Anthem - The Remix

Thursday 1st May 2003
Anthem - The Remix
Anthem - The Remix

STYLE: Rock
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 6991-6770
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In 1981 an independent American rock band took their evangelistic classic rock songs into the studio and recorded their debut album. It was a local success but the band always felt they failed to capture the passion and intensity of their live set on vinyl and when the band ran out of steam without ever following it up, the master tapes sat on the shelf alongside the unreleased second album. In 1999 band guitarist Mike Manthei (now running his own studio) cleaned up the masters and the band got back together for further sessions to capture again the essence of Anthem to remix and re-record and make the fabulous rock album they'd originally conceived. This is brilliant American rock with twin guitars shining, bordering between solid '70s riffs and the emerging flashy '80s sound. On top of the general melodic heaviness, there are the stunning powerful vocals of Mary Pinkley delivering uncompromising lyrics. Check out something like "Doctor" for her versatility. Highlights include the powerful opening instrumental "Spiritual Warfare" and the brilliant "On Your Knees" which immediately follows it. Then there's the upbeat confident riff rock of "Winners" which chugs along on a funky bass line and the brisk "Cheap Thrill". Anthem were never really heard in the UK, I wish I'd discovered them back then because with quality like this, they would have fitted neatly between Petra and Resurrection Band.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Reader Comments

Posted by Alan G in Harrisonburg, VA @ 02:51 on Aug 11 2012

I too had the Anthem cassette in the mid 80's when I was a teenager. It was my go to album. I wore it out. Even now I can look back on that album as a big influence on my bass playing. Is it rock or is it R&B? It's both, how awesome is that!! Recently I looked for the cassette in my attic but couldn't find it. I seriously doubted I would find anything on the internet but who knew? There is even a remix. I have been jamming on it this week. I like all of the remixes except Morning Star and the intro to Doctor (I preferred the organ). Anyway, they don't make music like this anymore - not trying to please a record label with either the genre or lyrics.


Reply by GENO GRAMMATICO in USA @ 09:25 on May 24 2015

Alan, thank you for such encouraging words. Geno, Anthem's drummer here, I'm glad that you enjoyed our album that much! My apologies on my delayed response, but there were certain variables I had to consider. God Bless', bro. Please visit our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/391126484415630/391131427748 469/?notif_t=like

[report abuse]


Posted by Dan in Canada @ 18:41 on Dec 13 2005

Hey there just wanted to coment on this band. I had the album 'cuttin thru' when it came out (81-82) on a cassette. i had it on one side and Daniel Band- On Rock on the other side. I wore that tape out. they were a couple of my favorites back then along with 'Stronghold, Jerusalem, Rez, Petra, and many others. I would be cool to find a copy of this album again and have a listen. (Stronghold is a hard one to find)...later.


Reply by Mike M. in Colorado @ 21:57 on Sep 20 2006

Dan;
Did you find a copy of the album? If you're still having trouble, contact me directly. I still have a few in my archives, and I'll find a way to get you one.

[report abuse]


The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.