The two hour film combines sit down interviews with bands and band members and live performances. If you're not familiar with Bill Zebub's work, he likes to ask unusual and sometimes downright goofy questions along with the standard interview fare. The bands roll with the punches, with some obviously understanding Zebub's angle and others seemingly oblivious.

Pagan Metal is not meant to be a history of the genre. It's a snapshot of several different groups, with each contributing to the understanding of the bands themselves and their music. Members of Korpiklaani, Tyr, Ensiferum, Primordial, Finntroll, Leaves Eyes and Turisas are interviewed, and their bands showcased in live performances.

Read the complete Pagan Metal DVD Review

(DVD cover courtesy MVD Visual)

Recorded during Within Temptation's November 2008 theater tour, An Acoustic Night At The Theatre includes 11 live songs and the previously unreleased studio track "Utopia." Five of the songs are from 2006's The Heart Of Everything, including "What Have You Done" featuring Life Of Agony's Keith Caputo.

Of course the songs sound a bit different acoustically, but they also take on a different emotional vibe. Without the bombastic elements and metal guitars, they seem more vulnerable and introspective. There's still ample atmosphere, with piano and strings providing accompaniment. It's also the perfect showcase for Sharon den Adel's voice.

Read the complete Within Temptation - An Acoustic Night At The Theatre Review

(CD cover courtesy Roadrunner Records)

The rumors have been swirling for a while, and now a statement on Metallica's Official Site confirms it: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax will be playing together for the first time next summer. Here's part of the statement:

"Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax will all share the same stage for the first time EVER! Look for the four of us at the Sonisphere shows in Warsaw, Poland and Prague, Czech Republic on June 16 and 19, 2010 with a few more of the festival dates still in the works, you can be sure these shows won't be the only ones."

This would have been more relevant twenty years ago, but even in 2010 this will be a huge event. It will be interesting to see if they plan any U.S. dates, or if it will be a Europe only event. If so, a lot of metalheads will be planning European vacations next summer! And in the words of Lars Ulrich: "Who would have thought that more than 25 years after its inception, thrash metal's big 4 would not only still be around and more popular than ever, but will now play together for the first time...what a mindf&*k! Bring it on!"

(photo courtesy Chad Bowar/About.com)

Tis the season for corpsepaint? The coal-in-stocking crowd was on hand at San Francisco's DNA Lounge on December 6, 2009 to catch Marduk's first proper trek around the country since dropping off the Blackenedfest tour earlier this year. A good portion of the crowd appeared to have already spent their Christmas money on elaborate spiked armbands that could be classified as weapons. Despite struggling with terrible acoustics and microphones that died mid-song the Swedes played a strong show.

Read the complete Marduk, Nachtmystium, Black Anvil, Mantic Ritual and Merrimack Concert Review

(photo courtesy Justin M. Norton/About.com)