Certainly one of the most feel-good rock n' roll comeback stories of recent times is that of Canadian heavy metal band Anvil. The band, considered a major influence for a generation of hard rockers including Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Guns N' Roses, was the subject of a critically acclaimed, must-see rock-doc, 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil,' directed by Sacha Gervasi. And in the process, the film has made the group (led by singer/guitarist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner - both founding members) a household name. But the group's story will certainly not end with the film.

First up for Anvil are U.S. shows opening for Aussie rock legends AC/DC - in football stadiums. "We're really excited about these shows," said Reiner, "we've only heard awesome things about playing in football stadiums. I was with the Green Day guys last night, and they were telling me, 'Man, it's probably going to be the gig of your life'!"

And then on September 15, This is Thirteen will finally see proper national distribution on CD and vinyl via VH1 Classic Records. The CD will feature the newly recorded, never-before released bonus track "Thumb Hang." The collectible double vinyl LP boasts newly re-recorded versions of Anvil classics "Metal on Metal" and "666." The album, originally recorded in 2007 and produced by Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy), was primarily available directly from the band via their website and at their concerts.

"'This is Thirteen' is more like our first three albums," says Lips, "which represent our real identity. For many of our albums, we went on an 'integrity hunt' instead of on a 'commercial/radio hunt,' so we became extremely inaccessible to radio. This time, we stepped back and said, 'What were we originally?' And we rediscovered ourselves, I suppose." Reiner adds, "There are three tracks that in my opinion, are definitely, 100% AOR/hard rock/commercial radio tracks - 'American Refuge,' 'Flying Blind,' and 'Feed the Greed.' Catchy melodies, incredible drum feels - they just all rock."

If you were to look up the word "perseverance" in the almighty handbook of heavy metal, there may very well be a photo of Canadian metalists, Anvil. Since their 1981 debut, Hard N' Heavy, the group - which was co-founded by singer/guitarist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner - has been listed by many as one of the creators of the thrash/speed metal genre (especially on such Chris Tsangarides-produced classics as 1982's Metal on Metal and 1983's Forged in Fire). But due to subsequent bad record deals, bad management, and just plain bad luck, Anvil appeared to take a back seat to a new wave of metal bands - most of which listed the group as a prime influence. However, Anvil has never stopped rocking, and with the arrival of the critically-acclaimed/surprise hit film, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" (directed by Sacha Gervasi), the group is back where they belong - at the forefront of heavy metal.

"It's quite amazing, really," admits Lips. "It's the prime example of what it means to be a rock n' roller, go out there, and try to make it. And believe me, most of the scene is guys like me. It's very seldom and rare that anybody makes it - to what people mean by 'making it'." Reiner seconds the sentiment - "The movie has gone beyond my expectations. It's been mind-blowing - to see what's come from the movie and how much it actually has helped the band." When asked what their favorite scene was, both agree on the unveiling of a certain painting of Reiner's (that resides down a stairway in his home - you'll have to see the movie for more info!). As far as a scene from the film that is hard to watch, Reiner says, "There's nothing hard looking back at it," while Lips feels differently: "My least favorite part is when they show me naked!"

And although there are certainly some zany Spinal Tap-like parallels between Anvil and David St. Hubbins and company, Anvil has always been taken seriously by metalheads, including some very well known ones, who praise the band in the film. "Anvil was one of those bands that just put on this really amazing live performance," said Velvet Revolver/ex-Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, while Motorhead singer/bassist Lemmy added, "They were a great band - I always liked Anvil," and Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich gushed, "These guys were going to turn the music world upside down."

Having issued a total of seventeen releases between 1981 and 2004, the group, that also includes bassist Glenn Five, reconnected with Tsangarides (Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest) for their thirteenth studio album, eighteenth release overall, This is Thirteen. The turbulent-yet-triumphant sessions were well-documented in the "Anvil!" film. "It differs in one vast sense - the production," explains Reiner. "'This is Thirteen' was produced by Chris Tsangarides, who produced 'Metal on Metal' and 'Forged in Fire' - probably the most famous, classic Anvil albums. With Chris, we created that classic Anvil magic sound - that previous records were lacking. The last four or five albums, material-wise, were all similar. We had been trying to find the direction back to the classic Anvil style and sound - it's just the production hadn't been up to scratch. Chris was a big missing part on our past albums."

1. This Is Thirteen

2. Bombs Away

3. Burning Bridges

4. Ready To Fight

5. Flying Blind

6. Room #9

7. Axe To Grind

8. Feed The Greed

9. Big Business

10. Shoulda’ Woulda’ Coulda’

11. Worry

12. Game Over

13. American Refugee

Thumb Hang (Bonus Track), Metal On Metal (Bonus Track just on LP), 666 (Bonus Track just on LP)