|
|
|
|
There are not many metal bands around who can look back at more than ten album releases but the Canadian veterans Anvil is one of them. Today only front man Lips and drummer Robb Reiner remains from the original 1978 line-up but they have maintained the band's traditional metal sound all the way up to the year 2004. It is still the early 80s releases from the band that made them what they are today and the new album "Back To Basics" will not change anything. Sure, there are one or two fine classics here as well and the songs are both performed and written in an excellent manner but it lacks that little extra punch and real energy. Perhaps the Canadian boys are finally getting a little old? The album starts out with some shredding heavy metal riffs in "Fuel For The Fire" that sets the level high right from the start. Next comes "Keep It Up" which was just that kind of naive premature vocals and lyrics that Anvil should definitely stay away from. Never mind this though, their lyrics have never made any lasting impression on me but I don't think they have ever intended to impress anyone with their words either. Instead they let the music speak for itself which is good because that is where the attention should be while listening to an album like this. There are several songs on the album that sound a little bit too cliché-ish but then again when there is a wonderful track like "Song Of Pain" it makes up for all the other flaws. That is a song that would be all over MTV if it had been the 80s. A nice enjoyable album for fans of old school heavy metal even though a bit uneven.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Fuel For The Fire |
| 2. Keep It Up |
| 3. Song Of Pain |
| 4. You Get What You Pay For |
| 5. The Chainsaw |
| 6. Can't Catch Me (When My Pants Are Down) |
| 7. Go Away |
| 8. Bottom Feeder |
| 9. Cruel World |
| 10. Fast Driver |
: 43.16
| Buy other Anvil albums |
