‘Hammer scribe Dom Lawson checks in from last night’s Anvil/Cauldron movie screening and gig. Pics: Will Ireland/Metal Hammer.

You have to give credit to Secret Cinema – the organisers of tonight’s event – for acknowledging the brilliance of Anvil! The Story Of Anvil and attempting to win over a mainstream audience with its none-more-metal tale of the struggling but determined Canadian metallers. Unfortunately, the decision to employ a gaggle of cringe-inducing hired extras, replete with oh-so-ironic comedy metal wigs and costumes, to pretend to be a crowd of metal fans undermines those good intentions somewhat.

It certainly makes highly-rated newbies Cauldron look a little stilted and uncomfortable as they blaze through a three-song set of their ultra-vintage old school metal. They’re still brilliant, but they deserve better than to be faced with a bunch of squawking wankers while they perform. Ho hum.

It’s not as if we metal fans aren’t used to being patronised and misunderstood by outsiders, but the strength of the Anvil movie lies in the fact that it’s a genuinely touching story about human beings, relationships and the pursuit of childhood dreams; all things that the vast majority of people can relate to without recourse to sneering superiority. In fact, the most startling thing about this screening of the film is that as it progresses, there’s a very noticeable change in atmosphere, as bemused giggling slowly evolves into bona fide sympathy and affection for Anvil and their rollercoaster ride.

Yes, there are undoubtedly moments during the film when you find yourself praying that the band can turn their misfortunes into triumphs, particularly during the excruciating shambles of a European tour that is self-evidently doomed from the outset, but the lasting impression left by the documentary is one of immense respect for a band who simply refuse to stop making the music that they love so much, even when poverty and disillusionment come hammering on their door.

Mainstream media folk will make their comparisons with Spinal Tap, but the reality is that if you embrace metal, you will embrace Anvil and their never-say-die spirit. Seldom has the passion in our scene been more humbly demonstrated.

The evening ends with a live performance by the band themselves. They’re absolutely superb and clearly loving every second of their newfound (and long deserved) fame. Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian joins them for a thunderous version of Metal On Metal, and even the irony-drenched tosspot contingent are on their feet, roaring their approval.