The Power of Rock N Roll in Bloomington, MN

When it comes to rock music, Canada will probably forever be known first and foremost for spawning prog rockers (
Rush
), roots rocker-singer/songwriters (
Neil Young
), and mainstream rockers (
Bryan Adams
), but not so much for good old-fashioned, straight-ahead heavy metal. But in the early '80s, several metal acts appeared from the great white north, including
Thor
,
Anvil
, and
Helix
. None ever truly broke out worldwide (although
did manage to get back into the spotlight with their 2009 film,
Anvil! The Story of Anvil
), but all have continued rocking & rolling -- especially
, who in 2007, issued
The Power of Rock N Roll
. Comprised of an EP released a year before (2006's
Get Up!
) as well as tracks recorded specifically for this release, the album certainly sounds like vintage
-- metallic riffs, anthem-like choruses, party-hearty/long-live-rock-type lyrics, etc. Take your pick of just about any of the tracks --
"Fill Your Head with Rock!,"
"Get Up!,"
and
"Eat My Dust"
(as well as a re-recording of their lunkheaded but lovable
"Heavy Metal Love"
) -- and you're sure to experience some heavy duty deja vu from the days of
No Rest for the Wicked
Walkin' the Razor's Edge
. ~ Greg Prato