Anvil - Metal On Metal (1982)

Along with Accept and Manowar, Anvil were one of the last heavy metal bands to surface before thrash hit the scene. And like Accept and Manowar, Anvil released a landmark classic metal album in 1982. Unlike Accept and Manowar, following said landmark release Anvil's reputation never exceeded the status of a cult favourite. Whether the reason was bad timing, bad label support or bad luck, it sure as hell could not have been bad music.

The sound, both in terms of production and music, of Metal On Metal is quite similar to Manowar's début. Which translates into anthemic stomping heavy metal with still more than a passing hard rock influence. Anvil is however not nearly as self-conscious and serious (for lack of a better term) as Manowar. In fact the band displays a surprisingly light-hearted attitude and a welcome knack for writing humorous lyrics. While Metal On Metal might not be as heavy and intense as say Twisted Sister's Under The Blade (also released in 1982, man, what a great year) the band has come up with more than enough hooks to keep things interesting. Steve "Lips" Kudlow's lead guitar also does it's bit. The leads are never as flashy as expected by 80s metal but they are tastefully done, playing for the band instead of the other way around.

Side one (if you have the vinyl) is bit better than side two but that is really like treading the line between cool and awesome. Stop Me, for once not featuring Lips on vocals, and Scenery are good natured rockers and the album's most catchy and fun tracks. Tease Me, Please Me is the song with the most prominent hard rock influence and you can really picture the band getting the crowd to boogie to this one. Perhaps the most curious tracks are the epic Mothra and the speed metal onslaught of the closing 666. Both are well ahead of their time offering glimpses at what would become power and thrash metal.

With a band as likeable as Anvil, you just cannot figure what force held them down. Nevertheless, if you are into classic heavy metal or searching for a good introduction, Metal On Metal is a good place to start.