>>REVIEW
GET THRASHED: THE STORY OF THRASH METAL
Saigon 1515/Kundrat Productions, 2007
When a film kicks off with the unforgettable line, "Everyone had a good time – even if they were bleeding," you know you’re the one in for a good time. Hopefully without the blood.
Such is the case with Get Thrashed: The Story Of Thrash Metal, a fun and engaging documentary accounting/recounting the history of one of heavy metal’s most prolific yet unacknowledged subgenres. Defined as the amalgamation of heavy metal’s technical proficiency with punk rock/hardcore’s hyperactivity and independent confidence, thrash metal is one of extreme music’s greatest (albeit, still underground) success stories. Arguably rising in the early ‘80s with then-aggressive newbies Metallica, thrash pushed through to surprising commercial heights (relative, mind you) by the decade’s end, only to be forced back into relative obscurity with the onset of the early ’90s grunge movement.
Get Thrashed strives to commit this tale to celluloid in order to forever establish the genre’s impact on music as a whole. Packed with live footage, interviews, photos and more, this comprehensive effort is truly stunning. Segmented into chapters that tackle the most influential aspects of thrash, we find a wealth of information about bands such as Metallica, Exodus, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer. In fact, the film’s two-hour run time initially seems daunting. However, when hearing spearheads including Testament’s Chuck Billy, Overkill’s Bobby Blitz, label founders, DJs, engineers, modern bands and anyone remotely involved in thrash dole out tales of joy and hardships, fandom and undying passion, Get Thrashed flies by with the breakneck pace of the music it pays homage to.
Despite great footage, interviews and structure, though, the most impressive and compelling element of Get Thrashed is the genuine fandom present throughout. Where other documentaries such as American Hardcore and Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey were tainted by mud-slinging, self-righteousness and self-importance, virtually every band here spends more time singing each other’s praises than they do flaunting their own name. In this way, nostalgia and enthusiasm intertwine to realize an impressive effort.
While the overall appeal of Get Thrashed’s subject matter is limited, as a documentary, it is quite entertaining, regardless. The filmmakers have done an impeccable job despite their biases running forgivably high – viewpoints from outside of this tiny metallic Mecca are non-existent. Still, this isn’t about historical accuracy; it’s about successfully capturing the essence of a cultural impact. In this way, Get Thrashed emits the exact same dedication, exuberance, vitality and spirit that has made thrash metal itself timeless and enduring. |
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