Eye-opening look at how Metal reaches the world
In 2005, Sam Dunn's documentary 'Metal: A Headbangers Journey' explored one of the most misunderstood and maligned music genres.His follow-up 'Global Metal' (inspired by the range of worldwide fan mail for M:AHJ) sees Dunn travel to Asia, South America and the Middle East to discover the impact of Metal in non-western society.
The most striking thing is how Metal is used to express emotions forbidden by either the country's culture (such as the polite, ultra-organised and workaholic ways of Asia) or the oppressive regimes of the Middle East (a planned trip to Iran had to be diverted to UAE when Dunn wasn't allowed into the country). The doco climaxes with an epic Iron Maiden concert in India, which drew 30,000 fans. The atmosphere is astounding.
Throughout his journey, Dunn interviews Metal legends such as Max Cavalera, Tom Araya, Kerry King, Bruce Dickinson and Marty Friedman as well as everyday fans. While Dunn is a proud Metalhead, he never lets his passion get in the way of his job and lets the interviewers and the music (there's a number of clips from domestic Metal bands in each region) tell the story.
If nothing else, 'Global Metal' proves that if Metal can exist in oppressive environments then it is truly one of the most diverse and all-encompassing genres.
score 9/10
Donatien3 30 April 2011
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2422093/35834
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