Anthem of the Peaceful Army
by Greta Van Fleet
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Oct 19, 2018
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 107
  3. Negative: 32 out of 107
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  1. Vickimage
    Feb 24, 2020
    8
    I don’t understand a lot of the criticism of this album. Does it sound like Led Zeppelin at times? Hell yes but anyone who thinks that is some sort of sacrilege doesn’t understand how many licks Led Zep pinched from old blues acts (as did the Rolling Stones). So what is the problem? These guys have the tunes and they can sure as hell play their instruments. Plus they do it with absoluteI don’t understand a lot of the criticism of this album. Does it sound like Led Zeppelin at times? Hell yes but anyone who thinks that is some sort of sacrilege doesn’t understand how many licks Led Zep pinched from old blues acts (as did the Rolling Stones). So what is the problem? These guys have the tunes and they can sure as hell play their instruments. Plus they do it with absolute sincerity. This isn’t some sort of cynical cash grab or tribute act. As well as Zep you can hear a bit of Beatles (a band Nirvana took inspiration from without copping any flak) and some AC/DC and more - but they Greta Van Fleet make it their own. This is a thoroughly enjoyable album.… Expand
  2. tarsenal1
    Oct 21, 2018
    6
    This highly-anticipated album could very well be a missed opprtunity for Greta van Fleet. While there are occasional flashes of genius, especially with the track Lover, Leaver, Taker, Believer, a piece that towards the end gets proggy, which is uncartered territory for the young group, the band never really succeeds in rising above their 70s influences. On this album, Greta van Fleet doThis highly-anticipated album could very well be a missed opprtunity for Greta van Fleet. While there are occasional flashes of genius, especially with the track Lover, Leaver, Taker, Believer, a piece that towards the end gets proggy, which is uncartered territory for the young group, the band never really succeeds in rising above their 70s influences. On this album, Greta van Fleet do not present themselves as daring as they were with their LP "From the Fires", resulting in wasted potential on tracks that seem tailored to fit a mainstream audience (You're The One, Mountain of the Sun). Longer songs and more willingness for exploration that could elevate their work to a higher sphere are too scarce but tracks like Lover, Leaver and Brave New World give reason for hope.
    Torn between the golden era of classic rock and our current time, some of the songs are a mish-mash of different musical periods without a fully-developed sound that could give the band its own identity and eventually silence the worn-out comparisons to older groups.
    Even though they have not yet matured, the potential is there and hopefully Greta van Fleet will be able to develop their own sound.    … Expand
  3. heisenbergsfan
    Oct 23, 2018
    0
    If this is what is "saving rock music," then it deserves to die a painful death.
  4. sidus1011
    Oct 19, 2018
    8
    Greta van Fleet's new album showcases the growth the band has had in the past year. Yes, its evident Led Zeppelin is a huge influence, but more influences are seen now including Howlin' Wolf and the Doors. While it feels like a throwback, it still feels modern. Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer), When the Curtain Falls, Brave New World, and The Cold Wind are among some of the standouts. MyGreta van Fleet's new album showcases the growth the band has had in the past year. Yes, its evident Led Zeppelin is a huge influence, but more influences are seen now including Howlin' Wolf and the Doors. While it feels like a throwback, it still feels modern. Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer), When the Curtain Falls, Brave New World, and The Cold Wind are among some of the standouts. My only issue with the album is the track ordering and on a couple of tracks the ideas don't stick completely. Overall though, this is a strong debut from the much hyped about band, and shows that they have great potential.… Expand
  5. JXI
    Oct 19, 2018
    9
    Just an absolutely solid album. One of those that I'll enjoy again and again.
