Watch Global Metal

Global Metal is a 2008 documentary film directed by Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen. It is the sequel to the 2005 documentary Metal: A Headbanger's Journey. The film explores the popularity and cultural significance of heavy metal music in various countries around the world. Dunn travels to several countries, including India, Indonesia, China, Brazil, and Israel, to investigate the local metal scenes and how they are influenced by their respective cultures. The film delves into the history of heavy metal in each country and how it has evolved and adapted to local customs and traditions.

The film starts in India, where Dunn meets with metalheads and musicians who are part of a scene known as "Indian Metal." Dunn examines the challenges that Indian metalheads face, such as disapproval from conservative family members and the government's censorship of heavy metal music. Despite these obstacles, the Indian metal scene has grown steadily in recent years, with more and more young people embracing the genre and forming bands.

In Indonesia, Dunn meets with metalheads who face even greater challenges due to the country's conservative Islamic culture. Dunn takes part in a performance by the band Tengkorak, which is known for incorporating traditional Indonesian instruments into their metal music. The band's music challenges stereotypes about what heavy metal music is and what it can sound like.

In China, Dunn examines the popularity of metal music in a country that had previously banned it as "decadent Western culture." Dunn visits a heavy metal festival that is held annually in Beijing, where he interviews young Chinese metalheads who have found inspiration in the music and the attitude of heavy metal.

In Brazil, Dunn explores the vibrant metal scene that has emerged in the country's favelas, or slums. He meets with members of bands such as Sepultura and Angra, who have achieved international fame while remaining rooted in their Brazilian identity. Dunn also speaks with fans who see metal music as a way to express their discontent with Brazil's social and economic inequalities.

In Israel, Dunn examines how metal music has become a way for young people to cope with the country's military conflicts and political tensions. He meets with members of bands such as Orphaned Land and Salem, who incorporate Middle Eastern musical elements into their heavy metal music. The film also touches on the controversy surrounding metal music in Israel, with some politicians and religious leaders viewing it as a corrupting influence.

Overall, Global Metal offers a fascinating look at how heavy metal music has been embraced and adapted in different cultures around the world. Through interviews with musicians and fans, as well as stunning footage of live performances and local scenes, the film highlights the universal appeal of this often misunderstood genre of music.

Global Metal is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.