Various Artists: Black Metal-A Documentary (DVD)

What is Black Metal? Who started Black Metal? What's with all this talk about Satan? These are the typical questions asked by outsiders to the Black Metal scene. Actually, these are questions asked even by some people in the scene. If you want answers to these and many more questions pertaining to Black Metal this DVD is just about the best resource you're going to find. These questions are discussed, as well as a whole host of other topics pertaining to the music. This is a raw, lower budget video that cuts out all the crap and gets right to the point. One interesting thing is that there is no narrator. It's the bands themselves that do all the talking. The only outsider involved is one subject who asks questions. As the producer states in his brief introduction, this guy is there to basically let the viewer know when they are changing topics. He wants the artists to tell the story of Black Metal, not an outsider.

As far as the bands go, there are some lesser known bands and some real giants of Black Metal. Cronos is interviewed quite a bit, and is very outspoken. Interviews with Abbath in full corpse paint, and Tom Warrior, actually talking about what an abomination Cold Lake was, are simply priceless. Besides Venom, Immortal and Celtic Frost, other bands included are Gorgoroth, Enslaved, Darkthrone, King Diamond/Mercyful Fate, Mortiis, Primordial, and Gloomy Grim, among others. There are a few live clips that are very cool, but that's not really what this DVD is all about.

What's very interesting is how the bands perceive things differently. While obviously all are spoken to at different times in different places, they are asked the same questions and cover the same subject matter. People may be surprised at the differences of opinion on certain subjects. But that's what makes this DVD great. Real artists, talking about something they're passionate about; the creation of the art, as well as the philosophy. At 90 minutes you really get your monies worth. Anyone with any curiosity at all about Black Metal, whether a fan or not should see this DVD. For fans of Black Metal this is a must have for their collection, as a matter of fact, any fan of any genre of Metal should check out this DVD, you will definitely enjoy it and learn a thing or two.

Added: June 10th 2007
Reviewer: Ken Sanford
Score:
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Language: english

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