The Canadian heavy metal band Anvil faded into obscurity even as it was being cited as a major influence on more-successful peers like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. The acclaimed 2008 documentary “The Story of Anvil” chronicles the poignant story of two best friends and their 30-year struggle with the music industry. Anvil has since gained a new head-banging fan base, opening for AC/DC and Alice Cooper and reissuing three classic studio albums. The group is touring the States before spending the summer as they did in 1984 — headlining major rock festivals. Anvil brings its ageless enthusiasm to Strange Matter on Feb. 1 at 8 p.m., with openers Volture and Dragonship. $15. 447-4763.