Any folks who have ever seen the 2008 movie Anvil! The Story of Anvil will quickly realize that metal band Anvil are the closest thing the world has to a real Spinal Tap. The film chronicles their attempt at a career resurgence and demonstrates that the poor men really do have skill and are recognized as metal gods by the likes of Lars Ulrich from Metallica (QRO live review) or Scott Ian from Anthrax (QRO album review), but they just can’t seem to catch a break.
Anvil’s most recent foray into the spotlight is with the release of their latest compilation album, Monument of Metal: The Very Best of Anvil. It chronicles their extensive catalogue, featuring early songs like "Metal On Metal" and "666" from their 1982 album Metal On Metal, as well as newer songs such as "Juggernaut of Justice" from their most recent studio album of the same name.
Lead singer Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow has a definitive heavy metal voice, being able to scream those high notes on almost every song. It can, at times, get to be a bit too much, but is epic nonetheless, which seems to be what they are all about. Kudlow’s best friend and long time collaborator, drummer Robb Reiner (not to be confused with the film maker who directed This Is Spinal Tap) has the chops to make him a treat to listen to and he helps to push Anvil into the category of technically proficient musicians. These skills are represented on songs like "Thumbhang", which not only has a brütal title, but also has a pummeling beat as well as extremely heavy guitars and good vocals by Lips.
For those who have seen Anvil! The Story of Anvil, it is clear that despite many setbacks, these guys are forging ahead because they truly love and are passionate about what they do, almost to a heartbreaking extent. Sure, at times their music can sound run-of-the-mill, but at other times it is a brand truly unique to them. If nothing else, they deserve a listen for not having thrown in the towel many times over by now. The simple fact that this collection of songs stretches from the early ‘80s all the way to present day is a testament that they must have something to offer.
MP3 Stream: "Thumbhang"