  6. jboogie95
    Oct 22, 2018
    3
    I'm not just reviewing based on the obvious similarities with Led Zeppelin, but rather based on their actual sound and performance. Overall this album is just ok. There is nothing special or truly original about it. Their singer displays some impressive vocals, but too often goes into these over the top shrieks in a contrived sort of way. Where Robert Plant felt genuine, Josh Kiszka comesI'm not just reviewing based on the obvious similarities with Led Zeppelin, but rather based on their actual sound and performance. Overall this album is just ok. There is nothing special or truly original about it. Their singer displays some impressive vocals, but too often goes into these over the top shrieks in a contrived sort of way. Where Robert Plant felt genuine, Josh Kiszka comes off as an impressionist that lacks genuine emotion. The guitar riffs and solos are just mediocre. I would have loved to hear some more original and complex guitar work and songwriting. They have potential, but unfortunately need to change a lot of the way they approach writing music. Too much of the album feels corny, cliche (just look at the album title) and contrived. I do appreciate the return to a 70's type of sound, but Anthem of the Peaceful Army comes off as a generic compilation of bands that are better.… Expand
  7. kdublin20
    Oct 25, 2018
    5
    Listen, I love what this band is doing and think they're doing great things for carrying the rock and roll flag into the next generation. BUT, I find this album very repetitive and the songwriting not nearly as strong as it was on the From the Fires LP.

    I have a lot of confidence they'll improve with time, but this one just didn't do it for me.
  8. Sseliger
    Nov 5, 2018
    4
    It is early 70's Led Zeppelin, minus everything that made Zeppelin great. There are some really good moments here, riffy rock songs with power and attitude, but every song is in exactly the same vein. While Zeppelin essentially invented this type of hard rock, they rarely did songs as basic as Greta Van Fleet. Without the psychedelic breakdowns of Zeppelin's early days, the delicate folkIt is early 70's Led Zeppelin, minus everything that made Zeppelin great. There are some really good moments here, riffy rock songs with power and attitude, but every song is in exactly the same vein. While Zeppelin essentially invented this type of hard rock, they rarely did songs as basic as Greta Van Fleet. Without the psychedelic breakdowns of Zeppelin's early days, the delicate folk of their early 70's heyday, the wild exploration of their later albums, or the fluid tempos, Greta Van Fleet fails to make anything as good as what Zeppelin did. And that doesn't even mention the fact that the group has no personality of their own. Every decision seems to be made to replicate Zeppelin, without any trace of authenticity.… Expand
  9. fede01_8
    Oct 23, 2018
    0
    A Led Zeppelin tribute act but with "original" songs. GVF was put together by someone who read the Youtube comment section of classic rock videos. "Rock is dead!". "I was born in the wrong generation"
  10. Doowop666
    Oct 24, 2018
    0
    Rock music has evolved from the 50s thru to today. These kids have decided to do a throwback to the 70s sound of Led Zep. Everything from their drum kit, to dress code, to vocals, to classic rocker "talking points" - about what good music is, what inspired them, and where they want music to go - is completely played out. They're a carbon copy without anything remotely novel trying to dupeRock music has evolved from the 50s thru to today. These kids have decided to do a throwback to the 70s sound of Led Zep. Everything from their drum kit, to dress code, to vocals, to classic rocker "talking points" - about what good music is, what inspired them, and where they want music to go - is completely played out. They're a carbon copy without anything remotely novel trying to dupe a today's audience into thinking their sound is new and that they're blazing some trail in music. Everything thing they're doing was done before and done better. They're a fad that may get a cult following but there is nothing more to see here.… Expand
  11. endorstoi
    Oct 19, 2018
    1
    i just want to start by saying that i'm not reviewing this on the basis of it being a led zeppelin rip-off or whatever, i'm reviewing the music and well, its poor. respect to these lads for having a go and doing what they want to do, if there happy with it then good for them but overall the record is just another cop-out wuss rock album, my main problem with this album is the production isi just want to start by saying that i'm not reviewing this on the basis of it being a led zeppelin rip-off or whatever, i'm reviewing the music and well, its poor. respect to these lads for having a go and doing what they want to do, if there happy with it then good for them but overall the record is just another cop-out wuss rock album, my main problem with this album is the production is awful!,
    this is suppose to be a hard rock album and it comes off so bland and one dimensional, the lack of a memorable tune (for me at least) is also pretty annoying, even on these types of dumbed-down flat rock albums you can at least expect some tunes that you repeat to yourself.
    Overall like most albums in this vain, some will like it and find it fun and others will despise it, bottom line is Greta Van Fleet make "hard rock" for there audience and don't care in the slightest who there influences are or if you have a problem with them doing what they do which is admirable but good songs and production would have made it a success and in my opinion this album does not have either.    … Expand
  12. Asura_14
    Oct 25, 2018
    1
    Copyright infringement detected.
