LAMB OF GOD – AS THE PALACES BURN documentary (2014)

Lamb Of God have become one of the most famous, successful and, unfortunately, lately – scandalous too, bands. Starting from 1994, when, according to the words of the musicians, they were much more a drinking club than a playing band. A few years ago they decided to commemorate band-related events for their anniversary with a special documentary. „As the palaces burn“, as is the name of their third album also, had the original idea to show something like a peculiar variant of „Global metal“, and thoroughly to examine various fans of Lamb Of God around the globe. And the documentary directed by Don Argott, starts with meeting up with some interesting fans from the exotic India, Israel and Colombia.

And just as it is in life, when things happen to us all – things that are beyond our forces and happen in the most unexpected moments, the film demonstrates the sharp twist in the career of Lamb of God. For the uninitiated, a few years ago in Prague, Czech Republic, a local fan died after LoG’s concert. Two years later his family sued frontman Randy Blythe, who was accused that has pulled-off the stage the 19-year-old fan in his attempt to stage dive.

In „As the palaces burn“ we can clearly follow the process of court cases and everything that happens in the minds and hearts of the members of the band. Some records show that, in fact, the man wasn’t hit by Randy, but it was done by a guard. „I don’t have guilt, because I’m innocent, but I feels awful inside me.“ For an hour and a half we see synthesized all emotions that are possible to be felt. Every moment is filled with grief, pain and anguish, shown from the perspective of the judges, the lawyers, the band and the defendant. This is not an ordinary documentary – this one gives us the exact reactions of the people. Begins with the recognition of Randy that music is the only reason he’s not ended up in prison long time ago – because he grew up in a dangerous place, and music was his saviour, becoming his life ever since. „And I fly around the world, being paid to scream.“ Emotions are conveyed through welcoming Randy back home and their first show after all this happened – at Skipknot fest, when its absolutely clear that all the support from friends, fans and colleagues has not been in vain.

Even if you’re not a fan of Lamb Of God, if there is a way to do it – watch the movie. This palette of people, events and feelings will surely make you sit down and think. In front of us are standing Lamb Of God – popular musicians, who even though sometimes fight and have obstacles, still stay together. Because that’s what friends are for. Unbaring their souls, they let the tears in their eyes fall in this tough moment. Extremely unusual, deep and personal film. We go hand in hand with these people, sincerely experiencing with them all this – something that could happen to any of us, the metal fans while going boldly into the world of hedbanging, moshpits, stage diving, walls of death and all of the stuff on the edge of extremeness. „Take hold of my hand/ For you are no longer alone/ Walk with me in Hell.“

8.5/10

„As the palaces burn“ came out in February in cinemas in North America, Western Europe and Australia. But for not a very long time the film will be available on DVD that you can order here. It comes in a special pack – from the price of which $10 will be donated to the Innocent Project that helps the undeservedly accused in crime people in the world.