On their 20th studio album, One And Only, Anvil unleash a relentless barrage of blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and anthemic choruses that electrify the senses and showcase their legendary prowess.
Since forming in 1978, Anvil - frontman Steve "Lips" Kudlow, drummer Robb Reiner, and bassist Chris Robertson - has had a career marked by both remarkable highs and well-documented challenges. Their impact on countless legendary musicians, from Metallica to Slayer, is profound. Anvil's latest studio album, fittingly titled One And Only, showcases their unique and enduring influence on metal, just as they did at the start of their career.
Kudlow describes the new album as a return to their roots, "We are more like our old style than we have been in years. We've dropped all our more modern aspects, especially the '90s version of Anvil. There are no sexual themes and no thrash-speed songs like on previous albums."
With Robertson and Reiner driving the rhythm section, One And Only maintains a relentless pace, providing the perfect backdrop for Kudlow's searing guitar work and vocals. Songs like "Dead Man’s Shoes" embody Anvil’s signature sound. And listeners can expect the same headbanging intensity from "Fighting For Your Rights" and Blind Rage," which are reminiscent of their iconic tracks from the '80s. The album also offers fresh surprises - "Feed Your Fantasy" showcases an unusual shuffle rhythm, while "Heartbroken" delivers a doomy, Black Sabbath type vibe.
Lyrically, One And Only is quintessentially Anvil. Kudlow, known for his imaginative storytelling and sharp wordplay, tackles poignant themes on songs like "Condemned Liberty" and "Fight For Your Rights." He explains, "'Condemned Liberty' is about losing all your rights due to the abuse of freedom of speech. 'Fight For Your Rights' addresses the music business ripping off musicians." These themes resonate with Anvil’s own experiences in the often unforgiving music industry, yet their idealism, motivation, and energy remain undiminished.
The new album was produced by Martin "Mattes" Pfeiffer and Jörg Uken, continuing a partnership that has spanned the last four albums. Kudlow praises them as the perfect fit for Anvil, "As always, Mattes and Jörg did a great job selecting our best performances and ensuring the album has top-notch sound. Great guys who understand the band and know exactly what suits us best."