Upon the release of one of the heaviest albums in metal history in 1982, heavy metal band Anvil influenced scores of bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Unlike their successors, wealth and fame had evaded Anvil for the past couple of decades. Billed as the real life This is Spinal Tap, the documentary follows the band in its last-ditch effort to succeed, and thanks to the support of VH1 Classic, Anvil has recently experienced success. They've signed with Rick Sales, have an upcoming U.S. tour, and have been extremely well received across the world with the premiere of Anvil! The Story of Anvil. Lars Ulrich, Slash, Scott Ian, and Tom Araya, and many others make appearances in the film.

San Francisco is Anvil's second stop in their tour across the country on Sunday, April 12 at Slim's, in which they perform live after a special screening of the documentary. The film opens in San Francisco and Berkeley theaters on April 24.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil, special screening and live performance by Anvil | Slim's, 333 11th St, SF | Sunday April 12, 6:30 p.m., $18, all ages | Opens April 24 at Landmark Theatres in San Francisco and Berkeley