    Music should never go stale, these kids need to understand that ripping something off is not ok. Have your own personality, being influenced is ok but this is disgusting.
  13. lavaryan98
    Oct 21, 2018
    10
    Their two EPs prior to this album release have been phenomenal, and this full album is no exception. Tasty guitar licks and fantastic vocals carry this album, and I can't wait to see this band grow as they age. They're barely adults and are kicking the mainstream movement's ass, and more importantly are bringing rock back into the spotlight.
  14. DavidWasHere
    Oct 23, 2018
    4
    It's okay. It's certainly not as bad as certain people are making it out to be (i.e. Pitchfork). But honestly when I listen to this I don't really get anything new or fresh, just a Led Zeppelin record where everyone foamed it in. It's not like a classic rock throwback record CAN'T work. Look at bands like Foxygen or even Queens of the Stone Age. They're basically throwback bands to theIt's okay. It's certainly not as bad as certain people are making it out to be (i.e. Pitchfork). But honestly when I listen to this I don't really get anything new or fresh, just a Led Zeppelin record where everyone foamed it in. It's not like a classic rock throwback record CAN'T work. Look at bands like Foxygen or even Queens of the Stone Age. They're basically throwback bands to the glory days of classic rock radio. The difference is that with Queens they made that formula their own. When you hear Queens, you know you're listening to Queens. And say what you will about Foxygen, at least they're honest about them aping of 70s rock, and that is what makes them unique and interesting. Greta Van Fleet is only interesting because the lead singer sounds so much like Robert Plant. Which is at least admirable, but it's an impression without sounding like anything genuine. It's a lot like how all the grunge and post-grunge bands that followed in the wake of Nirvana and Pearl Jam had to sound like either Kurt or Eddie. The music isn't bad. It's pleasant, it's well played, the production is a little too polished but it's competent. Unfortunately it's also lacking in energy or grit. People might bring up Zep but they're more like Bad Company at their most tepid. Like say what you will about Zeppelin, but at least they knew how to rock out with gnarly guitar riffs, pounding drums, and the singing of what sounds like it came from the gods. Bad Company are basically the most average classic rock band you can think of that gets radio play on the classic rock stations in between the actual good stuff. I'm not expecting constant barn burners, but there is no out right rockers like Highway Tune from their previous EP. Instead all the songs start to run together in this limp slog of just "okay" playing. There's no memorable riffs or solos. The only song that's memorable is the opener, Age of Man. But that's because it sounds like a Rush song from the really early days, except Geddy decided to sing like Robert Plant, except badly!

    I wouldn't call it flat out terrible, but I'm not getting anything memorable or something that is worth revisiting. It's basically if Zeppelin decided to push out a mediocre album during the Houses and Graffiti era, except they took out the epic and mystical songs and just decided to write cock rock. To quote a review from fede01_8, it's music made for people who write in the comments section of classic rock songs on YouTube "I was born in the wrong generation."

    Was tempted to give this a 5, but the lack of memorable songs dropped it down a rating.    … Expand
  15. critical_goose
    Oct 28, 2018
    10
    absolutely flawless. as a huge fan of zeppelin and all classic rick, these guys are still keeping it real while staying unique in the modern day. I can't imagine why the album is getting mixed reviews. it's damn near perfect. you can tell these guys have their whole hearts into this. the opener is strong and marvelous and the closer is beautiful and brings about a sense of togetherness,
  16. ClutchJr
    Oct 19, 2018
    10
    People wanted rock music back and Greta Van Fleet does this with Anthem of the Peaceful Army.
  17. gameon417
    Oct 19, 2018
    10
    This album is phenomenal. Since I started listening to this band at about 100k monthly listeners, I've really noticed their growth with this album. Greta has begun to shift away from Led Zeppelin but is still able to keep the authenticity of 70s rock intact. 10/10
  18. juggypuppy
    Oct 22, 2018
    10
    Absolutely superb!!! Didn't like it at first, listened to it a few more times and I LOVE it!
