There was a point in time when Anvil were gonna be the next big thing – especially after this album was released. They kept up the momentum with the next release, Forged In Fire, and then they slowly went down and down until they disappeared off the map. It could have had something to do with the gimmicky bondage gear and playing guitar with dildos, or the very sexist lyrics, but who knows? I’m sure most of you will have seen the Anvil documentary and how heartbreaking that was, but that’s what the music business is like for nearly all bands.
Anvil, and this album especially, were an influence for lots of metal bands of the time – even Metallica namecheck the band – and it’s not hard to see why, this is a killer record. First track and the title track is one of my favourite tracks from this period. The main riff is simple but oh so effective, and that head just wants to bang. An ode to the Japanese monster Mothra is next, and the speed quickens and the metal is a pounding. Stop Me is a about backstage lust and sees rhythm guitar player, Dave Allison, handle vocal duties instead of Lip’s crazed warblings. I love the guitar tone on this one. One of the best metal instrumentals is next up with March Of The Crabs, and I’m sure Maiden were an influence for this one. Side 1 closes out with Jackhammer, and what a killer track with a superb pounding groove and fat chugga riff.
Side 2 opens up with Heatsink, and we continue where we left off with another great track. A bit of variation next with Tag Team, as the groove slows down before Scenery comes in with its slowed down Crazy Train riff – these lyrics are seriously cheesy. Tease Me Please as a very NWOBHM riff and groove with a large hint of Mr. Nugent thrown in. The album closes out with 666, and this is Anvil at their best. Super fast speed metal with the dark devil demon subject matter instead of the porn star lyrics.
Side 1 gets 10/10, but Side 2 gets 8/10 from The Grooveman.
