BIOGRAPHY WITH ALBUM REVIEWSIn the beginning (1978) at the center of the universe (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) there were four young men: Steve "Lips" Kudlow (lead vocals, lead guitar), Robb Reiner (drums), Dave Allison (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Ian Dickson (bass). Together they were known as LIPS. In 1981 they released an independent album called HARD 'N HEAVY. Shortly after they were signed by Attic Records, they changed their name to ANVIL and the independent album was released by Attic as their debut album.
The Attic Years (1981-1984)HARD 'N' HEAVY (1981)This album doesn't really portray the TRUE ANVIL. Not too heavy but the songs are very catchy. Had they released it now I would probably have given it a lower rating, but it has grown on me since I first heard it in 1983.RATING: 9.4 HIGHLIGHTS: "School Love", "I Want You Both (With Me)" METAL ON METAL (1982)This is first of the 2 albums ANVIL is most known for (the other being FORGED IN FIRE). It is the greatest album ever recorded by anybody. It has been my favourite album since 1983 and will probably always be my favourite. It includes ANVIL's most well known song, "Metal On Metal". A terrific metallic anthem, "Metal On Metal" is to ANVIL what "Rock And Roll All Night" is to KISS. This is ANVIL at their best.RATING: 10 HIGHLIGHTS: "Heat Sink", "Tease Me, Please Me", "666" FORGED IN FIRE (1983)ANVIL follows the greatest album ever recorded with the second greatest album ever recorded. The songs are not as fast this time (except for "Shadow Zone" and "Motormount"), but still heavy.RATING: 9.9 HIGHLIGHTS: "Shadow Zone", "Motormount" BACKWAXED (1985)Released by Attic after ANVIL had been dropped, this album contains 5 "best of" tracks from the previous 3 albums and 5 previously unreleased tracks. The unreleased tracks were songs recorded during the recording sessions from the previous albums. These songs are not fantastic (except for "Backwaxed). The album would have received a lower rating if it wasn't for the "best of" tracks and the fact that the previously unreleased tracks have grown on me over time.RATING: 9.1 HIGHLIGHTS: "Backwaxed" The Metal Blade Years (1987-1989)After a few years of being unsigned they are picked up by Metal Blade Records, an American record company.STRENGTH OF STEEL (1987)ANVIL returns with their first studio album since 1983. Unfortunately it is a relatively weak album. It lacks the energy of their previous efforts. Not as heavy as an ANVIL album should be.RATING: 7.3 HIGHLIGHTS: "Mad Dog", "Straight Between The Eyes" POUND FOR POUND (1988)ANVIL released this album, obviously trying to make up for STRENGTH OF STEEL. It is heavier but still lacks something. Nontheless, an impressive offering.RATING: 7.8 HIGHLIGHTS: "Blood On The Ice", "Toe Jam", "Safe Sex" PAST AND PRESENT - LIVE IN CONCERT (1989)ANVIL conclude their Metal Blade years with a live album. They obviously knew what people really wanted to hear, 5 of the 11 tracks are from METAL ON METAL. A very good (not great) live album. I would have liked to have heard Dave Allison sing one of his songs. The live versions of both "Jackhammer" and "Mothra" are better than the originals. It was their last album with Metal Blade and their last album with the original line-up. Dave Allison left shortly afterwards. He was the first original member to leave.RATING: 8 HIGHLIGHTS: "Motormount", "Jackhammer", "666", "Mothra" The Comeback I (1991)They are next picked up by Maximum Records, an independent Canadian label that was formed by Helix's manager-at-the-time William Seip.WORTH THE WEIGHT (1991)And worth the wait it was. Dave was replaced by Sebastian Marino, an American from New York. He seemed to have breathed new life into the band. The lyrics are darker than anything else they have done. The songs are a heavy and aggressive. A super comeback album. Unfortunately it never got the attention it deserved. It is the only album released by Maximum.RATING: 9 HIGHLIGHTS: "Infanticide", "Bush Pig", "Pow Wow" The Comeback II: The Hypnotic Years (1996-present)Once again they are signed. This time by Hypnotic Records in Canada and Massacre Records in Germany.PLUGGED IN PERMANENT (1996)ANVIL returned with their first album in over 4 years. In that time original bassist Ian Dickson left and was replaced by Mike Duncan. Sebastian also left and was replaced by Ivan Hurd. This album is incredible. Another super comeback. This album is the heaviest, most aggressive album ANVIL has recorded. This just goes to show that despite what METALLICA defenders might say, just because you get older does not mean you have to slow down. Mike Duncan left right after the album was recorded. He was replaced by Glenn Gyorffy (Glenn Five).RATING: 9 HIGHLIGHTS: "Racial Hostility", "Doctor Kevorkian", "Five Knuckle Shuffle" ABSOLUTELY NO ALTERNATIVE (1997)I love the title. This one sounds alot like PLUGGED IN PERMANENT, just not quite as heavy. It's a good album but it didn't grab me as much as PLUGGED IN PERMANENT did. ANVIL maintain their musical integrity with this offering. Heavy metal is not dead.RATING: 7.6 HIGHLIGHTS: "Old School", "Show Me Your Tits" SPEED OF SOUND (1999)Once again this one is in the same vein as the previous 2 albums (PLUGGED IN PERMANENT and ABSOLUTELY NO ALTERNATIVE) but more diverse and better. There is some experimenting with the vocals in "Park That Truck" and with blast-beats in "No Evil". This one grew on me very quicky. There are some very catchy riffs here. "Park That Truck" is the best song they have recorded since anything from FORGED IN FIRE.RATING: 9.2 HIGHLIGHTS: "Speed Of Sound", "Secret Agent", "Park That Truck" ANTHOLOGY OF ANVIL (1999)A well chosen collection of songs spanning the band's career. Personally I would have left off "Smokin' Green", "Stolen" and "Paper General". Instead I would have included "Mad Dog", "Show Me Your Tits" and "Park That Truck". I suppose including "Stolen" will benefit those who did not get the Japanese release of PLUGGED IN PERMANENT. If you are new to ANVIL this would be an excellent place to start.RATING: 9.5 HIGHLIGHTS: "Speed Of Sound", "666", "Motormount", "Doctor Kevorkian"
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