Before I start reviewing the music, we have to establish a few things about ANVIL. First off, they started as LIPS before changing their name to ANVIL, due to a musical hit by LIPPS INC. around the same time. This was back in 1981, and in the same here they pleased us by releasing their debut album “Hard And Heavy”. I still remember the review in my Aardschok back then, as the first sentence was something like: ‘Before I start to describe the music, I have to tell you that the name of the drummer is Robb Reiner.’ He was very much at the forefront of that release, and has stayed that all through the career of ANVIL.

The first couple of years saw ANVIL rising into stardom, with their third album “Forged In Fire” being the epitome of their success. After that they started sliding into obscurity, and only the diehard fans stayed on their trail. If you wish to see this story in detail, see the documentary “The Story Of Anvil”. It shows you what hardship looks like. But it also is a testament to the determination that ANVIL has shown throughout the years. This DVD was such a success that it helped the band get into proper places again, find higher slots on festivals, better and longer tours and with that a brighter future.

Another thing we need to establish is that you need to look at ANVIL like you would at MOTÖRHEAD or AC/DC. They are remaking every album time and time again. They have their formula and stick to it. It is something that you need to know before I can go on. “One And Only” is the nineteenth time the band is trying to win us over. For over 45 minutes the trio is giving us all they have to win us over and have us headbanging with them. The one thing I can say about “One And Only” is that it is the strongest album they have produced in years. The songs aren’t as explosive as at the beginning of their career, the exception being closer “Blind Rage”, but everything fits. The more I listen, the more pleasing the whole album is for me.

As for the lyrical messages, singer Lips doesn’t mince words. He is as clear as spring water. And as far as he’s concerned you can either like it or lump it. His voice isn’t as flexible as it was, but still holds his own. The structure of the songs of ANVIL is immediately recognisable, as is his guitar sound and style. Like mentioned, you will know there is a good drummer in the house. Robb Reiner will not let any gaps appear, at any cost. On top of that they have the newcomer Chris Robertson on bass, who only joined a mere 10 years ago. He is like the cement between the two others, and does that in a formidable way.