing themes of legacy and defiance.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.