Black metal lovers not so thrilled with the teeny-bopper film version of book Lords of Chaos may yet get their celluloid fix with documentary Until the Light Takes Us (trailer after the jump). As the film’s official website (via Paste) explains, it not only recounts the history of black metal, it “goes behind the highly sensationalized media reports of ‘Satanists running amok in Europe’ to examine the complex and largely misunderstood principals and beliefs that led to this rebellion against both Christianity and modern culture.”
Directors Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell used a tried and true method of documentary filmmaking, relocating to Norway to observe the musicians in their natural habitat for several years, “building relationships that allowed them to create a surprisingly intimate portrait of this violent, but ultimately misunderstood, movement.” By way of comparison, it’s like the Dig! of the Norwegian black metal scene.
The film features appearances by an all-star cast, including the infamous Varg Vikernes, Mayhem’s Jan Axel “Hellhammer” Blomberg, former Emperor drummer Bård “Faust” Eithun, Darkthrone’s Gylve “Fenriz” Nagell, and… Harmony Korine? Okay, I’m sure it will make sense in the theatre. As one could easily deduce, the documentary will include a hefty sampling of black metal fare: music by Ulver, Burzum, Darkthrone, Enslaved, Gorgoroth, Mayhem and more is included.
UtLTU opens in New York on December 4 and Los Angeles on December 11, with a smattering of other cities here and there (click here for more listings). Maybe you’ll see me there, in my ancient, tattered Emperor shirt.