Metaal - Extreme Metal From The Netherworlds
A new film that takes an uncompromising look into the glory days of the Dutch (extreme) Metal scene.
The metal scene was one of the most extreme youth and music cultures of the 20th century yet has, to this day, largely been overlooked by the mainstream media. Despite its marginal status in The Netherlands, the global metal phenomenon became very popular and kids all over the country were channeling their ideas and aggression through an explosive (healthy) diet of horror and distortion. The net result was a period of extraordinary creativity and amazing musicianship which birthed a vibrant music scene, one which would grow into a movement which to this day is still revered around the world.
Although the Dutch Metal bands never received the same accolades as their British, American, Scandinavian, or German contemporaries, with hindsight its sound, characterized by a push for individuality, proved to be both unique and influential. The music became an important part of Dutch youth culture between the late 80s and mid 90s but, with the exception of a few local TV items, it has never really been fully documented, let alone treated with the respect it deserves. Mike and Jason’s goal, therefore, is to put together a compelling and revealing documentary that touches on many of the individuals who contributed to this vibrant and game-changing scene. We will be rifling through fanzines, diving into the tape-trading scene, and exploring the music, while also covering the gigs and art and celebrating both the iconic bands and unsung heroes who reared their ugly heads in those explosive times.
METAAL is a retrospective on the glory days of Dutch (extreme) Metal. It will be an insightful and entertaining memoire of a period when Dutch metal gave birth to a legion of amazing bands who, together, formed an explosive scene which on the one hand become globally influential, while on the other not always receiving the acknowledgement that it deserved.
A new film that takes an uncompromising look into the glory days of the Dutch (extreme) Metal scene.
The metal scene was one of the most extreme youth and music cultures of the 20th century yet has, to this day, largely been overlooked by the mainstream media. Despite its marginal status in The Netherlands, the global metal phenomenon became very popular and kids all over the country were channeling their ideas and aggression through an explosive (healthy) diet of horror and distortion. The net result was a period of extraordinary creativity and amazing musicianship which birthed a vibrant music scene, one which would grow into a movement which to this day is still revered around the world.
Although the Dutch Metal bands never received the same accolades as their British, American, Scandinavian, or German contemporaries, with hindsight its sound, characterized by a push for individuality, proved to be both unique and influential. The music became an important part of Dutch youth culture between the late 80s and mid 90s but, with the exception of a few local TV items, it has never really been fully documented, let alone treated with the respect it deserves. Mike and Jason’s goal, therefore, is to put together a compelling and revealing documentary that touches on many of the individuals who contributed to this vibrant and game-changing scene. We will be rifling through fanzines, diving into the tape-trading scene, and exploring the music, while also covering the gigs and art and celebrating both the iconic bands and unsung heroes who reared their ugly heads in those explosive times.
METAAL is a retrospective on the glory days of Dutch (extreme) Metal. It will be an insightful and entertaining memoire of a period when Dutch metal gave birth to a legion of amazing bands who, together, formed an explosive scene which on the one hand become globally influential, while on the other not always receiving the acknowledgement that it deserved.