These Canadian rockers don’t need a lot of introduction I think. The band has gained some success back in the 80’s, but didn’t really break through to become a big name. Only to regain some recognition after the release of their documentary Anvil: The Story Of Anvil which was released in 2008. In the aftermath of this release Anvil played some big festivals, and were finally on the road to success, which they really earned. Now, roughly ten years later I think they never really are going make it to the top, the venues became smaller again and their last albums didn’t really deliver as good as hoped. Anvil is ready to release their brand new album Pounding The Pavement, so when I got the opportunity to review this one I was excited to hear how they would deliver this time.
To be honest, they did a very reasonable job this time. That Anvil never will get to the level they had in the 80’s is something that everyone knows. Although on Pounding The Pavement the band sounds very fresh, which sometimes lacked a bit on the previous albums. Most of the songs are very speedy and right in the face. I think there are only two songs where the band slows the pace.
The opener on this album is a bit unfortunate, it somehow makes Pounding The Pavement start of on the wrong foot. If they would have started with Ego which is on the album right after Bitch In The Box it would have had more impact. Because Ego really has that fire we are all waiting for to hear from Anvil. First thing that directly stands out is the superb drum work of Robb Reiner. I personally think he is one of the most underestimated drummers of all time.
The rest of the album goes smooth and it doesn’t seem it will contain another real highlight. Until the very last song. Warming Up draws your attention immediately. This song grooves and swings like none other. The song sounds at some points like you are listening to some swing jazz. This song really rocks. Again great drum work by Reiner, but this time also Singer/Guitarist Lips shows what he’s capable of. A great way to end this album.
So as a conclusion it’s simple. Is this the band’s best album yet? No. Is this a good, decent metal album? It definitely is. Not only for the real Anvil fans, also other metalheads will enjoy this.
Release date: January 19th 2018
Label: SPV/Steamhammer
Tracklist:
1. Bitch In The Box
2. Ego
3. Doing What I Want
4. Smash Your Face
5. Pounding The Pavement
6. Rock That Shit
7. Let It Go
8. Nanook Of The North
9. Black Smoke
10. World Of Tomorrow
11. Warming Up
12. Don’t Tell Me (Bonus Track)
