Anvil – One And Only

Anvil
One And Only
Label: AFM Records
Out: June 28^th, 2024
Playing time: 45:40

The history of the Canadian Metal band Anvil goes back to 1978, albeit initially under the name Lips. After signing a record deal with Canadian label Attic Records in 1981, they changed their name to Anvil. Since then, studio albums have been released regularly. “One And Only” is the band’s twentieth release. A more than respectable amount. The album was once again produced by Martin ‘Mattes’ Pfeiffer and Jörg Uken in the “Soundlodge” studio. As Anvil’s line-up is also relatively stable, we are dealing with a well-rehearsed team here. That should guarantee high quality.

The title track “One And Only” marks the beginning. Classic Heavy Metal, with riffs pounding out of the speakers. With a chorus that quickly catches the ear. “Feed Your Fantasy” is characterised by rhythmic riffs. Although the lyrics of the chorus are unimaginative, they still invite you to sing along. “Fight For Your Rights” then tends towards dirty Thrash. It could have been a bit longer. “Heartbroken” sounds surprisingly doomy. The riffs drip away slowly. With a brilliant guitar solo. For me, one of the best songs on the album. “Gold And Diamonds” is faster but still has a doomy flair. But then “Dead Man Shoes” really takes off again, with a “hello wake-up effect”. A fast head-banger. And then the trio impress with a guitar solo. “Truth Is Dying” is a mid-tempo stomper that is dominated by hard riffs. “Rocking The World” is also a riff-driven mid-tempo stomper. “Run Away” is a Rock song that pushes forward mercilessly. And the tempo changes continue. “World Of Fools” again tends towards mid-tempo. Things get even quieter on “Condemned Liberty” – a solemn Doom is the order of the day. Riffs and drums set the pace. Finally, “Blind Rage” once again offers high-speed metal.

Anvil deliver a good musical performance on “One And Only”. Steve Lips scores particularly well with his guitar solos. The songwriting is also varied. Speed grenades alternate with mid-tempo stompers, some of which go as far as Doom. The unimaginative lyrics of the choruses are a little less enjoyable to listen to. They mostly repeat the song title like a prayer wheel. The Canadians should improve on this in future.

Anvil – Feed Your Fantasy: https://youtu.be/8dhQoQ7dptA?si=_TTXVNnhyWIExA-K

Lineup:

Steve “Lips” Kudlow – Vocals, Guitar
Robb Reiner – Drums
Chris Robertson – Bass, Vocals

Track list:

• One And Only
• Feed Your Fantasy
• Fight For Your Rights
• Heartbroken
• Gold And Diamonds
• Dead Man Shoes
• Truth Is Dying
• Rocking The World
• Run Away
• World Of Fools
• Condemned Liberty
• Blind Rage