Anvil was a genuinely important band in the development of the thrash underground in the early '80s. Harder and faster than the pop-metal bands getting radio airplay, they were an undeniable early influence on Metallica, Anthrax, et. al. But they never really got the chance to make a bid for mainstream success, and it's too late now -- they've got an affectionate documentary about themselves, the success of which has gotten them a deal to release this album, but the industry just doesn't make stars anymore, certainly not in metal. The best Anvil can hope for is that they'll be able to go out (or carry on for a few more years, if they choose to do so) with some self-respect. Luckily, This Is Thirteen is more than good enough to achieve that goal. The production by Chris Tsangarides, who worked with the band in the early '80s, showcases their still-impressive instrumental skills, and while the lyrics range between functional and boneheaded, Steve "Lips" Kudlow's voice is powerful, reminiscent of Ian Gillan on the more midtempo material and Suicidal Tendencies' Mike Muir on the thrashier tracks. Most of the songs on This Is Thirteen are in more of a traditional hard rock/metal vein than the proto-thrash of Anvil's peak years, though "Axe to Grind" and "Game Over" prove that they can still muster a headlong assault that would put young retro acts like Warbringer, Fueled by Fire, et, al. back on their heels. Kudlow's soloing is also fierce and fluid, and Robb Reiner is a powerful drummer with a sense of swing to his rhythm attack that's too frequently absent from metal. There may be a song or two too many on this nearly hour-long album, but it would be hard to pinpoint exactly which ones to prune, so take it as a concentrated dose of metal that proves, not unlike Heaven & Hell's The Devil You Know, that old guys can still blow youngsters off the stage when they feel like it.
© Phil Freeman /TiVo