📖 Synopsis

With the help of Kevin (Jaeden Martell) and Hunter (Adrian Greensmith), two teenage outsiders, “Metal Lords,” tells the story of their attempts to form a heavy metal band to win the school’s Battle of the Bands competition. While Hunter, an avid metal fan, seeks to bring heavy metal to their school, his best friend Kevin, who is more introverted and supportive, is indifferent towards heavy metal at first. But slowly begins to accept it.

Things get complicated after they bring on board Emily (Isis Hainsworth), a talent cellist, much to Hunt’s dismay, who is a classical music wunderkind. As they face egos, personal issues, and teenage drama, will they be able to unite and stay true to their metal roots to make their vision come to life?

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Although no major awards were won by Metal Lords, it greatly appreciated for effectively showcasing the culture surrounding metal music, heartwarming underdog stories, and the amazing playlist, which features Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath.

🎸 Cast & Crew

• Kevin (known from It and Knives Out) Jaeden Martell
• Adrian Greensmith as Hunter (in his breakout role)
• Isis Hainsworth as Emily (Emma, Catherine Called Birdy)
• Joe Manganiello (as a rockstar mentor in a cameo)
• Dr. Sylvester is portrayed by Brett Gelman.
• Taraji P. Henson as Dean Swanson

The film features splits from real-life elite rockers. D.B. Weiss produced the film, while Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine supervised the soundtrack, resulting in an authentic rock and roll experience.

📊 IMDb Ratings & Reception

IMDb: 6.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 65% (Critics), 81% (Audience)

While critics considered it charming and commendable for trying to breach metal culture, it did lean heavily on the older clichés associated with teenage films. Regardless, those who loved metal and people who enjoyed the film’s humor and heart deeply cherished the movie.

🤘 Personal Insights

Fans of School of Rock or Wayne’s World or any other underdog music dramas will absolutely love and appreciate Metal Lords. The film explores teenage self-expression and friendships sprinkled with the powerful emotion of music. And the balance between comedy and emotion in the movie is amazing. The soundtrack is a chef’s kiss for metal fans, and even if you’re not a metalhead, the characters’ passion for music is contagious.

Portrayed by Adrian Greensmith, Hunter is a remarkable character as he perfectly embodies the persona of an obsessed metal-head. Jaeden Martell and Isis Hainsworth have amazing trio chemistry which makes their relationship believable.