Hubbry Logo
Metal LordsMetal LordsMain
Open search
Metal Lords
Community hub
Metal Lords
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Metal Lords
Metal Lords
Metal Lords
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Metal Lords
Official release poster
Directed byPeter Sollett
Written byD.B. Weiss
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyAnette Haellmigk
Edited bySteve Edwards
Music byRamin Djawadi
Production
companies
  • Bighead Littlehead
  • Kingsgate Films
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • April 8, 2022 (2022-04-08)
Running time
98 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$42 million[1]

Metal Lords is a 2022 American teen comedy-drama film written by D. B. Weiss and directed by Peter Sollett.[2] The story follows two high school best friends and metal music lovers, Hunter and Kevin, who set out to start a metal band, against societal norms.[3][4] Notably, the renowned guitarist Tom Morello was an executive producer and wrote some of the songs performed in the film.[5] The film was released on Netflix on April 8, 2022.[6]

Plot

[edit]

Metalhead Hunter Sylvester jams with his best friend, introvert Kevin Schlieb, who as yet only plays a single drum in the school's marching band. During marching band practice, Kevin witnesses sensitive Scottish student Emily having a full meltdown and quitting band because of her lack of skill with the clarinet.

Later that day, Kevin drags Hunter to a party at Clay's house and tries to fit in while Hunter feels misplaced. Kevin gets drunk and flirts with Kendall, while Hunter gets into an altercation with jock Skip and derides Clay's band, Mollycoddle.

Learning that the school is holding a Battle of the Bands contest, Hunter registers his and Kevin's band, Skullfucker. Hunter steals his father's credit card and buys an exorbitant amount of gear, including a full drum kit for Kevin.

Kevin adopts a grueling daily practice schedule after school, learning Hunter's metal playlists by ear; he notices that Emily is a skilled cello player with equal dedication. They become mutually interested, which prompts Kevin to give her a copy of the playlist. Meanwhile, Hunter auditions bassists to complete the trio but is unsuccessful and has an escalating series of run-ins with Skip.

Kevin unsuccessfully tries to pitch Emily as their new bassist, but Hunter rejects her outright. Afterwards, Kevin calls her to apologize for Hunter's behavior, and they have sex. Kevin and Emily become a couple, which enrages Hunter, who believes she will be their Yoko Ono.

While Kevin continues to hone his skills, Clay hears Kevin practicing and immediately recognizes his advanced abilities and 'intense' drumming style; since Mollycoddle's drummer is in rehab, he asks Kevin to be their drummer for a performance at his sister's wedding. During speech class, Hunter mocks Emily until she attacks him, breaking his guitar in the process. These circumstances lead to an argument between Hunter and Kevin, with the latter leaving Skullfucker.

As Kevin performs at the wedding reception, Hunter tries to crash it in full heavy metal costume but is arrested for trespassing. Clay praises Kevin's contributions, mastering the material on short notice and elevating their original pop music with his techniques. Clay invites him to hang out and join Mollycoddle for the Battle of the Bands, which Kevin reluctantly accepts. A drunk Kendall invites Kevin into the hot tub and makes out with him. Kevin's conscience materializes as heavy metal musicians Scott Ian, Tom Morello, Kirk Hammett and Rob Halford. Through the apparitions, Kevin realizes that he loves Emily and leaves to be with her. Kevin later discovers that Hunter's father sent him to rehab as punishment.

At the rehab clinic, Hunter meets his idol Dr. Troy Nix, former lead guitarist of metal band Killoton, the last Battle of the Bands champions. Nix explains that he became a doctor after rehabilitating from alcohol abuse, which itself was due to the dysfunction of being in a band with people he didn't really like. Although Hunter is fit for discharge, due to clinic policy it cannot be until Monday, after the contest.

Kevin breaks Hunter and Mollycoddle's drummer out from the clinic. Hunter and Kevin go to Emily's, where Hunter apologizes and recognizes Emily's metal attitude, but she responds that she is not ready to perform.

At the Battle of the Bands, Kevin apologizes to Clay and presents Mollycoddle's now sober drummer to resume his position. Kevin and Hunter prepare to perform as a duo, when Emily joins them with an electric cello and gothic metal gear. Just before they take the stage, Principal Swanson warns them the name Skullfucker is inappropriate for the event, forcing Emily to quickly change it to Skullflower.

Despite initial skepticism, their performance wins over the crowd. However, during Hunter's guitar solo, an inebriated Skip stumbles out of a mosh pit and shoves Hunter into his amplifier stack. The amplifiers crash down, breaking Hunter's leg.

