You ask, "Anvil is still around"? Well, yes they actually never went away. I do find the title "Back to Basics" strange because they never had a reason to go back to any basics being Anvil have remained true to their sound and style since the beginning. Since the early 80's they have been forging basic meat and potatoes Heavy Metal, never quite getting big though maintaining a good level of respect amongst the Metal community. I will take note that from the opener "Fuel for the Fire", the guitar riffs are just better and more vibrant for this new disc.  A little more bounce, just better arrangements and songs.  

The formula has not changed, singer Lips still includes a sense of humor to the lyrics as with the delivery to his vocals, even sounding like Ace Frehley at times, ex: "Song of Pain". If you are unfamiliar with Anvil and would like to check them out this new disc is a good starting point.  If you are looking for a history lesson and how little to nothing has changed pick up "Metal on Metal" or "Forged in Fire". The bonus DVD offers nine songs live and includes the classics "Mothra","March of the Crabs", "Forged in Fire", and "666".