Metalocalypse: The Brutal Legacy of Dethklok
Metalocalypse is a high-octane blend of adult animation, musical performance, and black comedy. Created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha, the series serves as a biting satire of the music industry and the cult of celebrity, centering on the fictional band Dethklok—a group whose popularity dwarfs that of The Beatles and whose influence is as destructive as it is vast.
The show is renowned for its meticulous attention to musical detail. Written by guitarist Brendon Small, the music is performed by the band Dethklok, with animation carefully synced to the actual chord positions and fingering of the guitar parts. This commitment to authenticity makes the series a favorite among "guitar geeks" and metal enthusiasts alike.
Key Facts
- Creators: Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha.
- Network: Adult Swim.
- Format: 4 seasons, 61 episodes, and 2 specials.
- Animation Studio: Titmouse, Inc.
- Musical Focus: Features a fictional band, Dethklok, with music written by Brendon Small.
- Revival: A direct-to-video film, Army of the Doomstar, was released in 2023.
Development and Production
The concept for Metalocalypse emerged after Brendon Small's series Home Movies ended in 2004. Small and Tommy Blacha, while attending metal shows and pitching ideas to networks, envisioned a show about a metal band with unprecedented global fame. Originally titled Deathclock, the name was changed to Dethklok due to trademark issues. The series title evolved from Dethklok Metalocalypse to the final, simplified Metalocalypse.
Production was driven by a strict budget. Small sought to match the cost of Tom Goes to the Mayor, which was $110,000 per episode. Titmouse, Inc. agreed to produce the series for an average of $109,099 per episode.
Broadcast History and Evolution
The series premiered on August 6, 2006, and ran until October 27, 2013. While the first, second, and fourth seasons featured 11-minute episodes, the third season expanded to 22-minute episodes. The series concluded its television run with a one-hour rock opera special titled Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem.
After a period of cancellation, the franchise was revived in 2023 with the release of Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar on Blu-ray and digital platforms. This film featured a wide array of voice actors and professional metal musicians, accompanied by a new soundtrack and Dethalbum IV.
The World of Dethklok
The narrative revolves around the members of Dethklok and the chaotic ecosystem surrounding them. This includes The Tribunal, a secretive group consisting of General Crozier, Cardinal Ravenwood, Senator Stampingston, and Mr. Salacia, who attempt to manipulate the band's power.
The band is supported by a massive staff, including their manager Charles Foster Offdensen and the Klokateers—the band's private security force.
Among the employees is Jean-Pierre, whose life is marked by extreme misfortune and physical accidents.
Music and Commercial Impact
The music of Dethklok has transcended the show, resulting in several official releases including The Dethalbum, Dethalbum II, Dethalbum III, and Dethalbum IV. The series also forged real-world partnerships with the Gibson Guitar Corporation, leading to the release of signature instruments like the "Thunderhorse" Explorer and the "Snow Falcon" Flying V.
The show's voice cast is equally impressive, featuring legends like Mark Hamill and Malcolm McDowell, alongside a massive roster of guest musicians from bands such as Metallica, Mastodon, and Exodus.
| Season | Episodes | Runtime | Key Release/Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | 11 mins | Series Premiere (2006) |
| 2 | 19 | 11 mins | Dethalbum Release |
| 3 | 10 | 22 mins | Expanded Format |
| 4 | 12 | 11 mins | Series Finale (2012) |
| Special | 1 | 60 mins | The Doomstar Requiem (2013) |
| Film | 1 | Feature | Army of the Doomstar (2023) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the show originally called Deathclock?
The creators originally named the series Deathclock, but they were forced to change it to Dethklok because the original name was already trademarked.
How did the creators manage the animation budget?
Brendon Small researched the budget of Tom Goes to the Mayor ($110,000 per episode) and negotiated with Titmouse, Inc. to produce Metalocalypse for an average of $109,099 per episode.
Is the music in the show performed by real musicians?
Yes, the music is written by Brendon Small and performed by the band Dethklok. The animation is specifically synced to the actual guitar fingering and chord positions used during recording.
What happened after the show was canceled in 2013?
After the series and the Doomstar Requiem special ended, the franchise remained dormant until 2021, when Adult Swim greenlit a revival film, Army of the Doomstar, released in 2023.
Which real-world guitar brand collaborated with Dethklok?
The Gibson Guitar Corporation collaborated with the creators to release signature models, including the "Thunderhorse" Explorer and the "Snow Falcon" Flying V.