Later, the band reads in the paper that their performance went viral, despite losing the Battle of the Bands and coming in second behind Mollycoddle. They conclude that they are the moral winners of the contest as the entire crowd loved them and sang the chorus of their original song, and they received more prominent media coverage. As an inclusive trio, they begin to practice with renewed vigor and camaraderie.

Cast

[edit]

in addition, metal musicians Scott Ian, Tom Morello, Kirk Hammett and Rob Halford appear in cameo roles as themselves, representing Kevin's conscience, while music critic and author on heavy metal, Chuck Klosterman, plays the school's band teacher.

Production

[edit]

Metal Lords was shot in Portland, Oregon. The school scenes were shot at Parkrose Middle School and Parkrose High School, while the Battle of the Bands scenes were filmed at Revolution Hall.[7]

Reception

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 62% of 47 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.0/10. The website's consensus reads: "If it doesn't quite rawk, Metal Lords remains a good-natured and overall enjoyable look at adolescence and the life-altering power of music."[8] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 59 out of 100, based on 20 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[9]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Metal Lords

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Metal Lords is a American coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by and written by . The story follows two high school best friends, the passionate heavy metal enthusiast Hunter and his more introverted companion Kevin, as they form a band to compete in their school's Battle of the Bands competition, enlisting the help of a skilled female cellist named , who joins the band as bassist. The film features a cast including Adrian Greensmith as Hunter, as Kevin, and as Emily, alongside supporting roles by , , and . Produced by Bighead Littlehead and Kingsgate Films and released exclusively on on April 8, 2022, Metal Lords explores themes of friendship, identity, and the rebellious spirit of in the face of high school pressures. It received mixed , earning a 62% approval rating on based on 47 reviews, with praise for its energetic soundtrack featuring classic metal tracks and the authentic portrayal of teenage misfits.

Story and characters

Plot

In the suburbs of in 1988, high school freshmen Hunter and Kevin, two avid heavy metal fans isolated by their peers' indifference to the genre, decide to form a band to compete in their school's Battle of the Bands competition. Hunter, a fiercely dedicated and vocalist inspired by bands like and , convinces his more introverted best friend Kevin, who reluctantly takes up the drums despite lacking prior experience, to join him under the provocative name Skullfukk. Motivated by Hunter's dream of achieving rock stardom and escaping their outsider status, the duo begins practicing in Hunter's garage, but they soon realize they need a third member to complete the lineup. The band initially names themselves Skullfukk but changes it to to comply with school guidelines. Hunter recruits Emily, a skilled but unconventional cellist from their school who shares their passion for metal, convincing her to adapt her classical training to despite her initial skepticism about the band's chaotic energy. As practices intensify, band dynamics strain under Hunter's intense leadership, which clashes with Kevin's growing social awkwardness and desire for normalcy, including his budding crush on Emily that sparks jealousy and arguments. The group faces external pressures too: Kevin endures relentless from the school's led by the aggressive Skip, who mocks their metal obsession and physical appearance, while Hunter grapples with family tensions as his plastic surgeon father urges him to pursue more "practical" interests. Amid these challenges, Kevin navigates awkward romantic advances toward Emily, and the band refines their setlist, drawing heavily from metal classics to prepare for the competition. As the Battle of the Bands approaches, internal conflicts peak when Hunter's uncompromising vision leads to a heated fallout, temporarily fracturing the trio's unity and forcing Kevin to question his . life compounds the stress with ongoing , including a violent confrontation where Skip and his crew attack Kevin, highlighting the protagonists' vulnerability. Undeterred, the band reconciles and takes the stage at the event, delivering a high-energy of their original song "Machinery of Torment" that captivates the crowd with their raw enthusiasm. However, during the set, the bully Skip shoves Hunter, causing a massive to topple and his leg, turning the show into a chaotic climax as he powers through the pain to finish the song. Though their injury-plagued performance earns them second place behind more polished acts, the experience fosters significant personal growth: Hunter learns to temper his single-minded passion with for his friends' needs, emerges more confident in his identity and relationships, and solidifies her place in the group. The resolution sees the friends reconciling fully, with and beginning a romance, Hunter beginning recovery while vowing to continue the band, and committing to future gigs, symbolizing their enduring bond forged through music and adversity.

