DETHKLOK’s BRENDON SMALL: ‘Everyone’s Perception Of Heavy Metal Is So Different Than The Reality’

Dethklok’s Continued Reign: A Metalocalypse Retrospective

The animated metal band Dethklok, from the wildly popular Adult Swim series “Metalocalypse,” continues to enthrall fans years after the show went on hiatus. Still touring, releasing new music, and even expanding into film, Dethklok’s quirky genius endures. But what lies behind this continued success?

A Cast of Rock Legends

The show’s brilliance, in part, lies in its ability to attract a who’s who of heavy metal musicians to lend their voices and talents. Brendon Small, co-creator of “Metalocalypse,” recently revealed that getting Metallica’s Kirk Hammett on board for the first episode served as a springboard, inviting a plethora of othre heavyweights to contribute.

“It was so cool that those guys said yes. I was trying to be extra clever when we started the show. I thought, ‘If we can get METALLICA on the first episode, then I bet I can get other people, too, to come into our world of silly, weird absurdity and play with us.'”

From the menacing growl of Arch Enemy’s Michael amott to the bluesy swagger of ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, the list reads like a metal hall of fame. Even Guitar Gods like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani embraced the absurdity, along with rock veterans like Slash and Dave Grohl.

Bridging the Divide: Metal’s Serious Fun

Small’s vision transcended the typical “us vs. them” dynamic between metal and mainstream culture. He wanted to showcase the humor and lightheartedness inherent in the genre, inviting everyone to participate in the fun.

“Everyone’s perception of heavy metal is so different than the reality as heavy metal is brutal, and it evokes a feeling and a mood that’s so dark and so awesome. But everyone’s got a sense of humor, everyone’s got levity, and I wanted everyone to participate and become part of the joke of the show. I didn’t wanna be a them-or-us thing, I wanted everyone to go, ‘This is your playground. let’s give you an opportunity to be funny. What can we do? Let’s play.'”

A Triumphant Return to the Stage

After a decade-long hiatus,Dethklok embarked on a reunion tour in 2023,co-headlining with Japanese heavy metal kawaii band Babymetal. The tour, aptly titled “Babyklok,” showcased the band’s enduring appeal and ability to connect with fans on a global scale. The band’s new album, “Dethalbum IV,” and the companion animated film, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar,” further solidified dethklok’s reign as a metal force to be reckoned with.

A Cultural Phenomenon

“Metalocalypse” continues to resonate with fans because it perfectly captures the absurdity and humor often found within the metal community. small’s success lies in his ability to satirize and celebrate metal culture simultaneously, creating a show that is both hilarious and deeply meaningful to its dedicated fanbase.

How did brendon Small manage to convince Kirk Hammett, Dave Grohl, and Slash to appear on “Metalocalypse”?

Interview with Brendon Small: The Mastermind Behind Dethklok’s Metalographic Triumph

Archyde News was thrilled to sit down with composer, writer, and co-creator of the Adult Swim series “Metalocalypse,” Brendon Small. Since the show’s inception, Small has been the driving force behind Dethklok’s satirical yet reverential celebration of heavy metal culture.

A Nickelback of Chance Encounters: Securing Metal’s A-listers

Archyde: Brendon, securing the likes of Kirk Hammett, Dave Grohl, and even Slash for “Metalocalypse” was a coup. How did you manage to convince these metal legends to hop onto your absurd train?

Brendon Small: (Laughs) Well, I’ll be honest, I was just winging it! I mean, it was sheer luck that Kirk Hammett agreed to be in the first episode. Once he said yes, I thought, “Okay, let’s roll with this. If Metallica is in, maybe other bands won’t think we’re complete madmen.” it was like a snowball effect; once the heavy hitters started joining, others thought, “Well, if they’re doing it, I guess it’s alright for me too.”

Shattering Stereotypes: heavy Metal’s Hilarious Side

Archyde: Your series has done an exemplary job of showing metal fans’ human side, challenging stereotypes. How vital was it for you to present metal in this way?

Brendon Small: Oh, it was absolutely crucial. you know, metal gets a bad rap sometiems. People think it’s all doom and gloom, but the reality is, there’s so much humor within the community. I mean, look at some of those stage outfits! (Laughs) So, I thought it was vital to show that metalheads can laugh at themselves and invite everyone else to join in on the fun.

“Babyklok” and Beyond: Dethklok’s Enduring Appeal

Archyde: After a decade break, dethklok returned with a bang, co-headlining the “Babyklok” tour with Babymetal.What sparked this triumphant comeback?

Brendon Small: To be honest, the fans never stopped asking. They were relentless, always wanting more. And I think the pandemic really gave us all a chance to reflect and miss the live experience. Plus,I had so much new music I wanted to share. So, we thought, “Why not bring back Dethklok and cause some mayhem on stage?”

A Cultural Marvel: The Legacy of “Metalocalypse”

Archyde: Ten years later, “Metalocalypse” remains a cult favorite.What do you think has driven its enduring popularity?

Brendon Small: I think it’s because we made a show that was truly for the fans,by the fans. We didn’t shy away from poking fun at metal culture, but we also revered it. Plus, having all those amazing musicians on board lent a layer of authenticity you can’t fake. I’m just grateful that people still appreciate it after all these years.

Archyde: Thank you, Brendon, for your time and for continued reign over the metal world!

Brendon Small: My pleasure! let’s keep the metalocalypse going, shall we?