Director: Peter Sollett

Writer: D.B. Weiss

Starring: Jaeden Martell, Adrian Greensmith, Isis Hainsworth, Brett Gelman, and Joe Manganiello

Rating: ★★★

Metal Lords is written by D. B. Weiss, who previously co-adapted Game of Thrones for TV. It’s the first thing that Weiss has written since the show ended with it’s controversial, to say the least, final season. Metal Lords is something completely different. It’s a deep-dive into classic metal through a coming-of-age story that’s charming enough to keep you watching.

Kevin (Jaeden Martell) and Hunter (Adrian Greensmith) are in a metal band together, and the battle of the bands is coming up. They are in desperate need of a bassist, and while Emily (Isis Hainsworth) seems to fit the bill, Hunter doesn’t like her. Kevin and Emily get closer and closer, until it drives a wedge between Kevin and Hunter and their long friendship is tested.

The film is a fairly predictable story, and plot wise there’s nothing surprising or new being brought to the table. What makes its different is it’s a love letter to metal music. Director Peter Sollett, who previously directed the fantastic Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, does a fantastic job at telling a story, while also giving an introduction to metal lesson. There’s everything here from the classics like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica and Judas Priest, all the way up to the modern classics like Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold. If you’re a fan of metal music, then it’s worth watching just for the exceptional soundtrack. There’s barely a moment that isn’t accompanied by great music. There’s even a few cameos from some metal legends.

The cast all do a fine job bringing the story to life, even if their characters, especially Hunter, don’t feel real in the slightest. They all feel like they’re out of a teen TV show, which is especially jarring with the amount of swearing in the film. Despite how fake the characters come across, the film does win you over and by the end of it you’re onboard with them and want them to win at the competition.

Overall, the film is enjoyable. The fantastic soundtrack and metal references save the day. The story is predictable, but it’s all about that metal music. If you’re not into metal music, then probably give this a miss.  

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