Metal: A Headbanger's Journey

Directed by Sam Dunn, Scot McFayden, and Jessica Joywise, Metal: A Headbanger's Journey provides an insightful examination of Heavy Metal Culture. Sam Dunn is a connoisseur and has been since his early teens. We encounter him as he travels the world, interviewing a plethora of his teenage idols and visiting some of the most prominent Metal festivals in the world. Whether he's chatting with "Mayhem" - who reportedly made necklaces out of their lead singers skull after he blew his brains out - chilling with Toni Iomi, Geddy Lee, or Bruce Dickenson, those of us who have loved the phenomenon of Metal from afar, unable to align our personal tastes with its hard ponding judgments, are treated to an ambitious historical analysis, including a look at its modest beginnings, oddly relevant manifestations (Cinderella), and politically motivated varieties. Whether or not you like Heavy Metal should never be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not you should view this film. If wondering whether or not to view Metal, you should ask yourself whether you love competent, enthusiastic, intelligent filmmaking, or simply being introduced to a fascinating sub-culture that often slips under your extra-curricular radar. If answering yes to either of these questions, or to another one not represented here, then seek out A Headbanger’s Journey, with unyielding determination.