Black Anvil Doesn't Care What You Think

New York City-based black metal wrecking crew Black Anvil’s blistering and blasting attack, which is gritty at times, reflects the band member’s lives in the Big Apple. Over the course of two records, they have proven that they have the fortitude to become one of the top United States Black Metal bands in existence today, despite what some internet trolls might lead you to believe.
You see, all three members, vocalist/bassist P (Paul Delaney), guitarist G (Gary Bennett) and drummer R (Raeph Glicken), did time in hardcore heroes Kill Your Idols before that band ended and the guys followed their hearts down a darker musical path.
“We formed about three years ago, maybe a little longer. There was no decision after Kill Your Idols came to a fold, rather a natural hunger to express what needed to be expressed. We are a vehicle for the higher power that speaks to us, hence we are only doing what we need to do,” said Delaney.
What they needed to do, was release two incredible black metal albums and become one the leading lights in USBM, even if some people on the internet can’t get over the fact that the guys in the band used to be in a hardcore band. To some people playing a different form of music means that the guys aren’t completely true. Well, those people are idiots, and if you think the band cares about stuff like that, then you are sadly mistaken.
“However at the end of the day, it isn’t what people think of us that gives us a boost. We don’t need a thing from anyone. Us accomplishing what we have thus far is proof of that. As for the hardcore/punk connection…it’s easy for someone to assume this and that, again, we don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks on this matter, because no one is close enough to the core to even comprehend or form an accurate opinion on what our “trueness” is,” said Delaney.
You would think their trueness score would go through the roof especially after Darkthrone drummer/vocalist and metal tastemaker Fenriz has given the band his evil blessing. Delaney believes this has helped a bit, but at the end of the day it’s all about what the band feels inside.
“Fenriz passing on some kind words along was well respected because I’ve been in touch with him and it’s an opinion I respect for many reasons, mainly because he’s in the know and it’s cool to hear,” said Delaney.
Their first record, “Time Insults The Mind”, released in 2009 on Relapse, laid down the template for their punishing sound while their most recent one “Triumverate”, released last year also on Relapse, further cements their rep as a fearsome crew. It’s their merger of traditional black metal sounds with a hardcore, living in the city vibe that makes their music so special. In a way, it’s urban black metal, one more informed from life lived in the city than some Norwegian wood.
“We are from New York, musically (not lyrically) there is clearly a huge influence from hardcore, or at least a tougher New York vibe, it’s how we were raised. We are actually all from New York. But as I said, the real drive is beyond the instruments and beyond us,” said Delaney.
There is also a definite punk rock aspect to their sound; one that Delaney says is natural to playing the type of music that they play.
“There is a rawness that I think is necessary. And that’s basically how it comes into play. It’s more of a natural occurrence. Even on a bigger sounding recording, the raw edge is in your playing. So, it’s something we can’t escape,” said Delaney.
Regardless of what you think, Black Anvil has crafted some fierce black metal that may draw on hardcore and punk, but is no less true than some of their counterparts. Witness their sonic devastation at Daniel Street this coming Sunday, with CT black metal upstarts Ipsissimus and avant-garde black metalers Krallice, along with Withered and Morgirion. You will be glad you did.

Manic Productions Presents:
Krallice
Black Anvil
Ipsissimus
Withered
Morgirion
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Daniel Street
21 Daniel Street, Milford, CT
7:00pm – 21+ - $12 ($10 advance)

BLACK ANVIL Tour Dates:

April 29 Somerville, MA Pa’s Lounge
April 30 Poughkeepsie, NY The Loft
May 1 Milford, CT Daniel Street
May 21 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Necktie
***All dates from May 29 thru June 3 w/ MARDUK, AURA NOIR, PANZERFAUST, HOD***
May 29 Montreal, QC Café Campus
May 30 Toronto, ON Wreck Room
May 31 Chicago, IL Reggie’s
June 1 Detroit, MI I-Rock
June 2 Cleveland, OH Peabody’s
June 3 Brooklyn, NY Williamsburg Music Hall