Anthem Albums: Worst to First
Today I will be ranking what I consider to be the most consistently fantastic metal band of all time: The criminally overlooked Japanese powerhouse Anthem. I can not recommend them enough.
*note* - I will not be ranking albums consisting of English re-recordings. |
| 17 |  | Anthem
Overload
Anthem's worst album is a strange case; because even though it is their weakest effort, I still recommend giving it a listen. My biggest issue with it is that it feels a tad derivative of other metal acts that were sprouting up around the time of its release. Their trademark melody and speed takes a backseat to chunky riffs and slower tempos. With that being said, the material here is still solid, and holds a handful of absolute bangers.
Best Track: Demon Ride
Grade: C+ |
| 16 |  | Anthem
Immortal
Great album, don't get me wrong, but i'd be lying if I said I came back to this one a lot. There isn't a bad track in the bunch, but there aren't very many tracks that stick with you. I still recommend it, but it definitely isn't one that I would give to someone who wants to get into the band.
Best Track: Ignite
Grade: C+ |
| 15 |  | Anthem
Seven Hills
A satisfying comeback record, but far from their best. Luckily, the band would continue to grow from here and produce some of the best metal albums of the 2000s and 2010s. A good starting point on which they would continue to build.
Best Track: Grieve of Heart
Grade: B- |
| 14 |  | Anthem
Eternal Warrior
Definitely an improvement from the album the preceded it (Overload). A little bit of filler, but nothing egregious. Tracks like Onslaught and Bleeding will fuck your ass, and the sinister closer Mind Slide is a tasty slice of atmosphere.
Best Track: Mind Slide
Grade: B- |
| 13 |  | Anthem
Heraldic Device
Not much to say about this one, just another rock-solid offering. Listen to it.
Best Track: The Sign
Grade: B |
| 12 |  | Anthem
Anthem
From the get-go these guys were creating some classic shit. The band hadn't quite found their identity at this point, but glimpses of their trademark sound can be found sprinkled throughout.
Best Track: Lay Down
Grade: B |
| 11 |  | Anthem
Crimson & Jet Black
Their newest release, and a testament to just how consistent these guys are. It's rare for a band to have more than 3 bangers in a row, but Anthem shows us that 17 bangers in a row is possible. This one is also entirely sung in English, if that shit is important to you.
Best Track: Danger Flight
Grade: B+ |
| 10 |  | Anthem
Engraved
After the 3 power metal tinged record that preceded it, Engraved sees the band revisiting a more straightforward approach that characterized their earlier output. Thankfully, it never comes across as forced, and still manages to sound fresh and exciting.
Best Track: Midnight Growl
Grade: B+ |
| 9 |  | Anthem
No Smoke Without Fire
What really should have been the band's breakout record, but was sadly overlooked due to their shit record label not promoting them. Definitely their most commercially accessible record, but not in a "sell-out" kind of way. Definitely a good place to start for beginners.
Best Track: The Night We Stand
Grade: A- |
| 8 |  | Anthem
Tightrope
Take all the aspects that made the debut great, but turn it up to 11. Heavier, faster, and meaner than it's older brother, Tightrope is a nonstop assault to the senses. If you can get past some fuzzy ass production, you're in for a treat.
Best Track: Finger on the Trigger
Grade: A- |
| 7 |  | Anthem
Domestic Booty
Best album title ever. Definitely the band at their most vicious and and intense, with a couple tracks coming dangerously close to thrash. Of you want some tasty riffs and immaculate solos, this is your album.
Best Track: The Dice of No Mercy
Grade: A |
| 6 |  | Anthem
Black Empire
The bands first full blown power metal release. While Anthem went in a new direction with this release, they still manage to retain all the core elements that make the band what they are. Highly recommended.
Best Track: Heat of the Night
Grade: A |
| 5 |  | Anthem
Gypsy Ways
This album probably has trouble walking with the MASSIVE fucking nuts it has. This album fucks, and it fucks hard. While every track present is well above average, the album’s closing track “Night Stalker” delivers what I consider to be the most crushing guitar riff ever put to tape. You owe it to yourself to give this a listen.
Best Track: Night Stalker
Grade: A |
| 4 |  | Anthem
Burning Oath
This shit will burn your oath, then melt your brain. This album didn’t come to fuck around, it came to FUCK. The fact that it took less than a year to come to fruition is insane. You may have a little trouble getting your hand on this one, but rest assured, the extra effort is totally worth it.
Best Track: Get Away
Grade: A |
| 3 |  | Anthem
Bound to Break
This is probably Anthem’s most well known and beloved release, and for good reason. A classic through and through. Putting an album this great at #3 feels like a sin, but it simply can’t go any higher.
Best Track: Machine Made Dog
Grade: A+ |
| 2 |  | Anthem
Hunting Time
The zenith of classic Anthem, and 80’s metal in general. A furious musical dynamo that demands your attention, and keeps it for its entirety. An essential 80’s metal release that is criminally underappreciated. If you’re looking for an 80’s metal classic, you can’t get much better than this.
Best Track: Are You Ready?
Grade: A+ |
| 1 |  | Anthem
Absolute World
A truly remarkable sonic journey that everyone needs to give a shot. From beginning to end, Anthem delivers their most potent, energetic, and exhilarating material to date. Not only their best album, but one of my favorite albums of all time. A mandatory metal masterpiece that will kick your teeth in, and have you crawling back for more.
Best Track: Run With the Flash
Grade: A++ |
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