Well here I was listening to 1982's Metal on Metal which is Anvil's second release, when the thought occurred to me... this would make a great second review for me. For those who have not yet heard or experienced Anvil – they are a quite an overlooked Canadian band in the metal community. This was pre-Metallica. Pre-Slayer. Pre- well... let's just say it's heavy. From the first cut, Metal on Metal with the great line: ‘Metal On Metal it's the only way, To HELL with tomorrow, let's live for today!’
This pretty much sums up the band's philosophy and the mood for the rest of the disc. This is an all time great metal anthem which could be compared to the great ‘Balls to the Wall’! Then on to ‘Mothra’ track, from Godzilla movie fame, who terrorizes the Japanese as they sing, 'What can we do'? The mid-section which has a Planet Caravan type effect on Lips' voice. Lips being the lead singer, lead guitarist and key composer! ‘Mothra’ is fast, atmospheric and epic!!
The next tune ‘Stop Me’ is fronted by then rhythm guitarist Dave Allison who has quite the KISS/Ace Frehley influence here. You would have to be your own judge, but I know what my ears hear. Next is MARCH OF THE CRABS!! This instrumental is worth the price of the CD alone and is a MUST HEAR/MUST HAVE Metal instrumental for all collectors. This has Iron Maiden all over it and as I stated above is pre-Metallica 'Kill 'em All'. You will not regret hearing this track. This tune is one of the many blueprints in metal for sure.
Drummer Robb Reiner really stands out in the next track entitled Jackhammer! The name says it all. The next three ‘Heat Sink’, ‘Tag Team’ and ‘Scenery’ are all steady rockers. ‘Heat Sin’ being a strong opening for the second half and ‘Scenery’ being another KISS flavoured (IMO) FM Radio Staple. Or at least it should have been. ‘Tease Me Please Me’ would be LIPS showing his love for sex driven tunes. He would out rank tunes like this with Butter Bust Jerky, and Backwaxed later down the road.
The closer 666! What can I say? Anvil would not take the Venom or King Diamond road, and stick to their own plan, but this tune is Evil! The double bass drumming is exceptional and LIPS' (Steve "Lips" Kudlow) vocals and wailing out 666 still sends a shiver or two. Not as shocking by today's standards but at the time of its release (1982) it was something to give Mom and Dad a bit of a heart attack over. I should also put out props to Ian Dickson, the bands original bass player at the time.
So I say buy it if you haven't! It's great. For those that have it on vinyl I say get it on CD! It's still a real winner and one that will... as Anvil say... KEEP ON POUNDIN'!
Track Listing:
01. Metal On Metal
02. Mothra
03. Stop Me
04. March Of The Crabs
05. Jackhammer
06. Heat Sink
07. Tag Team
08. Scenery
09. Tease Me, Please Me
10. 666
