Watch Death By Metal

Death By Metal is a captivating documentary that chronicles the life and music of American musician Chuck Schuldiner, the founder of the legendary Death Metal band, Death. Directed by Felipe Belalcazar, the movie features interviews with numerous individuals who knew and worked with Schuldiner, including his family, friends, and former band members. The film also follows the journey of Death Metal from its early beginnings in Florida to its worldwide impact on the metal community.

The movie opens with an introduction to Schuldiner's early life, as told by his family and friends. As a child, Schuldiner was fascinated by music, and his love for playing the guitar led him to start his first band, Mantas, with his childhood friend Rick Rozz. Together, they stumbled upon a new sound that incorporated dark and idiosyncratic elements, later known as Death Metal. The movie then dives deep into the band's discography, highlighting the evolution of Death Metal over the years, showing how Schuldiner's unconventional approach paved the way for the genre.

Death By Metal shows the highs and lows of Schuldiner's career, from being touted as a musical genius to facing criticism from the media, who were skeptical about the band's impact on the metal scene. The film also highlights Schuldiner's struggles with cancer, his diagnosis, and untimely death in 2001. However, even in his darkest moments, Schuldiner never lost his love for music, and Death By Metal showcases his dedication to his craft, despite the obstacles he faced.

The cinematography in Death By Metal is impeccable. The film's use of vintage footage to showcase early performances by Death adds an immersive element to the narrative, transporting viewers back in time to witness the raw energy and power of the band's music. Furthermore, the movie features a new score by Schuldiner's former bandmate and bassist, Steve DiGiorgio, adding another layer of authenticity to the film.

Another highlight from Death By Metal is the interviews with some of the most notable musicians in the metal scene. Gene Hoglan, the drummer for Death and other iconic bands, Bobby Koelble, the guitarist for Death's final album, and members of Sepultura, Testament, and Slayer, among others, share their personal stories and anecdotes about their interactions with Schuldiner. These interviews offer insight into Schuldiner's musical legacy and the impact he had on the genre.

Despite the subject matter, Death By Metal isn't just for metalheads. The film's excellent storytelling and engaging narrative make it accessible to anyone with an interest in music, creativity, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Furthermore, the movie offers a glimpse into the history of Death Metal, and its influence on contemporary music genres like black metal and progressive metal.

In conclusion, Death By Metal is an essential documentary for anyone interested in the history of Death Metal and metal music in general. The film pays tribute to Chuck Schuldiner, his music, and his legacy, and showcases the remarkable journey of Death and its impact on the genre. Death By Metal is a must-watch for fans of metal, music lovers, and anyone who appreciates a good documentary.

Death By Metal is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.