METAL EVOLUTION: 

Interview: Sam Dunn & Scot McFadyen. 

METAL EVOLUTION was released on DVD June 12. myETVmedia met up with Canadian writers/directors Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen at Alliance Studios in Toronto in anticipation of the wide release of their monumental documentary series Metal Evolution.

Metal Evolution the DVD Series:

Metal Evolution is a 11-hour documentary series created by Sam Dunn and Scot Fayden and is based on the ground-breaking Heavy Metal Family Tree, which originally aired on VH1.This 26 sub-genre genealogical chart reveals the vast complex of heavy metal fromEarly Metal and Shock Rock to Thrash, from Progressive Metal to Grunge and Nu Metal. Sam Dunn (Banger Films Inc.), crisscrossed the globe exploring the vast history of heavy metal across its 40+ year history and beyond. He followed the music from bars and back alleys to the biggest open-air festivals.

Metal Evolution is a heavy metal and music collector’s dream-come true. Metal Evolution is broken down into episodes, each about a different piece of metal history. The series includes interviews with and about Alice Cooper, Slash, Lemmy, Rob Zombie, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Slayer, Van Halen, Def Leppard, The Stooges, ZZ Top, Soundgarden, Motley Crue, Poison, Rage Against Machine, Alice in Chains, Korn, Lamb of God, Members of Megadeth and many more. The evolution of Heavy Metal is as much about the musicians as it is about its fan base.

Metal Heads – The Fans

Metal Heads are amongst the most identifiable people in the world.  Some choose to wear their favourite band on a T-shirt like a uniform, allowing for open discussion with music fans on the street.  Some tattoo themselves as an indication of self-identity, taking control of their body.  Though many fans choose outward expression, the heavy metal community is much more than long hair, gory T-shirts and tattooed sleeves.  By identifying with a genre of music shunned by greater society, it has always been up to the fans to set the rules. They decide what to wear, how to act, and most importantly, what to listen to.  As a result, metal musicians and fans will always have a boundless sense of identity.

But why is a sense of ‘self’ so important to the development of metal?  Liking heavy metal requires a dedication that is not needed when choosing radio friendly music.  Simply put, metal is not easy to listen to. Death Metal and Grindcore are outright abrasive, and though that is part of the appeal, it demands a level of introspection that pop music does not require.  You need to give a lot to heavy metal- and like anything in life, the more you give the greater the return.  Metal is an attitude. Metal is what it means to choose for yourself and bond with those who have made that same choice. This is what makes the metal community so strong.  Each fan has gone through the same challenges when explaining the merits of Cannibal Corpse to a friend, or why seeing Nun Slaughter in concert is not a pagan ritual.  This is why when a stranger falls in the pit you pick them up.  Everyone may find metal in different ways- but we all stay for the same reason.