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. 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
  3. JXI
    Oct 19, 2018
    9
    Just an absolutely solid album. One of those that I'll enjoy again and again.
  4. 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.
  5. 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,
  6. ClutchJr
    Oct 19, 2018
    10
    People wanted rock music back and Greta Van Fleet does this with Anthem of the Peaceful Army.
  7. 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
  8. juggypuppy
    Oct 22, 2018
    10
    Absolutely superb!!! Didn't like it at first, listened to it a few more times and I LOVE it!
  9. 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!
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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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