Anvil – One And Only
Reviewed By: Tom Elke
Review Score: 8.5
Anvil has a long history of establishing their sound with quality album after quality album. And I think more than any of their last several albums, One And Only is a reminder of that classic Anvil sound and styling. This is a get right down to business type of album. Straight-up, front and center, metal.
A few thoughts that come to mind about One And Only. The sound production once again is excellent. It was produced by Martin ‘Mattes’ Pfeiffer and Jörg Uken at Soundlodge Studio in Rhauderfehn, Germany. This is the same production team that has done the past four Anvil albums leading up to this new release. These guys have a very good understanding of Anvil and really know how to bring out the best in them. It sounds great!
There’s some interesting Lyrics on One And Only. Sure, Anvil has had some typical rock ‘n’ roll Lyrics from time to time… what band hasn’t? But I believe guitartist/lead singer, Lips, is overlooked sometimes lyrically. He writes some poignant and meaningful lyrics, like on ‘Fight For Your Rights.’ A great up-tempo track that comments about the business side of music that takes advantage of musical artists. And even more so, ‘Condemned Liberty,’ a heavy, slower-paced song that’s about losing some of our individual freedoms, like freedom of speech and expression. It’s all real good stuff.
The musicianship once again on One And Only is fantastic. Drummer Robb Reiner is one of the very best in the business. I love the way he plays his drum parts, his snare drum licks are excellent and I love his ride cymbal and bass drum work together during Lips lead guitar parts on a few of the tracks. And speaking of Lips, his playing is as good as it ever has been… and maybe even better. He does an awesome job with his solos and the riffs in general.
On bass, Chris(t) Robertson is really becoming a noticeable member of Anvil. You can really feel and hear the bass parts on each song. He sounds great! And an added component, Chris(t) is upping his background vocals. This album has a few tracks where they indeed utilize some backing vocals. I love it!
In conclusion, One And Only is another excellent, high quality Anvil album. This album to my ear is a reminder of the older, classic Anvil sound – with today’s sonics. They have been on an impressive roll over the last several albums, and there seems to be no let up in sight. And dare I say, Anvil is one of the best consistent metal bands in the world. Well done guys… well done!
One And Only will be released on June 28, 2024 on AFM Records. Pre Order Here.