Finally got myself a copy of this on DVD which is why i waited so long to give it a review.While seeing it in a theater is good,this is a movie best experienced at home over a nice smoke and a few brews.The basic idea behind the film is simple enough,its a documentary on underground hard rock scene from the 70's to now but focusing mainly on the current underground Stoner/Hard Rock scene.Sounds great but the film has a couple of minor flaws,the section of the film talking about the 70's underground is quickly over and done with.Even though Sir Lord Baltimore, Hawkwind, Blue Cheer and Pentagram are discussed,its a little short on details and focus.I would have like to seen a lot more emphasis on the era of music where so much influence is still being felt.Its a minor criticism though as the bulk of the film is highly entertaining.There is a mention on the 80's and the joining of forces between Punk Rock and Hard Rock audiences and bands.There is great moments when the likes of the Obsessed and the Melvins are discussed.It is also great to see Wino getting a well deserved place in the film.Some of the live performances in the movie lose a little of their impact as an interview voice quiet often drowns out the music but there is still some great footage.The big highlight for me is the passage on Sleep,about time something substantial was put on film about them.Really this is essential for all fans of Stoner Rock,Doom Metal,Heavy Psych,Psychedelic and Drone music,even Sunn O)) gets a spot in the film. Featured artists include ACID KING, ACROSS THE RIVER, THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX, BARDO POND, BRANT BJORK, COMETS ON FIRE, DEAD MEADOW, EARTHLESS, FATSO JETSON, HIGH ON FIRE, KYUSS, MAMMATUS, NEBULA, THE OBSESSED, OM, PEARLS AND BRASS, PENTAGRAM, SAINT VITUS, SLEEP, SUNN O))) and THRONES.Its a story that needed to need be told and i am glad it has been. 9/10
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Yes, great movie! I just finished watching it. Interesting documentary, absolutely a 9, but my major criticism is: why do Dead Meadows and Comets On Fire get so much playtime?! I think Dead Meadows and Comets On Fire are small players in the field of doom, stoner, heavy psychedelics etc. Comets On Fire is, I think - without wanting to sound blasé - your typical Pitchfork band with a large 'indie' following. Not to speak of Dead Meadows (same category) who maybe made one decent album. Watching the documentary made me wish they interviewed a lot of other people who'd have a pretty decent view on the matter. And it's true the seventies part was pretty short..
ReplyDeleteAre there any more documentaries that you know of concerning doom?
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Sandrijn
Yes I agree, the movie is great but a little unbalanced and you get the feeling some bands were put on there just to fill up the time. I have nothing against those bands either, I dig most of the Dead Meadow stuff and I have seen them live and they are awesome. Comets on Fire are a good band but like you said, small players. They talk about Stoner Rock but there is no Fu Manchu, one of the most popular Stoner bands and one of the most influential behind Kyuss. Then there is no Sourvein blah blah the list goes on...These are minor complaints but important ones I feel. For other docos, there isn't much at all except short docos on The Obsessed etc and they can all be found on YouTube. There is concert videos of Candlemass, Church Of Misery, Saint Vitus etc but no docos. I hope they do a Such Hawks 2 and fill in the gaps they left behind from the first one. I would also like to see a doco on the worldwide doom, stoner scene, not just the US.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'll check out the tube material.. I saw Comets On Fire live, and possibly Dead Meadow but I don't remember :). The Matt Pike - Sleep - Om - High On Fire - Wino material would make a nice documentary on its own :). Gotta love 'm..
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