Metal Lords

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I'm not entirely sure why, but when I chose to check this out, I did so thinking it might be something more in the tradition of 'Detroit Rock City'. Instead, what we get isn't without its hints of charm, but it's also insanely formulaic. Having said that though, I don't pretend to know the first thing about metal music, its history and its culture. My knowledge of the genre doesn't extend much further than what I like from it and who's playing it. But there are hints throughout the film that it could lend itself more to the real fans out there.

In the hopes of forming a duo metal band, super-fan Hunter Sylvester (Adrian Greensmith) and not-so-experienced Kevin Schlieb (Jaeden Martell) get to work, jamming in Hunter's garage. While Hunter can really wail on his guitar, Kevin needs a lot of practice with his drum kit, as his drumming experience comes from marching band. One night at a party, the pair learn about an upcoming Battle of the Bands and decide that this is the answer to making a name for themselves. This results in Hunter giving Kevin some "homework", having him study the drumming techniques of a few key metal bands.

Meanwhile, Kevin's marching bandmate, Emily, rage-quits band due to her lack of skill with the clarinet. As Hunter is on the lookout for a band bassist, Kevin decides that Emily's probably a good fit. Ultimately, this leads to Kevin and Emily becoming an item, and Hunter claiming her to be some sort of "Yoko Ono". Of course, Kevin also starts to find new interests and isn't entirely sure he wants to perform the same music Hunter does. To no one's surprise, the film is largely about conflicting interests between these two friends with a love interest caught in the middle of it all.

Formulas aside, however, there is something to be said about this being potentially entertaining enough to the real metalheads out there. Of course, the presence of an Ed Sheeran cover band doesn't help. But perhaps the appearance of legends Scott Ian of Anthrax, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Rob Halford of Judas Priest does (Yes, I had to Google that). There also might be something to be said about Greensmith's performance here. This guy's a newcomer and a talented musician and manages to become that character you kind of hate, but in the end, want to route for.

If it's a familiar face you're looking for here, however, you'll find it in Jaeden Martell who played 'Bill' in the 'It' remake. Otherwise, I can say that this is a movie full of newcomers, as I don't think I recognized anyone else. So if you're on the lookout for something a bit new as far as the cast is concerned, this could be worth checking out. For me, it's another title that isn't without its moments (I did laugh out loud a few times), but it has all been done before. It's entertaining, but not something I feel the need to recommend so highly. I'd be curious to see what a real metalhead thinks of it, and might sooner direct you towards THAT review instead of this one.

3/5

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