Dunn and his partners, Scot McFadyen and J.J. Wise, present a doc that not only entertains in word, sound and visuals but also educates the viewer about the world of metal and all its sub-genres. From the debate surrounding the beginnings of metal to a look at fans young and old Dunn and his partners go in-depth into the culture of metal music. Near the beginning of the film in a short animation Dunn whipped through all the genres stemming from Early Metal in the late 60s, early 70s, at a furious pace and the audience marveled at its depth. Dunn clearly knows his material as a professional and as a fan and being a fan gives him instant credibility on screen so you don't even question his authority on the subject.

The fun is also watching Dunn as he engages in conversation with artists that he idolized as a child and has to subdue his inner fan and be a proper journalist/anthropologist. Dunn interviews legends Ronnie James Dio, Alice Cooper, Lemmy, and Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, the latter being the lead singer of his favorite all time metal band. Dunn also speaks with fans. Nothing comes as too much of a surprise though. But I should also note to everyone that I have been volunteering with youth for almost 15 years and part of that is working with them on cultural interaction and consumption. So it came as no surprise to me when I saw the young man who finds solace in metal music, or the young girl who loves that it sets her apart from everyone else in her small town. Some things do not change.

And then some of the interviews are pretty messed up. And this is where the doc got weird for me. Dunn travels to Norway tracking down bands and members of its infamous Black Metal genre. Following up on a number of church burnings in the 90s Dunn interviews those implicated and incarcerated in the crimes and you squirm a little as one member coldly tells Dunn that he would do it again. Clearly stemming from angst against cultural and historical events in their own country it is clear that it is not metal which is responsible for these burnings but unfortunately for the genre the beef of a number of members of these bands who see Christianity as a threat to Norwegian Viking roots. What gets a little more disturbing is the willingness to embrace satanic religion and culture over there. It is something that western artists were quick to dismiss as one-upmanship, who can be the most evil band, but it is still disturbing for me, especially as a Christian. But then you could do nothing but laugh at the members of Mayhem and number of 'F You's in that short span. It would make for a wicked drinking game if you chose a shot any time someone said the F word in this doc and you came to that scene. You would be wrecked.

Metal: A Headbanger's Journey does for the genre what Some Kind of Monster meant for Metallica. It gives you an intimate look at the old school and new school of heavy metal music; two schools that interact with each other effortlessly after all these years. The fraternity of metal is strong. Even though it is one of the quietest fan bases in the world they no doubt have a voice and a kinship you would be hard-pressed to find in any other style of music.

Metal: A Headbanger's Journey will have a limited release in quite a few countries. Dunn and his partners are not done spreading the word of heavy metal goodness to the masses yet.