Mark’s Review:

Even though most of their programming revolves around reality competitions for the next Hawaiian Tropic Girl or Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, I surprisingly never watch the channel HDNet. So, it’s anyone’s guess on how I stumbled upon this concert while flipping through channels, but I guess when you see Rob on a Harley, you stop and take note. I had high hopes, because the last time I caught a concert on this channel, it was Megadeth’s Blood in the Water, which was unreal in sight and sound. The Priest concert was about an hour long and features the 4 original members and Scott Travis cranking out British Steel in it’s entirety, along with a few other choice hits. The show was taped in Florida during last summer’s tour to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the album, which is astounding when you think about it. Now, I’m of the belief that British Steel is not the best Priest album, but I was eager to hear live renditions of some of the deep cuts. Overall, the show looks and sounds fantastic, and if you’re willing to put up with the shortcomings that time and age have bestowed on a heavy metal icon, then it’s a very satisfying Priest experience.

The concert is filmed in full HD glory, and although the thought of seeing K.K. Downing in 1080p is frightening, the presentation does an outstanding job at capturing the intense light show as well as the interesting costume choices made by the band. The camera work and editing of the show is also great. We catch every Scott Travis drum fill, Glenn Tipton pick slide, and Ian Hill… well, just standing in the back being Ian Hill. But the element that stands out is the sound, especially from the guitars. That over-driven, synth-like distortion generated from the twin guitars comes through so bold and loud, every song is made heavier and better from it. The sound is so metal, and so Priest, and they use it to their advantage to thicken up typical borefests like United and Living After Midnight. It’s amazing to me how Downing and Tipton don’t get more respect in the guitar and metal community. Maybe it’s because there are two of them, or that Rob is really the figurehead of the band, but their playing is effortless and flawless during the concert. The fact that they’ve been able to adapt and mold their signature sound to remain heavy while retaining the vibe of the early days should also be saluted. Some may say Rob’s return to the band gave them a new spark, but I firmly believe that without Scott Travis the band does not have the same power or longevity. He’s the ultimate metal drummer and the perfect backing pulse for the rest of the band.

Which brings us to Rob, who is showing that singing in his range is a very hard thing to do night after night when you’re almost 60 years old. I’ve seen Rob on the past few Priest tours, and although he’s using more effects to stretch his signature wails and screams, he still delivers. I’m sure they needed to tone down some of the effects for post-production on this concert, but he seems to play it very safe, avoiding all higher notes in fear of having a voice crack immortalized on film. Usually this isn’t a bad thing, but during You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise, and Hell Patrol, the songs feel a little incomplete because they miss these dynamic vocal moments. The Ripper is pretty bad without these high notes, and when compared to the legendary performance on Unleashed in the East (quite possibly the best “Rob note” ever) it’s laughable. Also, while the other members have stayed in relatively good shape, Rob seems to have packed on at least 50lbs. He wears layers of denim and leather to cover his now-massive gut, and he stumbles around the stage in a way that he might think is menacing, but in reality is unintentionally humorous. I understand that icons get old and things happen, but Rob’s leaving himself open for criticism since he started referring to himself as “The Metal God“.

The concert is airing all week, and HDNet has a cool website that allows you to search for this show and add it to your Google Calendar. It’s definitely worth a viewing for the camera and sound quality alone. Just make sure you understand you’re getting 2010 Rob, not the one from the Breaking the Law video.

Mark’s Rating:

King says: “Oh, hi Rob… sooooo, um… having trouble hitting those high notes eh? hmmm… yeah… that’s tough… kinda sucks doesn’t it?… oh well. ttyl.
- KD”

It’s Friday night, and I’m sitting in the Music Box Theatre on Southport Ave. with giddy anticipation. I’m waiting to see Anvil! The Story of Anvil, a film critics have called the “next great rock documentary”, and to top it all off, the stars of the film will be in attendance to answer questions afterward. Over the past few weeks, I had definitely fallen victim to the whirlwind of critical acclaim given to the flick, and despite never being a fan of the band itself, I figured the heart-felt combination of characters, music and story would be a proven winner. I was right, Anvil! The Story of Anvil is worth the hype, it is a great movie that really shows the power of music and how people live when they won’t give up their dreams.

Having missed Iron Maiden: Flight 666 earlier in the week due to the laws of supply and demand, I was determined to see this heavy metal epic. We arrived at around 7:30pm… for a 9:40pm show. This turned out to be a little too early, as I secured tickets easily and had lots of time to kill. The Music Box Theatre is a fantastic place, filled with history and charm, and the crowd is filled with a nice mix of hipsters, film buffs and hard-core Anvil fans. With a box of Swedish Fish and a large Diet Coke in hand, I was ready to rock.

