The Last Chapter of the Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar (Or How the Great Reuniting Matters to Dethklok)
Over the years, [adult swim] has given us so many incredible characters like Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Primal, Rick & Morty, The Boondocks, and The Venture Brothers. But one show from [adult swim] has always been my go-to, and that show is none other than Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha’s Metalocalypse (2006-2016 / 2019- present). The band featured in Metalocalypse includes fictional members: Nathaniel Explosion – voiced by Brendon Small (vocals), Skwisgaar Skwigelf – voiced by Brendon Small (guitars), Toki Wartooth – voiced by Tommy Blacha and Mike Keneally (guitars), Pickles – voiced by Brendon Small (drums), and William Murderface voiced by Tommy Blacha (bass).
In 2013, Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha gave us the rock opera smash hit, Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem – A Klok Opera as the story picks up after the end of Metalocalypse season 4. For ten years, Dethklok had been relatively quiet with some live shows scattered around featuring creator Brendon Small (guitars/lead vocals), Gene Hoglan (drums), Pete Griffin (bass/backing vocals), and most recently Nili Brosh (guitars). Now in 2023, Dethklok has announced not only a new album (Dethalbum IV) plus a new movie closing out this epic adventure that features a companion soundtrack, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar (released theatrically on July 21, 2023/Digital and Blu-ray on August 22, 2023).
Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar was written and directed by Brendon Small. The film stars Small, Blancha, Victor Brandt (Metalocalypse), Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (Grammy® Award-winning musician), King Diamond (King Diamond; Mercyful Fate), Mark Hamill (Batman: The Animated Series; The Machine), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Jon Hamm (Confess, Fletch; Top Gun: Maverick), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Amy Lee (Evanescence), Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Juliet Mills (Passions), Laraine Newman (Saturday Night Live), Raya Yarbrough (Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem - a Klok Opera), and Livia Zita (2022 winner - Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Award).
Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar follows the gallant rescue of Toki Wartooth from Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem – A Klok Opera where brutal frontman Nathan Explosion is dealing with some extreme trauma after the band battles their former bandmate, Magnus Hammersmith to the death. To make matters worse, the fate of the world now lies in Nathan’s hands as he has been tasked to write the “Song of Salvation”. As you can guess, this task weighs heavily on humanity’s embattled protector. So much so that Nathan’s character will undertake an arduous path to redemption and rebirth as he guides his bandmates through the ultimate battle of good versus evil. As Nathan would say, it just takes him “…a long time to learn stuff”.
After being anointed the new high priest of the Church of the Black Klok in Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem – A Klok Opera, Charles Offdensen will once again use his powers of persuasion to get the band motivated to write the “Song of Salvation”. Offdensen would tell Pickles, Nathan’s “trials are yet to begin” but he must first face the fear that “engulfs” him. Nathan might be the key to the salvation of humanity, but his bandmates are also vital to the prophecy. As foretold in the ancient prophecy, the Metalocalypse is upon us and all that is good will die. No biggie, right?
Dethklok will once again face off against well-known antagonists, The Tribunal which includes Senator Stampingston, General Crozier, Vater Orlaag, and most importantly, Mr. Salacia. As in previous episodes, Mr. Salacia and The Tribunal will once again make life very hard for Dethklok in their attempt to save humanity from the impending Doomstar. Unbeknownst to the band, the “Song of Salvation” is just a part of the prophecy to save humanity. Dethklok must also find the strength to look within to find the final piece needed to defeat the Doomstar. If Dethklok fails, then they cannot stop the impending doom of the Metalocalypse and the Great Reuniting. Will Dethklok complete the “Song of Salvation” in time to save the world? Well, you will have to watch Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar to find out.
Of course, as the saga ends, one would expect to see cameos from previous characters like Dethklok’s chef Jean-Pierre and music producer extraordinaire Dick “Magic Ears” Knubbler. But the most important cameo to grace their presence was none other than the self-proclaimed “rock and roll clown”, Dr. Rockzo. This scene will go down as one of the best Dr. Rockzo montages ever seen on Metalocalypse. Overall, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar is a brilliant conclusion to the epic Metalocalypse saga that any fan of the series will instantly hail as a cult classic. I have already watched it a few times over the last weekend and even after this review is published, I will continue to watch it because it is that good. Some shows when they bring the story to an end, it feels rushed at times or maybe they do not tie up all the necessary storylines. Not Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar, this movie will leave the viewer satisfied knowing Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha were able to finish Metalocalypse as intended. Thank you, Brendon, and Tommy. Thank you for wanting to give closure to an idea that amassed dedicated fans across the globe.
On August 22, 2023, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar will be available on Blu-ray and digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and more. Blu-ray special features will include a featurette entitled Behind the Metal Curtain. This in-depth look at the making of Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar will have interviews with show co-creator Brendon Small and his team of writers, animators, and musicians as they share their stories and experiences as they turn this [adult swim] series into its first feature film. Currently, MAX has the entire Metalocalypse series and Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem – A Klok Opera available to stream, so go get a Metalocalypse marathon going in honor of the release of the final chapter in this legendary saga.
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