Well, it's been a great few years for us metal heads. First, we have the excellent theatrical documentary "Metal:A Headbanger's Journey", and now, we have "Heavy Metal: Louder Than Life". Both are great documentaries on the longest lasting form of popular music, but I will have to say that I enjoyed this documentary more than I did "Metal".
Whereas "Metal" was more of a fan's view of heavy metal music, "Heavy Metal" focuses much more on the artists and musicians that spawned it. On this documentary, we have interviews with Geezer Butler, KK Downing, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Dave Mustaine, Scott Ian, Glenn Tipton, and of course Dee Snider. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see Alex Skolnick (Testament) and Bobby Blitz Ellsworth (Overkill). Both from two of metal's most under-rated bands! Hell, they even threw in a few interviews with James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett! In addition to these great new interviews, we see many old performances and video clips all the way from Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, to Ratt, Motley Crue, to Korn and Slipknot.
I think another major plus this film has over "Metal", is the fact that it only really touches on death and black metal with a few clips of Napalm Death and Venom. Other than Venom and the band Death, this form of music never really spoke to me, and I was happy that it did not spend too much time on this. Likewise, it also just hinted on the "nu-metal". Again, this is a plus to me, as I've never been a fan of Slipknot or Korn. Metal should never have mixed itself with hip hop! Both are completely different styles of music, and sorry, they really do not compliment themselves! As with "Metal", this film touches all the same core subjects. The arguments of the first true metal band, sex, and of course, Satanism.
One major complaint about this film, and that is the lack of the European metal scene. What about bands like Stratovarious? Hammerfall? Edguy? Rhapsody? Nightwish? Helloween? Also...what about American classic bands like Savatage? Manowar? Kamelot? Or how about Anvil, Sword, Razor or Annihilator from Canada? The lack of the power metal genre is a big disappointment, because no matter what anyone will tell you, this is where the next big band will come from, and is a very important part of metal's history. Metal is much bigger in Europe, and that is where the next band will come from.
In closing, "Heavy Metal: Louder Than Life" is a must for any fan that is truly passionate about the music. Definitely a must buy. The second DVD even has a complete uncut interview with Dee Snider. Even though I was never a huge fan of Twisted Sister, hardly anyone can argue with his passion and love for metal. A very entertaining interview as usual!
9/10....only minus being the lack of the power metal genre, and too much Korn for my taste!
Whereas "Metal" was more of a fan's view of heavy metal music, "Heavy Metal" focuses much more on the artists and musicians that spawned it. On this documentary, we have interviews with Geezer Butler, KK Downing, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Dave Mustaine, Scott Ian, Glenn Tipton, and of course Dee Snider. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see Alex Skolnick (Testament) and Bobby Blitz Ellsworth (Overkill). Both from two of metal's most under-rated bands! Hell, they even threw in a few interviews with James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett! In addition to these great new interviews, we see many old performances and video clips all the way from Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, to Ratt, Motley Crue, to Korn and Slipknot.
I think another major plus this film has over "Metal", is the fact that it only really touches on death and black metal with a few clips of Napalm Death and Venom. Other than Venom and the band Death, this form of music never really spoke to me, and I was happy that it did not spend too much time on this. Likewise, it also just hinted on the "nu-metal". Again, this is a plus to me, as I've never been a fan of Slipknot or Korn. Metal should never have mixed itself with hip hop! Both are completely different styles of music, and sorry, they really do not compliment themselves! As with "Metal", this film touches all the same core subjects. The arguments of the first true metal band, sex, and of course, Satanism.
One major complaint about this film, and that is the lack of the European metal scene. What about bands like Stratovarious? Hammerfall? Edguy? Rhapsody? Nightwish? Helloween? Also...what about American classic bands like Savatage? Manowar? Kamelot? Or how about Anvil, Sword, Razor or Annihilator from Canada? The lack of the power metal genre is a big disappointment, because no matter what anyone will tell you, this is where the next big band will come from, and is a very important part of metal's history. Metal is much bigger in Europe, and that is where the next band will come from.
In closing, "Heavy Metal: Louder Than Life" is a must for any fan that is truly passionate about the music. Definitely a must buy. The second DVD even has a complete uncut interview with Dee Snider. Even though I was never a huge fan of Twisted Sister, hardly anyone can argue with his passion and love for metal. A very entertaining interview as usual!
9/10....only minus being the lack of the power metal genre, and too much Korn for my taste!