Review: Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar

Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar

Cast:

Jon Hamm, Malcolm McDowell, Mark Hamill, Juliet Mills, Laraine Newman
Brendon Small, Amy Lee, Tommy Blacha, Victor Brandt, Kirk Hammett
Scott Ian, Thundercat, Raya Yarbrough, King Diamond, Livia Zita

Director/Writer:

Brendon Small

Adult Swim/Titmouse/Warner Bros. Discovery/Williams Street

2023

-Some spoilers, but not really-

Can Dethklok choose between their egos and the greater good of the world to embark on a gauntlet of dangers that will try their very souls and finally write the song that will be their salvation?

In the annals of heavy metal history, where legends are forged in the fires of chaos and guitars scream like vengeful spirits, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar stands as a triumphant crescendo, a swan song that echoes with the roar of a thousand Marshall stacks. For us old metalheads, who’ve lived and breathed the unholy trinity of riffs, rebellion, and raucous humor that is Metalocalypse, this animated movie is a brutal, beautiful culmination of everything we hold dear.

As a devotee of this epic animated series on Adult Swim, it’s no secret that Metalocalypse holds a sacred place in the hearts of us aging headbangers. The show’s blend of gut-wrenching humor, spot-on parodies of real bands, and an unapologetic embrace of heavy metal’s dark allure resonates deep within our leather-clad souls. The jokes about legendary bands, the honorable mentions of the metal pantheon, and the gloriously absurd antics of Dethklok have been a source of endless amusement and camaraderie among us metal aficionados.

Army of the Doomstar doesn’t just continue the saga; it roars to life like a savage beast emerging from the abyss. This isn’t merely a movie; it’s a heart-pounding gauntlet of dangers, a relentless battle of egos, and a quest for salvation through the ultimate song. Dethklok, led by the indomitable Nathan Explosion, is tasked with the Herculean feat of choosing between their own egos and the fate of the world itself. It’s a brutal and romantic odyssey that pushes the boundaries of sanity and metal virtuosity.

The animation, as expected, is a visceral feast for the senses. Every frame pulses with the energy of a mosh pit in full swing, and Brendon Small’s mastery of the metal aesthetic shines through. The characters, beloved and deranged as ever, are thrust into a world of relentless peril, and their darkly humorous exploits are nothing short of legendary.

But what sets Army of the Doomstar apart is its commitment to delivering an epic conclusion worthy of Metalocalypse’s legacy. It’s not a mere send-off; it’s a cataclysmic culmination. The music, a relentless barrage of sonic fury, acts as the heartbeat of the movie, each note resonating with the souls of those who’ve lived and breathed metal for decades.

In a world where mediocrity and predictability abound, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar” is a defiant proclamation of metal’s enduring spirit. It’s a symphony of brutality, a testament to the power of music and humor, and a brutal farewell that leaves no doubt—Dethklok shall forever reign as metal’s reigning champions.

“Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar” is a triumph, a cinematic mosh pit of epic proportions that pays homage to the essence of heavy metal. For us old metal dudes, it’s a bittersweet farewell, a salute to a series that has been our loyal companion on this wild journey through life. It’s not just a movie; it’s a brutal masterpiece that ensures the Metalocalypse saga goes out with a bang, leaving us forever headbanging in its glorious aftermath. Hail the doom, and long live metal!

Beam Me Up Scotty

Old Metal dude. Out there in the one time 'zine world interviewing Hardcore, Punk and Metal bands since 1984. Long time fan of pop culture. Twenty three years in the comic book business. I love anything Mego, Micronauts, Shogun Warriors and Die-Cast Metal Super Robots. I always have plenty more to say, don't get me going..