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Shin Force ~ The All Sega Site ~ Anvil: This Is Thirteen (CD)
Shinobi
REVIEW DATE:
12.02.2009
LABEL:
VH1 Classic Records
PRODUCTION:
Anvil Songs
FORMAT:
1 CD
ORIGIN:
USA
RECORDED:
2007
TRACKS:
14
LENGTH:
56:32
GENRE:
Heavy Metal
MEMBERS:
Lips
(lead guitar & vocals)
Robb Reiner 
(drums)
Glenn Five 
(bass guitar)
Review:

     > I've recently been reintroduced to Anvil while watching a documentary on VH1 Classic.  Back in the day, "Metal On Metal" was one of my favorite songs, and seeing Anvil on TV now was rather nostalgic.  Aside from the show running on the aforementioned cable channel, there's supposed to be a DVD in stores that chronicles Anvil's "come back" attempt.  As it turns out, they're just hard core metal maniacs from Toronto still trying to release a financially successful album or two.  To that end I wish them well.

     > Anvil's newest album, "This Is Thirteen", is surely a throw back to the early 80's metal scene.  The title reflects the 13th album in their discography.  Most of the songs feature heavy guitar riffs and typically violent lyrics.  Anvil sought to have Chris Tsangarides produce the music, which was a wise decision from my ears' point of view.  I must say, "Lips" still has a great metal voice, but his guitar solos rarely stand out.

     > So Anvil has recorded over 56 minutes of music on this CD.  My favorite song is track 14, "Thumb Hang", followed closely by the title track, "This Is Thirteen".  Actually, the entire album is very tolerable, which is amazing when you consider what most bands put out these days.  This disc is a welcome addition to my library, especially since there's very few bands still producing traditional heavy metal.  The 80's are in vogue nowadays so I imagine Anvil can be successful in their latest effort.

Bottom Line:

     > Anvil goes way back to the early 80's when I was shaping my musical tastes.  Over 25 years later, they're still jamming and trying to "make it".  If you enjoy classic heavy metal tunes then "This Is Thirteen" will fill the bill.  There's nothing earth shattering here, just heavy, largely enjoyable music that your brain can comprehend.

RATING: 80%

ANVIL / This Is Thirteen | front cover scan
ANVIL / This Is Thirteen | back cover scan
Tracks:
  1. This Is Thirteen
  2. Bombs Away
  3. Burning Bridges
  4. Ready To Fight
  5. Flying Blind
  6. Room #9
  7. Axe To Grind
  8. Feed The Greed
  9. Big Business
  10. Should' A Would' A Could' A
  11. Worry
  12. Game Over
  13. American Refugee
  14. Thumb Hang (Bonus Track)

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