Anthem, the Canadian rock band renowned for their hit single "Be My Lover," embarked on a musical odyssey that faced both triumphs and tribulations.
Origins and Discography:
Formed in 1980 in Toronto, Anthem initially consisted of lead vocalist Lenny Wolf, guitarist Ken "Spider" Sinnaeve, bassist Wayne Darley, and drummer Paul Miles. Their debut album, "Anthem" (1981), introduced their signature sound: soaring vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and infectious melodies. The album spawned their breakout hit "Be My Lover," which reached the top 10 in Canada and cemented their status as one of the most promising bands of the era.
Their follow-up albums, "Bound to Break" (1983) and "Anthem" (1984), continued to showcase their musical prowess, featuring tracks like "That's My Number" and "I Believe in You." However, their commercial success began to wane with subsequent releases, including "Hunting Time" (1986) and "The Long Way Home" (1989).
Challenges and Controversies:
Anthem's path was not without its obstacles. Internal disputes led to Wolf's departure in 1988, followed by Sinnaeve a year later. The band struggled to maintain a stable lineup, with numerous personnel changes over the years. They also faced criticism for their reliance on power ballads, which some critics argued limited their musical scope.
Despite these challenges, Anthem persevered, releasing several more albums throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including "Judgement Day" (1993), "Power in the Music" (1994), and "Heavy Metal Heaven" (2003).
Reunion and Legacy:
In 2012, the classic Anthem lineup of Wolf, Sinnaeve, Darley, and Miles reunited for a tour and the release of the compilation album "Anthems: The Best of Anthem." The band has since continued to perform and record sporadically, their legacy cemented by their timeless hits and enduring influence on the Canadian rock scene.
Members:
Throughout their history, Anthem has featured several notable musicians, including:
* Lenny Wolf: Lead vocals * Ken "Spider" Sinnaeve: Guitar * Wayne Darley: Bass * Paul Miles: Drums * Dave "Hellcat" Iannuzziello: Guitar * Glen Hughes: Bass * Carl Dixon: Lead vocals * Joey Delorenzo: Bass * Scott Anderson: Lead vocals