The movie begins rapidly, introducing us to the founding members of Anvil, their brief history at the top, and their pedestrian lives now. We soon realize that drummer Robb Reiner and singer/guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow are not the heavy metal megastars they should have been, but aging rockers combining a numb existence with a drive for success that seems fruitless and ridiculous. We learn about the guys from the people close to them, their family, friends and devoted fans that have supported them through the thick and the very, very thin. From there we follow the band through a depressing gauntlet as they refuse to give up their dream of rock-stardom. There’s a European tour filled with empty bars and empty promises, an album recording session that tries their patience and bank accounts, and finally an offer from Japan at a final shot at redemption. All the while hearing the doubts from others, and ultimately themselves. It’s all very Spinal Tap-ish, and if it wasn’t real, you’d think they scripted the whole thing.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil is amazing and it deserves the credit it has received. I did feel the pace of the movie was a bit too fast, and that it hindered our need to understand Robb and Lips’ lifetime of frustration and failure. I really wanted to know more about where they have been, and more information on the blown and missed opportunities to make it big. You feel sympathetic toward Reiner and Lips, but since we do not know some of the struggles they’ve gone through, their characters at times border on parody. That being said, it is still a fantastic story and even if you’re not into metal, you can’t help but root for Anvil to succeed.

Mark’s Rating:

King says: “Unlike Anvil, my dreams are filled with foreboding visits from Grandma.”

Justin’s Review:

As an avid film fan and novice critic, I’m of the mindset that a solid docu/rocku/mocku should delve deep into the subject at hand, and present a well-rounded story or observation. While the story of Anvil appears to be a fascinating and invigorating Tragicomedy, the filmmakers of Anvil! The Story of Anvil have opted to present us with a “slice of the lives” of founding members Robb Reiner & Steve “Lips” Kudlow, rather than delving into the band’s (seemingly) rich 30-year history (which is thusly portrayed through 3 minutes of concert footage and a couple of half-assed interviews with Slash & Lars). Considering the film only clocks in at 90 minutes, I think there’s a whole lot more story to tell and room to tell it.

While it may sound like I’m being a little too particular, you have to realize that Anvil! The Story of Anvil is being touted as “A Masterpiece” and compared to the likes of “This is Spinal Tap“. I figure it’s my duty to give the film a little bit of shit that it probably deserves.

But for the most part, Anvil! The Story of Anvil largely succeeds in portraying the classic “band down on their luck” motif, inviting us into the compelling lives of two very charismatic individuals and their road to self-redemption. Pretty much everything Mark says above is spot on, and to rehash it any further would be wasting both of our time. Instead, I think I’ll head over to Best Buy, set up the tent and wait for the Flight 666 to hit the shelves (as well as put in my pre-order for Anvil! The Story of Anvil).

Justin’s Rating:

King says: “I know another band that influenced Metallica… and they too have a dvd in the works.”

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil” Official Trailer:

To call the first leg of Maiden’s 2008 Somewhere Back in Time Tour a “big production” is a bit of an understatement. The logistics of transporting the band, 70 crew members, and 12 tons of gear over 5 continents in a month in a half is staggering. Now factor in a show every other day… and oh yeah… singer Bruce Dickinson is flying the custom-built 757 that gets them everywhere. A concept so ridiculously awesome, it just screams “documentary”. Thankfully Iron Maiden agreed, and had the foresight to ask along the metal community’s favorite film crew… Banger Productions.

So here we are… April 21st… Maiden Day… the theatrical world premiere of Flight 666, the feature-length rockumentary chronicling the most ambitious tour in history (23 concerts in 21 countries in 45 days… fuck!). Rowdy Maiden fans both young and old packed the house for the near 2-hour extravaganza, and thankfully, not a one of them had to be escorted out (though the eagle-eyed Kerasotes employees did manage to stifle a few beer-drinkers’ fun).

