Death metal, a genre of heavy metal music known for its aggressive percussive timbre, deep growling vocals, and complex song structures, has not only captivated millions of fans worldwide but has also inspired filmmakers to explore its culture, themes, and stories. Films about death metal often venture into the lives of its musicians and fans, showcasing the passion, controversies, and sometimes the darker aspects that this powerful music genre encapsulates. Here are a few films that dive into the world of death metal:
“Deathgasm”, 2015
Director: Jason Howden
A New Zealand horror-comedy by Jason Lei Howden, it tells the story of two teenage boys who unwittingly summon an ancient evil entity by playing a mysterious piece of sheet music. The film is a high-octane, blood-splattered love letter to heavy metal music, including death metal, showcasing its power to literally raise hell.
Starring: Milo Cawthorne, James Joshua Blake, Kimberley Crossman, Sam Berkley, Daniel Cresswell, Delaney Tabron, Stephen Ure, Colin Moy, Jodie Rimmer, Nick Hoskins-Smith;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: horror, comedy, music;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Deathgasm” on the website imdb.com
“Lords of Chaos”, 2018
Director: Jonas Åkerlund
Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, this biographical drama chronicles the rise of the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, its founding member Euronymous, and the wave of crimes that shook the Norwegian black metal scene in the early 1990s. While focusing on black metal, the film intersects with the broader extreme metal scene, including elements of death metal in its exploration of the genre's darker fringes.
Starring: Rory Culkin, Emory Cohen, Jack Kilmer, Sky Ferreira, Valter Skarsgård, Anthony De La Torre, Jonathan Barnwell, Sam Coleman, Wilson Gonzalez, Lucian Charles Collier;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: biography, music, crime, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Lords of Chaos” on the website imdb.com
“Until the Light Takes Us”, 2008
Director: Aaron Aites, Audrey Ewell
Again, while this documentary by Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell primarily focuses on the early years of the Norwegian black metal scene, it provides insight into the wider extreme metal movement, which includes death metal. Through interviews and footage, it examines the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of this controversial music scene.
Starring: Fenriz, Varg Vikernes, Euronymous, Hellhammer, Per Ohlin, Abbath, Demonaz, Bjarne Melgaard, Bård Eithun, Kristoffer Rygg;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: documentary, music;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Until the Light Takes Us” on the website imdb.com
It's important to note that while these films touch upon death metal to varying degrees, the genre's cinematic representation often overlaps with its close relative, black metal, due to their shared origins and themes. Together, these films offer a glimpse into the complex, often misunderstood world of death metal and its broader cultural impact.
In conclusion, films about death metal transcend mere musical exploration, becoming poignant narratives that delve into the raw, unfiltered essence of human emotion, societal boundaries, and artistic rebellion. Through the cacophony of distortion and guttural screams, these films navigate the misunderstood world of death metal, unpacking themes of identity, perseverance, and the cathartic power of music. Whether it's through the dramatized journey of a band striving against all odds in a dogmatic society, or the documentary portrayal of the genre’s pioneers, these films reveal a multifaceted spectrum of stories that resonate far beyond their niche audiences. They challenge preconceived notions, showcasing death metal not just as a genre of music, but as a cultural phenomenon that reflects the complexities of life and death, suffering and transcendence, echoing the eternal human quest for meaning amidst chaos.