Anvil is Anvil, a band which came out of Toronto back in the early 80's influencing today's most popular metal acts. The release of the rockumentary  "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" in 2008 certainly helped them gaining a renewed interest. But could a gig on a subfreezing Sunday night in the rather small town of WIgan attract the most diehard metalheads?

Midnight Prophecy, the melodic metal band from Liverpool was announced as support act as another band pulled out at short notice. I have now known these guys for a couple of years, saw their huge potential and I have been a keen admirer since that gig at the Krazyhouse in Liverpool. Influenced by all the classic rock and metal bands of the 80's, those young lads do not hesitate going against the grain with lengthy songs (rarely under 5 min), searing duel solos, and amazing, à la Dickinson vocals from Craig Cairns.

Their evening did not go without any technical problems due to a crackling mic towards the end but Midnight Prophecy remained unphased by it all and ended their set with Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" getting the whole room to join in.

The room slowly filled up and as Anvil came on stage, Lips wasted no time in setting the tone for the evening by joining the crowd and working the room with a radiant grin and an extended solo.

Anvil delivered everything that's good about Metal, heavy riffs, hooks and a powerful delivery by Chris Robertson on bass and drums from Robb Reiner. The rythm section performance was so tight, it allowed Lips to pace the stage in a rather relaxed manner with a constant dose of humour, at times rather childish some might say. Who could have predicted a dildo guitar solo? Anvil may not be selling out stadiums these days, but they gave the impression that they are exactly where they want to be, even if that's Wigan on a Sunday night and that, is priceless! A good night was had by all!