From the opening notes of Aces High, it was obvious that Flight 666 was going to be an instant classic (and real treat to witness on the big screen). Sam Dunn and company have outdone themselves yet again… with top-notch production, excellent camerawork and brilliant storytelling which documents both the ridiculously inspired tour, and the lengths that crazed Maiden fans are willing to go to appease their Metal Gods. And therein lies the heart of the film. While Maiden’s music and live show speak for themselves, it’s the glimpse into the devotion of Maiden fans from around the world that really speak volumes here. From the Japanese girl who wants to “become Steve Harris’ daughter” to “Father Iron Maiden” to the Columbian man who is shown weeping uncontrollably after catching one of Nicko McBrain’s drumsticks, Flight 666 does a fantastic job showcasing the reaction of metalheads who are exposed to something that most concertgoers take for granted.

As a stand-alone concert piece, Flight 666 soars as well. The high-definition footage is outstanding, and they manage to include most of the hits you’d hope for (including Rime of the Ancient Mariner for all you super-nerds). On the documentary side, the film leaves few stones unturned (though I’m still curious as to where they sat 10′ Eddie on the plane), and provides an in-depth look at both an extremely talented band, and the legacy they continue to carve into metal’s long, winding road.

If you weren’t celebrating MAIDEN DAY at the theater, shame on you for not buying your tickets sooner. (PWNED!) But have no fear (of the dark… sorry couldn’t resist), Flight 666 hits the shelves in Blu-ray & a 2-disc DVD set on June 9th. Run to the hills and buy the fuck out of this one.

Justin’s Rating:

King says: “As a society, you know we’re heading in the right direction when Iron Maiden command more cinematic real estate than Jessica Simpson.”

Chris’ Review:

Although it is technically a documentary, Flight 666 is the best concert film I’ve seen. As a casual Iron Maiden fan, a straight-ahead movie of a concert would probably not keep my attention for long, but this documentary had me fascinated from beginning to end.

First, I was already aware that Bruce Dickinson was a pilot and could fly the Iron Maiden tour plane, but I always assumed it was one of those Lear jets that you’re used to seeing rock stars in. I had no idea he flew a 757 airliner, like the kind you fly around the world. Holy shit! Nobody flies airliners as a hobby. Or maybe singing in the definitive metal band is his hobby. Wait, nobody could do that as a hobby either. Similar profiles throughout the film of each band member paint a convincing picture of the confounding amount of talent in this band.

Such ‘behind the music’ material could easy slip into trite self-tribute but tasteful restraint keeps the narrative focused on Iron Maiden the band, and, like everything Maiden does, unapologetically true to Iron Maiden’s brand of music and Iron Maiden fans. For those fans, the film presents a number of songs performed almost in their entirety. Mostly the hits you’d expect, but filmed incredibly close and clear. If you’ve always wondered what it would be like to see Steve Harris’ armpit in high definition on a 20-foot tall screen, I’ve seen it. Suffice it to say, the footage of these middle-aged rockers is definitely “warts and all.”

And whether you’re a metalhead or not, Flight 666 gives you a unique look into the global subculture of Iron Maiden fans. The tour starts in Mumbai, and the footage of fans in India, Central America, or Australia are all incredibly similar. A sea of black t-shirts, mostly young males, all really excited to be here. (Seriously, how many Iron Maiden t-shirts are there?) In places like Bogota, Columbia and San Jose, Costa Rica, the excitement is intense; this really could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a band that basically laid the foundation of the metal culture that these young people use to define themselves.

I emphasize ‘young people’ because, as Bruce Dickinson ironically explains to the so-narrowly-target-marketed-that-he-is-culturally-irrelevant Eddie Trunk in the film, Maiden continues to draw new generations of fans in addition to the nostalgia crowd. The concept of the 2008 tour was to recreate an 80’s era Iron Maiden concert with the set from the Powerslave tour and a setlist from that era, not for the old farts to reminisce, but for the newer fans who would otherwise never have a chance to experience Maiden as fans in the 80’s did. Mercifully, the stage costumes were modern.

As befitting a band that traverses borders, cultures, and time, Flight 666 transcends beyond fan product to a view into the source of this global phenomenon. A view into the heart of the beast, if you will.

Chris’ Rating:

King says: “One time I piloted the Merciful Fate tour bus. Bad idea.”

Iron Maiden – “Flight 666: Official Trailer”

Chris’ Review:

Although I can’t count myself among them, I have to think that this extensive video package is a treat for hardcore Cannibal Corpse fans. For the casual fan or uninitiated the documentary is entertaining, but three hours of interviews covering all things Cannibal Corpse is perhaps more than you need.

