It’s been almost forty years and we’re still reviewing Anvil albums. Would you like to know why? Because, Anvil are like your comfy, furry, winter slippers. Anvil is your grandmother’s meatloaf [I’m assuming this isn’t a euphemism…! ed] Anvil is always there in a comforting, supportive way. You don’t have to dig deep or get all metaphysical about an Anvil album. It’s just Rock n’ Roll. It’s straight-forward, undeviating, good old-fashioned Heavy Metal. Pounding The Pavement (Steamhammer/SPV) is forty-six minutes of throwback tunes from a more simple time in Metal.

Anvil does the tongue in cheek with ‘Bitch In The Box’. Before you get your knickers in a twist, I firmly believe it’s about a car GPS system… at least, that’s how I interpret the song! Having had many a shouting matches with said “bitch in a box” over proper directions and shortest routes, I had to chuckle and nod my head knowingly. ‘Doing What I Want’ is my childish neener neener neener to everyone that has something to say about my life choices. Now I have a song I can play for them. It comes complete with a bitchin’ guitar solo! “… if people try to change me, I tell them where to go, I live my life the way I want, It’s the only way I know, Be your own hero, Pursue the things you love….” Seriously, advice everyone needs to take. Thank you, Steve Kudlow and Robb Reiner.

Anvil’s Pounding the Pavement is chock full of laid back Heavy Metal tunes. It’s a good aural trip. Don’t expect any bells or whistles with this album. This album is all about rockin that shit! (see what I did there?)

7.0/10

VICTORIA ANDERSON