Right away, it’s apparent that Greta Van Fleet haven’t lost an ounce of their raw, timeless energy that first skyrocketed them to success. Although the opening track, “Age Of Man” is on the slower, more soulful side, “The Cold Wind” picks up the pace with a catchy guitar hook, groovy bass line and a beat that’ll make you bob your head. Not only does the entire band sound solid throughout the album, but it’s apparent that vocalist Josh Kiszka has grown quite a bit as well. The vocals on Anthem Of The Peaceful Army are much more controlled and calculated, but still filled with fire and passion. In fact, “When The Curtain Falls” features some of Kiszka’s strongest vocal work to date.
The beginning of the album can feel a bit lengthy at times, but once “Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer)” comes in, it’s just hit after hit. “Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer)” is certainly the peak of the album, and the songs that follow are all strong for different reasons. The stunning ballad, “You’re The One” finds the band exploring new sounds and a softer tone while the upbeat “The New Day” is sure to become a fan-favorite. Not every song on Anthem Of The Peaceful Army is a banger, but each track does showcase the band’s diversity. Not every song needs to find Kiszka belting out insane vocal runs, and in fact, some of the more mellow songs like “You’re The One” or “Age Of Man” are some of the strongest. That’s not to say, however, that the band doesn’t shine when they show off, though. The massive “Mountain of the Sun” is a perfect example of just that.
Since their inception, Greta Van Fleet have taken the simplicity and theatricality of 70’s rock and put their own spin on it, and they’re revitalizing the genre once more with Anthem Of The Peaceful Army. Although many might be quick to compare the group to Led Zeppelin or lump them into the classic rock genre, Greta Van Fleet are quick to branch out on Anthem Of The Peaceful Army, exploring new sounds while further cementing themselves as one of the next great rock bands of our generation.