Metalocalypse

Did You Know?

• The series was originally called Deathclock, but the name could not be used due to an existing trademark.
• Dethklok's touring band consists of Brendon Small, drummer Gene Hoglan, bassist Pete Griffin, and second guitarist Nili Brosh.

Overview

In the show, Dethklok is a death metal band whose fame is so extreme that it doesn't exist in real life; by the end of season two, their financial power makes them the seventh-largest economy on the planet. The creator described them as being similar to the Beatles, but far more dangerous and much dumber. The band consists of Nathan Explosion, Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Pickles, William Murderface, and Toki Wartooth, with Charles Foster Offdensen handling their management. When Dethklok backs a product or service, all competition quickly vanishes. Governments and companies around the world go out of their way to avoid upsetting the band, allowing them to run their own police force and commit any crime without facing real consequences. However, the band members are hopelessly clueless about everyday life; they cannot handle relationships, manage money, or even cook for themselves. Their fans are so devoted that they will commit murder on the band's behalf. In one episode, after the Florida governor refuses to create a holiday for Nathan Explosion, fans lynch him and elect Nathan as governor against his will. The citizens later turn on him, demanding his execution after Dethklok ruins the state. Various groups and individuals try to kill Dethklok because of the destruction their stupidity causes. Wherever the band goes, disaster follows, and anything connected to them attracts chaos. Their concerts are so hazardous that attendees must sign pain waivers at the door, releasing the band from legal responsibility if they are killed or injured. The band shows no concern for fan safety, as seen in the first episode when they dump scalding coffee on the crowd.

Broadcast history

The initial season of Metalocalypse featured twenty episodes, each running eleven minutes. This was two days before the release of The Dethalbum on CD. For season two, the opening theme, officially called "Deththeme," was re-recorded for that album and appeared in an updated form on the show. Among ad-supported basic cable programs that week, Metalocalypse placed twelfth for men aged 18 to 34 and sixth for men aged 18 to 24. The premiere also ranked thirtieth for the week among viewers aged 18 to 34. He later mentioned exploring other ways to conclude the series, possibly as a special or a film, and that he was in the early planning stages. It was subsequently revealed that Metalocalypse had been canceled. Small tweeted that he still intended "to service a final story and music—but not in way fans are used to."

Characters

Dethklok are a death metal band of immense popularity and success, so much so that their enemies in a group called the Tribunal label them the "world's greatest cultural force." The band consists of five musicians: lead singer Nathan Explosion, lead guitarist Skwisgaar Skwigelf, rhythm guitarist Toki Wartooth, drummer Pickles, and bassist William Murderface. Their fanbase numbers in the billions, made up of metal devotees who often put themselves in danger just to attend a live show. Thanks to massive commercial success and numerous sponsorship deals, Dethklok's economic output ranks them as the seventh largest economy in the world by the end of the second season. Despite their musical genius, the band members are shown to be hopelessly inept at nearly everything outside their profession. Simple daily tasks like buying groceries, cooking meals, or forming healthy relationships are constant struggles for them. The Tribunal is a secretive, Illuminati-like organization that keeps a close watch on Dethklok. They appear in almost every episode to analyze the band's latest actions and the threats those actions create. The Tribunal believes Dethklok may be tied to an ancient Sumerian prophecy that will lead to a metal-themed apocalypse. Senator Stampingston, voiced by Mark Hamill, is the Tribunal's primary spokesperson regarding Dethklok's activities. He takes a diplomatic approach, often suggesting espionage and intelligence gathering. Stampingston remains professional and calm, recognizing the band as a danger but rarely overreacting or originating the group's plans. General Crozier, voiced by Victor Brandt, serves as the main antagonist of the first season. He is a four-star U.S. Army general who, by the end of season two, becomes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Tribunal assigns him to information gathering, a role he dislikes. Crozier brings a military perspective to the table, typically pushing for armed intervention, including assassination attempts. In season two, he comes under the control of Mr. Salacia and begins assembling forces for the Falconback Project. By the movie finale, The Army of the Doomstar, Crozier realizes he has been manipulated and commands his soldiers to turn against the Tribunal's forces.

Endorsements

Dethklok, the fictional death metal band from the show, has real-world endorsement deals with a variety of music equipment companies. These include Marshall Amplification, Gibson guitars, EMG pickups, David Eden Amplification, Universal Audio, M-Audio, Dunlop Manufacturing/MXR, and Line 6 gear. According to the band's old MySpace page, Gibson planned to produce a Dethklok signature guitar. Small later stated that Gibson, not Epiphone, would make the Dethklok Explorer. Gibson eventually released a Dethklok "Thunderhorse" Explorer, which became Skwisgaar's main guitar on the show. Kid Robot made unarticulated figures of Murderface and Toki for an Adult Swim blind box mini figure line. The song "Thunderhorse" appears as a bonus track in Guitar Hero II by Harmonix and RedOctane. "Bloodlines" is included on the main setlist of Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.