|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some Kind of Monster DVD Review A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch Metallica is one of the most successful heavy metal bands of the last century. They have sold millions of records over their twenty plus year career. Their first album Kill E'm All was released in 1983 and was supported by intense touring. Metallica built a strong following. Their next two records and a reputation for powerful live performances cemented their booming future. Like many groups, Metallica has seen their share of triumphs and tragedies, yet they have prevailed.
Some Kind of Monster is a two-disc set with over ten hours of material. The first disc revolves around the making of the St. Anger album and the band's group therapy sessions. The members of Metallica spent a lot of time dealing with issues that had festered over the years including addictions, breakdowns, communication and control problems. At the same time all of their personal lives were changing with marriage and fatherhood. Also, during the recording of St. Anger, James was in rehab for months and the future of the band was uncertain. Upon Hetfield's return, even the making of the Some Kind of Monster psychodrama was doubtful. The second disc includes forty additional scenes, more interviews, clips of the group promoting the film, two trailers and post-film discussions with Metallica. Filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky spent two years with the band as they adjusted to the departure of bassist Jason Newsted, struggled through the making of St. Anger and worked with performance enhancement coach Phil Towle. James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett spoke candidly as they confronted their personal and professional monsters. The movie also includes Metallica's search for a new bass player. Robert Trujillo was happy to accept the filmed deal that the band and its lawyers presented to him. Metallica began the recording of St. Anger in the Presido, a deserted military barracks in the Bay Area. The concept was to just start playing in a Spartan environment to allow creativity to flow. As the film progresses, it is obvious that this method is not working and there is a lot of tension in the room. The strain is softened with visits from their children in the studio chirping "daddy, daddy". Everyone is dealing with family issues highlighted by James recalling missing his son's first birthday because they were on tour. Other clips show Lars with his kids and also with his father who is a tough critic of music. The scenes with Mr. Ulrich are quite entertaining. The band moves to a more comfortable environment at HQ Studio to continue working on the album and group therapy. Hetfield finally returns from rehab but will only work from twelve to four in the afternoon as he wants to spend more time with his family. The short schedule forces the band to be more productive but Lars is not happy with the new rules. Woven into the film are clips of live shows demonstrating the power and prowess that has won Metallica countless fans. Some Kind of Monster is an honest, humorous film that explores the tribulations of recording a record and dealing with personal and personnel problems both past and present. The scene with Lars and Kirk logging on to their website and having difficulty getting in was comical. They eventually figured it out and chatted with fans. Metallica looks at some of the life lessons they have learned and laugh at a parody of themselves during the Napster mess. As the film progresses, tensions lighten and communication improves. After two years, the St. Anger album is completed and is previewed at a prison and later supported by a tour. The CD received mixed reviews with many fans expressing disappointment despite the fact that the record hit number one in many counties. Some Kind of Monster is a definitive documentary looking at a two year period in the lives of one of metal's most successful groups. It shows the members of Metallica in a different and somewhat glaring light. For Metallica fans it is another perspective of the band for others it is an engaging film about battling both professional and personal monsters from the inside out. Related Links: For more information on Metallica and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Metallica.com | BUY DVD | BUY CD
(Originally Published on May 24, 2005) |
PLEASE CONTACT US AT -- PHONE: 973.556.5400|E-MAIL
About Us | Band & Artist Community | Client Testimonials | Concert Tickets New Members & Music | Press Releases | Radio Show | Reviews-CD | Reviews-DVD | Send Music
© 2012 SoundPress.net | All Rights Reserved
|
