Formed in Toronto in 1978, Anvil is widely celebrated as one of the most vital proto-thrash and speed metal bands in heavy music history. While acts like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax skyrocketed to commercial dominance, Anvil laid the foundational speed, syncopated rhythms, and aggressive drum techniques that defined modern thrash. They have been cited as having influenced many notable heavy metal groups including Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, and Metallica.