Metalocalypse
Series, 2006, The mid-2000s, Set in Mordhaus
Metalocalypse is #14 of 16 in release order and #14 of 16 in chronological order in the Adult Swim Classics.
The story
Part-American, part-Scandinavian death-metal band Dethklok has a lingering effect on its fans, who take the words seriously and do anything Dethklok lyrics say. The government fears the band's influence and sets out to destroy it by covert means; for example, by sending military pharmaceutical psychotropic drug manufacturers. Deemed sociopaths for tossing hot coffee at their concert attendees, two of the band members are alcoholics, and they all have self-esteem issues.
Metalocalypse recap
Dethklok is the biggest band in the world, a melodic death metal group so popular that it becomes one of the world's largest economies, and its five members are rich, stupid and helpless at ordinary life. Nathan Explosion is the deep-voiced singer; Skwisgaar Skwigelf, a Swedish guitarist, and Toki Wartooth, a Norwegian guitarist, are rivals; Pickles is the Wisconsin-born drummer; and William Murderface is the hated bass player. Their manager, Charles Foster Offdensen, a calm lawyer, keeps the empire running, and their concerts often kill fans. Meanwhile a secret council called the Tribunal, led by the sinister Mr. Salacia, watches the band and fears a prophecy that Dethklok will bring the Metalocalypse. Over four seasons, from 2006 to 2012, the show shifts from short gags to longer episodes with more story, about Toki and Murderface's insecurities, Offdensen's past, and the band facing the prophecy. Creator Brendon Small also writes and records the music.
Metalocalypse ending explained
Season 4 ends in 2012 on a cliffhanger: Salacia attacks the band's concert, Toki is kidnapped, and Offdensen reveals Salacia is a "half-man". The 2013 rock opera special The Doomstar Requiem rescues Toki. The 2023 film Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar concludes the story: Salacia possesses Murderface and tries to complete his ritual, but the band, joined by its fans, defeats him, and Nathan realises the fans are the true Army of the Doomstar.
Where to watch Metalocalypse
Metalocalypse is streaming on Adult Swim and Spectrum On Demand in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 8.3/10
Where it fits
- Release order: after Moral Orel, before Frisky Dingo.
- Chronological order: after Moral Orel, before Frisky Dingo.
Cast
- Mark Hamill as Senator Stampingston / Mr. Selatcia (voice)
- Victor Brandt as General Crozier / Cardinal Ravenwood (voice)
- Brendon Small as Skwisgaar Skwigelf / Pickles the Drummer / Nathan Explosion
- Tommy Blacha as Toki Wartooth / William Murderface (voice)
- Malcolm McDowell as Vater Orlaag (voice)
- Laraine Newman as News Anchor / Woman (voice)
- George Fisher as Angry Customer (voice)
- James Hetfield as Fan #1 (voice)
- King Diamond as Fast Food Restaurant Manager (voice)
- Kirk Hammett as Barkeep (voice)
- Jon Schnepp as Additional Voices (voice)
- Silenoz as Yaneemango Indian (voice)
Created by Brendon Small.