Cast

The principal cast of Metal Lords centers on three young leads portraying the core members of the aspiring metal band, supported by an ensemble of established actors in key familial and rival roles. Adrian Greensmith stars as Hunter Sylvester, the passionate metalhead guitarist driven to form a band and compete in the Battle of the Bands. Jaeden Martell plays Kevin Schlieb, Hunter's shy best friend who reluctantly takes up the drums. Isis Hainsworth portrays Emily Spector, the skilled cellist who joins the band on . In supporting roles, appears as Clay Moss, the leader of the rival band Mollycoddle competing in the same music contest. plays Theresa, Hunter's supportive sister navigating her own high school challenges. portrays Dr. Sylvester, Hunter's distant father who funds some of his son's pursuits. cameos as Dr. Troy Nix, a former heavy metal turned who shares expertise with the protagonists. The film features notable cameos from metal icons, including as himself, offering guidance on guitar techniques and band dynamics. Additional musicians such as , , and appear briefly as themselves. To prepare for their roles, the lead actors received musical training from and other experts, as none had significant heavy metal experience beforehand. Greensmith, who had some prior guitar playing, practiced shredding riffs for authenticity; Martell learned drumming techniques from scratch; and Hainsworth adapted her cello skills to for the metal performances. Their efforts ensured that many performance scenes feature real instrumentation rather than miming.

Production

Development

The script for Metal Lords was written by , who drew inspiration from his personal experiences as a teenager immersed in during the 1980s. Penned in the early 2000s, the screenplay captures the passion and social dynamics of young metal fans forming a band, reflecting Weiss's own youthful enthusiasm for the genre. The project gained momentum as part of the multi-year overall deal that Weiss signed with alongside in August 2019, shortly after concluding their work on . greenlit Metal Lords leveraging Weiss's established credentials as a and from the acclaimed series, marking it as the first from the partnership. was hired as director in 2020, bringing his experience with youth-oriented stories from films like Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. The official announcement came in February 2021, coinciding with the reveal of the lead cast. Key producers included and Greg Shapiro, while executive producers were , Bernie Caulfield, and Robin Fisichella. served as executive music producer. guitarist joined specifically to consult on heavy metal authenticity, ensuring accurate representation of the subculture, and he composed original tracks for the protagonists' band, such as "Machinery of Torment." Pre-production efforts focused on overcoming hurdles like obtaining rights to classic heavy metal songs integral to the narrative, a process complicated by the genre's licensing complexities. The team also worked to adapt Weiss's 1980s-inspired story into a relatable modern high school environment, preserving the core themes of friendship and rebellion while updating cultural references for contemporary viewers. This phase set the stage for principal photography later in 2021.

Filming

Principal photography for Metal Lords took place from late November 2020 to April 2021 in , serving as a stand-in for the film's high school settings. The production captured the essence of suburban teenage life by utilizing local sites, including Parkrose High School and Parkrose Middle School for classroom and hallway scenes, private residences to depict band rehearsals in garages and bedrooms, and Revolution Hall—a historic in Portland's Buckman neighborhood—for the climactic Battle of the Bands sequence. These choices allowed for authentic, grounded visuals while leveraging Oregon's diverse urban and residential landscapes. Filming occurred amid the ongoing , prompting strict adherence to Media Production Association (OMPA) safety guidelines to protect cast and crew. Protocols included mandatory face masks on set except during takes, daily health screenings and PCR testing for all personnel, and the implementation of production "bubbles"—isolated groups with limited external contact to reduce transmission risks. These measures ensured continuity despite industry-wide disruptions, with no reported outbreaks on the Metal Lords set. Cinematographer Anette Haellmigk handled the visual style, employing dynamic camera techniques to heighten the energy of the concert and performance sequences, including handheld shots and stylized framing inspired by musical biopics to convey the thrill of live metal shows. Following the wrap of in April 2021, the project entered , where initial editing by Steve Edwards refined the footage, culminating in the film's Netflix premiere on April 8, 2022.

Music

The original score for Metal Lords was composed by , known for his work on and . Djawadi's score incorporates dynamic instrumental elements to support the film's themes of adolescent rebellion and camaraderie, enhancing key dramatic moments without overpowering the prominent heavy metal selections. The film's soundtrack emphasizes heavy metal authenticity, featuring licensed tracks from iconic 1980s and 1990s bands to immerse viewers in the protagonists' passion for the genre. Notable inclusions are Judas Priest's "Painkiller" and "Metal Gods," Metallica's "" and "," Iron Maiden's "," and Black Sabbath's "," which play during pivotal scenes like band practices and competitions. Additional tracks draw from Audioslave's "" and Rage Against the Machine's "," reflecting the diverse influences within metal subgenres. These selections were curated to evoke the era's raw energy, with the music often synced to on-screen performances by the young actors, who received coaching to play instruments convincingly. Tom Morello, guitarist for and , served as executive music producer, overseeing song selection and ensuring technical accuracy in guitar tones and riffs to bolster the film's credibility among metal enthusiasts. Morello also advised the cast on performance techniques, contributed to original compositions, and made a cameo appearance alongside other metal luminaries like of Metallica, of , and of , dispensing wisdom to the teen characters in a . His involvement helped integrate tracks from his own , amplifying the soundtrack's high-energy appeal. Complementing the licensed hits are original songs created for the fictional band , formed by the protagonists in the story. Key tracks include "Machinery of Torment," co-written by Morello and screenwriter , which serves as the film's trailer song and captures intensity with aggressive lyrics and riffing. These compositions were performed by session musicians to mimic a raw, garage-band sound, allowing the narrative to showcase the characters' creative process while avoiding reliance solely on pre-existing material.

