It's been a decade since metal enthusiasts last encountered Dethklok, the death metal powerhouse who is also the eighth-biggest economic superpower on Earth. In their previous venture, the 2013 rock opera "The Doomstar Requiem," the band embraced the essence of friendship and metal, saving guitarist Toki Wartooth from his former enemy and ex-guitarist.
Now, in "Army of the Doomstar", Dethklok is forced to fulfill his role in an ancient prophecy that has followed them throughout the original series. However, they stay true to their classic style, messing things up terribly and triggering the apocalypse, leading to the demise of millions. In fact, the Metalocalypse is upon us, and it's all thanks to Dethklok.
Director: Brendon Small
Writers: Brendon Small, Andrew Kevin Walker, Tommy Blacha
Stars: Jon Hamm, Mark Hamill, Malcolm McDowell
The narrative picks up immediately after “Requiem”, with a reassembled Dethklok announcing a new tour and new album. However, lead vocalist Nathan Explosion's world falls apart with a nervous breakdown, dashed romantic hopes, canceled tours and albums, and a global descent into economic chaos. As Dethklok transforms from an entertainment company to a worldwide church, the gang goes into hiding. Its objective? Having Explosion compose the Song of Salvation, a performance designed to thwart the rise of the demonic Mr. Salacia and prevent society's fiery demise. But this being Dethklok Dethklok, things don't go as planned (and no one survives). Without giving too much away, the gang is faced with a daunting new world of their own making.
Two striking elements set “The Army of the Doomstar” apart. First, unlike much of the original Metalocalypse series, this is not a satirical comedy. While the film features numerous comedic moments, it predominantly features an epic sci-fi action film similar to 1981's "Heavy Metal" and its associated revue. Second, the animation quality is off the charts this time around, significantly surpassing director/co-creator Brendon Small's previous work. Whether this improvement comes from the serious tone that better animation generates, the opportunity to create cooler visuals that inspired Small's full commitment, or a combination of both, the result is impressive. It's an astonishing mix of mesmerizing visuals and psychedelic darkness that will leave hardcore metal aficionados drooling.
However, one cannot ignore the film's remarkable concentration on Explosion, which might be its main flaw. Several beloved characters from the series seem relegated to the background, with figures like band manager Charles Ofdensen and guitarist Skwisgaar Skwigelf particularly sidelined, without substantial dialogue or input. Similarly, the band's collective culture seems somewhat underdeveloped: Dethklok's rehearsals and group performances receive minimal screen time due to the primary focus on Explosion's songwriting process. While these choices are understandable, given the limitations of a movie compared to a multi-season series, they still evoke a bit of disappointment.
So, is “Army of the Doomstar” a meme-worthy riotous escapade akin to Dethklok's previous exploits? Not quite. However, the film makes up for the lack of humor with an extravagant visual feast characterized by extreme, hyper-violent and melodramatic moments. The film culminates in an over-the-top climax that will undoubtedly prompt fans to raise their fists in the air. In today's algorithm-driven age, replete with Pickle Ricks and BoJack Horsemen, perhaps metal devotees deserve something as elevated, monumental, and ferociously brutal as this. Maybe they deserve something really worth fighting for.
Watch Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar 2023 Movie Trailer
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