Lords of Chaos (2018)
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A fictionalized account of the early 1990s Norwegian black metal scene explores the rise and violent internal power struggles of the influential group Mayhem.
The story
In 1984, young guitarist Euronymous forms the band Mayhem, the first of its kind in Norway. After recruiting a vocalist named Dead, who exhibits self-destructive behavior, the band begins to gain notoriety. Euronymous also meets Ann-Marit from the metal community. The narrative follows the group's rise as they establish a social hub for black metal fans, known as the "Black Circle," and engage in increasingly provocative acts, including church burnings. However, as the scene grows, a growing power struggle between Euronymous and a fan named Varg Vikernes begins to fracture the community and create a climate of paranoia.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1984, Euronymous forms the Norwegian band Mayhem with Necrobutcher and Manheim. After Manheim is replaced by Hellhammer, they recruit Dead, a vocalist whose self-destructive live performances involve self-harm and throwing pig heads. After Dead commits suicide by slitting his wrists and throat and shooting himself, Euronymous takes photos of the corpse and gives out necklaces made from pieces of Dead's skull. Necrobutcher leaves the band in disgust. Euronymous opens a record shop, Helvete, which becomes a hub for the "Black Circle," including Varg Vikernes. Varg burns down a church, and Euronymous later burns one with Varg and Faust. Euronymous enters a relationship with Ann-Marit. While recording their first album, a power struggle erupts between Euronymous and Varg. As police investigate church burnings and a murder, Euronymous becomes paranoid. Varg is arrested but released. Varg eventually leaves the band to start his own label. Euronymous admits his violent persona was a promotion tactic, angering Varg. Euronymous later expresses a desire to kill Varg. Varg travels to Oslo to confront Euronymous, enters his apartment, and stabs him to death. Varg is arrested and sentenced to 21 years in prison. Euronymous provides a final voice-over stating he lived a successful life.
- First release year
- 2018
- Runtime (minutes)
- 118
- Production countries
- United Kingdom; Sweden; United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jonas Åkerlund
- Writers
- Dennis Magnusson · screenplay; Jonas Åkerlund · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Rory Culkin · Euronymous; Emory Cohen · Varg Vikernes; Jack Kilmer · Per “Dead” Ohlin; Sky Ferreira · Ann-Marit
- Genres
- biographical horror; horror thriller; independent
- Themes
- Power struggles; Identity vs. Persona; Religious desecration; Paranoia
- Tone and mood
- Unpleasant; Compelling; Goofy; Creepy
- Premise and plot tags
- Biographical; True Crime; Music History; Religious Desecration
- Source material / true-story basis
- Lords of Chaos (1998 book)
- Reception
- The film received mostly positive critical reception, though it polarized fans of metal music and the musicians depicted in the film had mixed feelings.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 48 · scale: 100 · review count: 17
- Production trivia
- The name 'Lords of Chaos' originates from an unrelated American criminal group.; The film was originally intended to be directed by Sion Sono.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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