Anvil – 7th St Entry – Minneapolis MN – July 8th 2026

7th St Entry presents Anvil with special guests Midnite Hellion

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Legendary Canadian metal veterans Anvil proved once again that decades of experience can still deliver one of the most energetic live shows around when they brought their Pounding the Past North American Tour 2026 to Minneapolis’ intimate 7th St Entry on July 8. Supported by Midnite Hellion, the evening celebrated traditional heavy metal in its purest form, with a packed crowd responding enthusiastically from the opening notes until the final encore.

From the moment Steve “Lips” Kudlow stepped onstage, the atmosphere was electric. His trademark guitar work, charismatic humor, and unmistakable stage presence kept fans engaged throughout the night, while drummer Robb Reiner delivered the thunderous rhythms that have defined Anvil’s sound for decades. The chemistry between the longtime bandmates remains as strong as ever, making every song feel authentic and full of energy rather than simply nostalgic.

The intimate setting of the 7th St Entry was the perfect venue for Anvil’s brand of classic heavy metal. Every riff echoed through the room, every guitar solo drew cheers, and the audience fed off the band’s enthusiasm. Whether longtime followers who have supported Anvil since the early ’80s or younger fans discovering the band for the first time, everyone shared in the celebration of honest, no-frills heavy metal.

One of the night’s biggest strengths was the band’s genuine appreciation for the audience. Between songs, Lips joked with fans, thanked everyone for their continued support, and created the kind of personal connection that only smaller venues can provide. Rather than relying on elaborate production, Anvil let their musicianship and passion carry the performance—and it worked beautifully.

Midnite Hellion kicked off the evening with an energetic set that perfectly complemented the headliners, setting the tone for a night dedicated to traditional metal.

Midnite Hellion