Release

Promotion

Netflix's promotional campaign for Metal Lords began with the release of the first official trailer on March 10, 2022, via the streaming service's YouTube channel, which showcased the film's blend of heavy metal anthems and coming-of-age teen comedy. Interviews with writer D.B. Weiss and executive music producer Tom Morello delved into heavy metal culture, highlighting its influence on the story and soundtrack. The campaign included tie-ins with streaming platforms, such as partnerships for playlists curated with featured metal tracks from the film's soundtrack to engage music enthusiasts. Promotional posters and teasers centered on the "coming-of-age metal" , featuring of young band members with instruments and rock motifs to appeal to teenage viewers and dedicated metal fans. Social media efforts amplified the hype, with members posting about their to learn instruments under Tom Morello's guidance, which helped generate buzz.

Distribution

Metal Lords had its world premiere as a streaming exclusive on on April 8, 2022, forgoing any theatrical rollout in line with the platform's original content strategy. The film launched simultaneously across Netflix's global footprint in over 190 countries, accessible with audio dubs in English, Spanish (Latin America), French, German, and Italian, and subtitles in multiple languages including Chinese. Exclusivity to the streaming service meant no physical home media distribution, such as DVD or Blu-ray editions, reflecting Netflix's commitment to a purely digital model for its originals. Viewership data indicated strong debut performance, with the film amassing 8.74 million hours viewed in its first full week and appearing in the Top 10 charts in multiple countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Following its initial release, Metal Lords has continued to be available in Netflix's ongoing library, supported by algorithmic promotions that periodically boost its visibility to subscribers.

Reception

Critical reception

Metal Lords received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated its energetic homage to heavy metal culture and the performances of its young leads but often found the narrative predictable and formulaic. On , the film has a 62% approval rating based on 47 reviews, with an average score of 6.0/10; the consensus states that "If it doesn't quite rawk, Metal Lords remains a good-natured and overall enjoyable look at and the life-altering power of ." On , it holds a score of 59 out of 100 from 20 critics, signifying "mixed or average reviews." Several prominent reviews highlighted both strengths and shortcomings in the film's execution. Simon Abrams of awarded it two out of four stars, praising the authentic depiction of metal music scenes and the relatable dynamics among the adolescent characters, noting that the filmmakers "nail all the essential beats" despite its comfort-food familiarity. In contrast, Owen Gleiberman of Variety criticized the comedy for "stage fright," arguing that while the film reveres heavy metal, it "stumbles in its ability to truly rock" due to uneven pacing and underdeveloped humor. David Ehrlich of gave it a 2.5 out of 4, describing it as "small and patchy even by the standards of a Netflix comedy," though acknowledging its lighthearted appeal. Critics frequently commended the soundtrack's selection of classic metal tracks and the fresh energy brought by actors like Jaeden Martell, Adrian Greensmith, and , which lent authenticity to the . However, common criticisms centered on clichéd tropes, such as the predictable battle-of-the-bands plot and underdeveloped subplots involving family and romance, which prevented the film from standing out in the genre. The film did not receive major award nominations.

