METAAL | THE FILM
A RETROSPECTIVE ON the glory days of dutch extreme metaL
Mike Redman and Jason Köhnen, both musicians, grew up in the mid 80s in the middle of that explosion of creativity that was the Dutch (extreme) metal scene. The metal scene was one of the most extreme youth and music cultures of the 20th century yet has, to this day, largely been overlooked by the mainstream media. Despite it’s marginal status in The Netherlands, the global metal phenomenon became very popular and kids all over the country were channeling their ideas and aggression through an explosive (healthy) diet of horror and distortion. The net result was a period of extraordinary creativity and amazing musicianship which birthed a vibrant music scene, one which would grow into a movement which to this day is still revered around the world.
Although the Dutch Metal bands never received the same accolades as their British, American, Scandinavian, or German contemporaries, with hindsight it’s sound, characterised by a push for individuality, proved to be both unique and influential. The music became an important part of Dutch youth culture between the late 80s and mid 90s but, with the exception of a few local TV items, it has never really been fully documented, let alone treated with the respect it deserves. Mike and Jason’s goal, therefore, is to put together a compelling and revealing documentary that touches on many of the individuals who contributed to this vibrant and game-changing scene. We will be rifling through fanzines, diving into the tape-trading scene, and exploring the music, while also covering the gigs and art and celebrating both the iconic bands and unsung heroes who reared their ugly heads in those explosive times.
METAAL will be a full length documentary film consisting of exclusive new interviews with 100+ Dutch Metal bands, journalists, radio DJs, record label owners, fans and a host of other key players who were there during those exciting times. It will be flooded with never before seen live footage, newly discovered interviews, snippets of vintage TV items, videos and newly shot footage. Extra graphic contributions to the film will be made by amazing visual artists, Mark Riddick and Christophe Szpajdel. METAAL will eventually be produced in both physical and digital media.
About the makers:
Mike Redman is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, multidisciplinary artist and internationally renowned music producer, residing in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Jason Köhnen is a multi-disciplinary artist, former singer of the Dutch metal band Bluuurgh… and founding member and drummer of the doom outfit Celestial Season.
Special thanks to Mark Riddick for providing the artwork for the project. Visit his work at riddickart.com
Special thanks to Alex Milazzo of Heavy Musia Artwork for teaming up with us. Visit his work at heavymusicartwork.com
• WATCH THE TEASER•
Extreme Metal from The Netherworlds
The METAAL Documentary is reaching its final editing and post-production phase. What started out as a wild idea has turned into a mammoth task that has enabled us to make the deepest dive into this beautiful piece of Dutch cultural heritage. Apart from this huge task for a team of just two people we also had to fight through a 3 year pandemic, which as you may remember, kind of put everything into slow-motion for a while.
First of all we want to give a huge thanks to our Indiegogo contributors for their incredible patience and trust in us. Without your help we wouldn’t have been able to make this possible. The perks will be shipped as soon as the documentary is launched.
Regarding the perks we are extremely proud to announce that we will be collaborating with Heavy Music Artwork who will be taking charge of designing and releasing the METAAL book.
We are planning a limited compilation CD in collaboration with Time To Kill Records which will have a tracklist featuring the known and less known Ducth extreme metal bands from the ‘85 to ‘95 period.
By the way, did you know that ‘Metaal’ is the literal Dutch translation of Metal?