  19. Scraper
    Mar 13, 2019
    0
    Completely unoriginal band hoards album/ticket sales from braindead fans. I'd say it's an amazing turn of culture but with the rise of the Kardashians, Cage the Elephant, Nickleback, etcetera, is it really that surprising? People love the legend then they love the watery copy of the legend. The public follows the Grammy's. The freakin' Grammy's. Real culture will continue to live undefinedCompletely unoriginal band hoards album/ticket sales from braindead fans. I'd say it's an amazing turn of culture but with the rise of the Kardashians, Cage the Elephant, Nickleback, etcetera, is it really that surprising? People love the legend then they love the watery copy of the legend. The public follows the Grammy's. The freakin' Grammy's. Real culture will continue to live undefined in the cracks of our society. Greta Van Fleet is the mold head of something that died a long time ago.… Expand
  20. nsfwjonathan
    Oct 31, 2018
    9
    I absolutely adore this album. It's a remarkable love letter to the 'classic' rock of the 70s and 80s. Makes me feel like I'm 15 again. Really looking forward to this band's future!
  21. BTVS200
    Nov 8, 2018
    10
    This is my favorite record of the year. I can't get enough of this record. From the very beginning of Age of Man to You're the One to Lover, Leaver this album does not disappoint. I love the boys sound on this record, the guitar licks are tasty and something that is missing in today's so called rock. The rhythm section is tight, and the vocalist is awesome. Yes i understand they sound likeThis is my favorite record of the year. I can't get enough of this record. From the very beginning of Age of Man to You're the One to Lover, Leaver this album does not disappoint. I love the boys sound on this record, the guitar licks are tasty and something that is missing in today's so called rock. The rhythm section is tight, and the vocalist is awesome. Yes i understand they sound like Led Zeppelin but that is not a bad thing. In this age where every rock group coming out sounds the same, i welcome them. I can't wait to hear what the guys come out with on the next few years.… Expand
  22. Benjaminben
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Love their music. Is it original? No... Is it nice to listen to when you like Led? Hell yeah :D
  23. JuicyIce
    Dec 24, 2019
    10
    Never before have I heard an album where every track is played with such significant emotion, talent, and respect for the history of music. This is one of the most exciting albums to be released by a rock band this decade. Personally, the only album I enjoy listening to more than this is Daft Punk's Random Access Memories.
  24. bolo911
    Mar 5, 2021
    10
    A breath of fresh air for music during times were most singles are produced strictly as artificial products that replicate ad infinitum looking to get whatever cash they can and then presume about it. Instead, this album looks to sincerely address and expose the perspectives of the artists, even if it denounces their influences and sources, it still serves as a heartfelt love letter toA breath of fresh air for music during times were most singles are produced strictly as artificial products that replicate ad infinitum looking to get whatever cash they can and then presume about it. Instead, this album looks to sincerely address and expose the perspectives of the artists, even if it denounces their influences and sources, it still serves as a heartfelt love letter to those artists. Undoubtedly GVF has room to grow and evolve, but this album is a good first step that reviews the musical paths that can be tackled, and most important of all, that you can propose a different road in an industry that has been doing the same during the last years.… Expand
  25. Heywoody
    Aug 27, 2023
    0
    This reminds me of why after hearing every Led Zeppelin song 400 times, I desperately long for something unique to come out. This is regurgitated, bland trash. Classic rock is done to death. It was hardly original back then, but now it's 50 year old, microwave reheated, cheap lasagna. Gross...
  26. thequeenisdead
    Jan 25, 2022
    8
    i really enjoy it, love leaver taker believer is such a great song. to me it's a great album, so much better than from the fires

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Q Magazine
    Nov 20, 2018
    40
    It's not completely without merit--Brave New World has a certain swagger--nut this does stray bafflingly close to tribute band territory. [Jan 2019, p.114]
  2. PopMatters
    Oct 30, 2018
    30
    For those keeping track of the hits and misses, Anthem of the Peaceful Army has a handful of truly memorable moments. ... The rest of the record is a Zeppeliny hard rock mush, the kind that happens with young people that love a thing too much haven't yet put in enough work to truly make something their own.
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  3. Chicago Tribune
    Oct 25, 2018
    50
    Greta Van Fleet now adds its name to the list of Zep disciples who have made albums that sound kinda, sorta and sometimes exactly like its primary influence. If nothing else, the quartet has demonstrated that guitar-rock can still be popular with a young audience that either hasn’t heard of Led Zeppelin, or prefers Greta’s version to their grandparents’ original.
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