As someone who watched the Metalocalypse series on and off over the years, I was excited to check out this new film and see what dark adventure we were going to be rocking out to next. Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar is dropping two full-length albums. Dethalbum IV will be released alongside the film, and the soundtrack will emerge on August 25th! This is how you take a creative approach to deliver more for your core audience in addition to the exclusive poster.
That's enough to butter me up, but this review is about the film so let's get to it!
Story: The plot revolves around the band Dethklok's journey in a wrap-up to the Metalocalypse series. If you aren't familiar with the show, it follows this Death Metal Rock Band, Dethklok, in a fictional universe where they're the world's most popular and successful group in the genre.
The group consists of Nathan Explosion (lead vocalist), Skwisgaar Skwigeif (lead guitar), Toki Wartooth (rhythm guitar), Pickles (drums), and William Murderface (bass). You get a satirical backstage, on-stage, center stage, and out-of-the-arena experience of the music industry when it comes to Dethklok. You aren't simply getting the death metal that fans crave, but also over-the-top violence (not recommended for kids), the language based on interactions between bandmates, rivals, and others (not recommended for kids), but also the various supernatural entities they encounter.
That brings us to Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar which takes place shortly after the events of The Doomstar Requiem. So, Dethklok is at a press conference to discuss their whereabouts and anticipated comeback after going dark for some time after saving Toki. You can still see the trauma of the previous ordeal which the group expressed only in the way Dethklok could before they (Nathan) announced a world tour that sent the fans into a frenzy.
Cut to the tour kick-off, and Nathan goes down after seeing flashes of horrifying visions by way of an apocalypse. Nathan takes a turn in this film to a certain extent, based on a love interest from season 4 (played by Janeane Garofalo). Not only does this challenge the lead vocalist, but he also finds himself sidetracked by writer's block that couldn't come at a worse time because he needs to write the "Song of Salvation".
The "Song of Salvation" is the only way to stop the Dark God Salacia (played by Mark Hamill) and the Tribunal from bringing about the end of times.
In this film, you will see Nathan fighting with his desire to put down the mic and live a life that doesn't consist of bandmates tagging along, in addition to the die-hard fans stalking them at every turn. This is a great thing to add because a number of fans may not understand that it's hard to live life away from the mic with fans who expect to see you in performance mode all the time.
This film isn't all about Nathan, you will also see William Murderface affected in this film as he almost works on the opposing side against their efforts. The way they were speaking to him didn't really help because no one is going to feel like they are part of the team getting ragged on. You will have to watch the film in order to find out how, and the way it plays out, but it's a worthwhile journey for any Metalocalypse fan and Death Metal fan to enjoy. It's epic and will make things whole after the hellish climb up the mountain.
Price + Extras: Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar is available on Digital for $19.99, and Blu-ray + Digital* for $29.98. Canada has a Blu-ray for $39.99 but it doesn't even have a digital version. I don't think that's right, so the least they could do is give Canadians the soundtrack. Overall, this is a great film, and the poster makes it an even better package.
Special Featurette: Behind the Metal Curtain - Dive deep into the making of Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar with interviews with show co-creator Brendon Small and his team of writers, animators, and musicians as they share the inspirations behind turning the hit Adult Swim series into its first feature film. This film is Rated R!
Overall, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar is a must-watch for fans of the series. Its engaging plot, fantastic music, and stunning visuals come together to create a truly unforgettable experience that's worth adding to your collection. I'd put this right next to 1981's Heavy Metal. That's all I've got for this one without spoiling it, so grab some popcorn, turn up the volume, and get ready to rock out with Dethklok.
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