Unavailable for decades and now released in a handy boxed set comes “The Decline Of Western Civilization” parts 1-3 by director Penelope Spheeris. This comes care of the fine folks at Shout Factory.
Tag Archives: heavy metal documentaries
Opening Today: Lamb Of God’s “As The Palaces Burn” (2/27/2014)
While many of the press outlets have gotten to see the film and offer up their take, today is the official opening day for the Lamb Of God documentary “As The Palace’s Burn”. The poster is below and if you haven’t seen the trailer yet, just click HERE to be up to speed. It looks compelling.
About the Film: As The Palaces Burn is a feature-length documentary that originally sought to follow the band and their fans throughout the world, to demonstrate how music ties us together when we can’t find any other common bond. However, during the filming process in 2012, the story abruptly took a dramatic turn, bringing the band into a Kafkaesque nightmare, when lead singer Randy Blythe was arrested on charges of manslaughter, blamed for the death of one of their young fans in the Czech Republic. What followed was a heart-wrenching courtroom drama that left fans, friends, and curious onlookers around the world on the edge of their seats.
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“Pure Fucking Mayhem” by Mayhem
Artist: Mayhem
Title: “Pure Fucking Mayhem”
Label: Prophecy Productions
Release Date: 11/3/2008
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 4/5
In terms of the phrase “Black Metal”, the credit might have historically gone to Britain’s Venom who offered up a song of the same name but when it comes down to the music genre and all of its sinister and blasphemous glory for many it begins with the legendary Mayhem. If you have ever followed the band that heralded the True Norwegian Black Metal scene then you are most likely very aware of their unique and rather insidious history, but if you are not, then this documentary “Pure Fucking Mayhem” is the best way to learn about the bands humble beginnings and catch up to where they stand as a band in today’s Metal world. It’s a fascinating and yet also a frightening tale when you think about it because while it might have been on some musicians minds, there was no real Black Metal scene yet nor was music and shows of this type being played in the same scale as we find happening today. Of course this was back in 1984 and Heavy Metal music was due for a drastic change care of the bands founders Euronymous, Necrobutcher and Manheim. These three musicians were the core and delivered more of a Punk meets aggressive Thrash vibe and while using a different vocalist in the beginning, the true dark shape of the band would solidify into something more tangible when they brought the Swedish singer Dead into their roster.
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“Paul Booth’s Last Rites” Vol. 1 by Paul Booth Films
Artist: Paul Booth
Title: “Last Rites” – Volume 1
Label: Paul Booth Films
Release Date: 5/18/2007
Genre: Documentary
Rating: 3/5
Among the Metal elite there is one name that continually comes up with reverence when the talk is related to the sacred art of ink – and that name is Paul Booth. Booth has run the Last Rites Tattoo Theatre since 1991 and this film brings those who dare to view it into the dark world that he walks upon every single day. If you should already be a fan of his work or just someone who is among the curious then this documentary of sorts actually turns out to be a very interesting and unpredictable video to watch. It’s not recommended for the faint of heart based on some of the imagery presented but for those who can handle a little bit of everything then you need not worry at all. It begins with the destruction of Paul’s original shop in New York where he finds that the friends he asked to help with the demolition did a little too good a job and risked the artist being sued by the property owners. From there it jumps around a little bit and shows historic footage from his personal archives as he inks the worlds most famous bands and popular faces from the Metal scene of today. His shop sure looks interesting and is definitely one of those places where all the ornaments and décor seems to have a story to it. Skulls and demonic images are at every glance and we learn that a lot of the artist’s interest and background comes from his deep love of Horror movies. He doesn’t only like the good ones but also makes sure to absorb those really terrible ones as well. He lines out that he definitely has one of the most extensive Horror video collections in the world. The film follows Paul around to some of the concerts and events he has attended and one gets to see the reaction he causes among the music followers at these places. One dude begs to be inked by the master and is willing to fork over the last dollars he has left in his pockets. Paul agrees to do it which obviously made this individuals day and life for that matter. The interaction at the Slayer signing table is funny as well as Paul is besieged by the drunks after the show. One piece I found a little bit much was the guy who kept piercing himself and was just a bloody mess. I saw no purpose for its inclusion and perhaps that is why it is there in the first place.
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