It may be hard to believe that the three-hour documentary, narrated entirely by interviews of dozens of people, leaves any stone unturned but I thought some subjects may have been a little light while many subjects were over detailed. For example, as legitimate of musicians as the fine young Cannibals were, I have to think much of the band’s early notoriety was owed to their offensive album covers and lyrics. Original singer and lyricist Chris Barnes gets credit for setting the standard for death metal gore, and it was even he alone who sought comic book artist Vince Locke to draw the dead babies and zombie porn record covers for their first three albums. These details were explained in the movie but no one, not even the execs at Metal Blade, admitted that these factors defined Cannibal Corpse much more than their ‘death metal songwriting.’ It becomes a cliche how “focused” the band was on “songwriting” for every album cycle, and how the production was even “more brutal” than the last album.

Vain as the film may be, the point is effectively made that Cannibal Corpse is a band with a work ethic and talent that has kept them relevant in the genre they helped create.

But their self unawareness persists: did anybody out there actually care that Cannibal Corpse was the band in the background on some scene in Ace Ventura? This is played up in the documentary like proof that Cannibal Corpse made it to the big time. For me, being the band that stands in when the script calls for ‘heavy metal band’ is not a notable achievement.

On the other hand, many important topics were covered: Credit to the band and the producers for not glossing over personal issues between the many former members of the band, while still keeping the details personal; the question of why so many death metal bands came from Florida was approached, if not answered; the fact that multiple members of Cannibal Corpse were former members of Monstrosity is addressed; Ice-T was interviewed. A detailed family tree of the late 1980’s death metal scene in Buffalo, New York was missing from my life, but that void has been filled. Actually the start of the documentary struck me as a good description of how any scene happened in the era just before websites, e-mail, and file sharing. Let’s just say there was a lot of copy machines, cassette tapes, and driving involved.

Again, the target audience for this material is obviously those who can’t get enough Cannibal Corpse, and whether it’s their techniques for making home movies or a guided tour of every place they ever practiced, the Centuries of Torment documentary delivers. Add four more hours of live concert footage, music videos, and extra interviews, and you’ve got quite a weighty package of death and gore.

Chris’ Rating:

King says: “I actually have a Hammer Smashed Face, that’s why I’m always wearing this shit.”

Justin’s Review:

Whether you’re a veteran hesher who’s still rocking out to that Butchered at Birth tape stuck in the cassette deck of your Z28, or his MySpace-haired-Job-for-a-Cowboy-loving-douche-bag kid… this DVD is for you.

I think it’s safe to say, if you’re a fan of metal… this DVD is for you.

Hell… if you’re a fan of DVDs… this DVD is for you.

In fact, I think I’m going to e-mail my mom right now and tell her to add it to her Netflix Queue.

Put simply… Centuries of Torment sets the new standard for quality music DVDs. Going well beyond your run-of-the-mill, multi-camera live show (combined with stupid backstage antics that no one gives a shit about), Centuries of Torment is an in-depth look at one of the world’s most vile group of nice dudes.

Disc one features a three hour Biography-style documentary, highlighting Cannibal’s sordid career… a fascinating look at their transition from stereotypical 80s burnouts to death metal masters, and everything in between. While it’s true, as Chris points out, that this is “perhaps more than you need”… it has to be said that this IS Cannibal Corpse we’re talking about. Not exactly the types to sugar-coat anything, let-alone their 20-year retrospective. In addition to detailing the highs and (hilarious) lows of their career, the film delivers a candid look at every Cannibal album, injecting studio footage, a wealth of interviews, and a brutal trip down memory lane.

Disc two features your run-of-the-mill, multi-camera live show(s) (combined with the parent-filmed, grainy basement shows of yester-year), spanning their entire career. Topped off with a heaping dose of Cannibal music videos, this disc is worth a once-through.

Disc three (also known as “Bonus Chunks“) contains a multitude of featurettes, ranging from the dissecting of Cannibal’s album covers, to brutal stories from the road, to sick individual member profiles. Pretty much every gory detail the historical biography didn’t cover (and then some). If learning more about narcoleptic bus drivers, partying with Cher, and Corpsegrinder’s nasty t-shirt funk sound as hilariously entertaining to you as they do to me, Bonus Chunks is definitely worth your time.

Between Sam Dunn and the fine folks who bring you Centuries of Torment, I think it’s safe to say we have a lot to look forward to in the world of metal on film. Let’s just hope that other filmmakers look to it for inspiration, as Centuries of Torment has raised the bar pretty fucking high.

Justin’s Rating:

King says: “This DVD got me so excited for Cannibal, I bought this “Skull Full of Maggots” collector’s cup off ebay!  It’s time for tea!”