Audience response

Metal Lords received a generally positive response from audiences, particularly among younger viewers and fans of . On , the film holds a rating of 6.7 out of 10 based on over 35,000 user votes, with many praising its humor and nostalgic portrayal of through music. Similarly, the audience score on stands at 84% positive from more than 500 verified ratings, where viewers frequently highlighted the film's relatable depiction of teen struggles and the appeal of its heavy metal . Fan discussions online have generated positive buzz for the authentic portrayal of forming a high school metal band, resonating with metal enthusiasts who appreciated the film's energy and references to classic bands like and . However, some criticism emerged regarding the stereotyping of metal fans, with observers noting outdated archetypes and an occasionally unrelatable take on the that felt forced or parodic. The film has had a notable cultural impact within and metal communities, inspiring fan covers of its original soundtrack tracks, such as guitar and bass renditions of "Machinery of Torment" by the in-film band . It has been widely viewed as a modern successor to films like , blending coming-of-age themes with heavy metal in a way that introduces the genre to new generations. On streaming platforms, Metal Lords has maintained longevity on , remaining available and recommended to viewers through 2025, with sustained interest tied to broader trends in metal music revival.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12141112/
  2. https://www.netflix.com/title/81207588
  3. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/metal-lords-movie-review-2022
  4. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/metal-lords-1235126538/
  5. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/metal_lords
  6. https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/metal-lords-review-1235226176/
  7. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/metal-lords-actors-playing-guitar-drums-real
  8. https://screenrant.com/metal-lords-ending-explained-meaning/
  9. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/metal-lords-cast-guide
  10. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/metal_lords/cast-and-crew
  11. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/739993-metal-lords/cast?language=en-US
  12. https://screenrant.com/metal-lords-movie-cast-character-guide/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12141112/characters/nm1443368/
  14. https://ew.com/movies/metal-lords-db-weiss-tom-morello-cameos/
  15. https://www.fox5ny.com/news/stars-metal-lords-learn-play-heavy-metal-movie
  16. https://www.looper.com/833085/did-the-stars-of-netflixs-metal-lords-actually-play-their-instruments/
  17. https://ew.com/movies/metal-lords-db-weiss-tom-morello-interview/
  18. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/d-b-weiss-and-tom-morello-of-metal-lords-explain-why-metal-is-universal
  19. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/rock-teen-misfits-go-heavy-movie-metal-lords-2022-04-06/
  20. https://variety.com/2021/film/news/david-benioff-d-b-weiss-netflix-metal-lords-cast-jaeden-martell-isis-hainsworth-adrian-greensmith-1234914862/
  21. https://about.netflix.com/news/metal-lords-finds-its-band
  22. https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/metal-lords-netflix-movie-what-we-know-so-far/
  23. https://thecinemaholic.com/where-is-metal-lords-filmed/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12141112/locations/
  25. https://www.latlong.net/location/metal-lords-locations-1533
  26. https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2022/04/portland-filmed-metal-lords-on-netflix-and-more-oregon-connections-to-spring-tv.html
  27. https://ompa.org/overview-of-oregon-production-protocols/
  28. https://ompa.org/project/production-protocols-for-covid-19/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12141112/fullcredits/
  30. https://www.movieinsider.com/m20206/metal-lords
  31. https://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/03/09/ramin-djawadi-scoring-peter-solletts-metal-lords/
  32. https://www.tunefind.com/movie/metal-lords-2022
  33. https://screenrant.com/metal-lords-movie-soundtrack-songs/
  34. https://vaguevisages.com/2022/04/08/metal-lords-soundtrack-netflix-songs/
  35. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tom-morello-executive-music-producer-netflix-metal-lords-1133166/
  36. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/metal-lords-cameos-list
  37. https://screenrant.com/metal-lords-movie-musicians-cameos-explained/
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-TdYAA9Y3k
  39. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX9J6gykuP8Cf
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzAAtZx6xzk
  41. https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/metal-lords-see-trailer-game-thrones-co-creators-netflix-metal-movie/
  42. https://netflixmusic.ffm.to/metallordsplaylist
  43. https://www.flickeringmyth.com/coming-of-age-comedy-metal-lords-unleashes-trailer-and-poster/
  44. https://geektyrant.com/news/fun-trailer-and-poster-for-coming-of-age-battle-of-the-bands-netflix-comedy-metal-lords
  45. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Metal-Lords-%282021%29
  46. https://www.blu-ray.com/Metal-Lords/1556718/
  47. https://about.netflix.com/news/top-10-week-of-april-11-elite-is-the-most-viewed-title-of-the-week
  48. https://www.viewingtrends.com/netflix-top-10-movies/2022-04-11
  49. https://decider.com/movie/metal-lords/
  50. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/metal-lords/
  51. https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/metal-lords-review-netflix-1234714910/
  52. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/07/movies/metal-lords-review.html
  53. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/pro_guitarist_reacts_to_netflixs_metal_lords_there_were_some_missteps_that_werent_very_realistic.html
  54. https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/04/11/review-netflixs-metal-lords-tries-admirably-but-feels-forced-and-unrelatable/
  55. https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/metal-lords-review-netflix-tom-morello-3201120
  56. https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a39671765/metal-lords-review-netflix/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.