Review of Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008) by Dave K — 26 Jul 2012

To a fan of documentaries, this film is a definite powerhouse, full of brilliant journalism, and wonderfully crafted truth. To a fan of Heavy Metal, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" shows an untold story that was meant to be shown for a very long time. Anvil was one of the best Heavy Metal bands out there in the early 1980's, a band that never got its due. This movie sets out to explain why they never became as big as they should have been. It's a great documentary.

Like I explained earlier, Anvil was a great metal band. Their uncompromisingly heavy musical style contained thrashy undertones that reflected early Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. Anvil can be said to be one of the potential influences of Thrash Metal. But for some reason, the band never became a big success in later years. The film does well to explain, how such a potentially powerful band was never able to form into a killer group.

The film is filled with moments that definitely want to make you cry, but the film is also filled with moments that show the harsh reality of Rock N' Roll. Not everyone has what's coming to them, and everything doesn't always go according to plan, as shown in this particular film. This movie goes through the touring and recording processes, while simultaneously showing us sentimental scenes of the family of the musicians, and the musicians themselves.

Not much else is to say about the film, expect that its a must see. For fans of documentaries, its a wonderfully done movie, and for fans of Heavy Metal, if they don't know Anvil, they don't know metal. "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" is a movie that strikes gold in all departments. Its relentlessly good, full of heart and soul, and tears. Its a work of art, and an important feat. A definite see.