Watch A Band Called Death

In the documentary A Band Called Death, filmmaker Mark Covino explores the story of a little-known yet influential Detroit punk rock band called Death. The documentary feature is co-directed and produced by his American colleague Jeff Howlett. The film serves as a tribute to the Hackney brothers, who at a time when Black musicians were seldom embraced by the rock scene, created a sound that predated the Ramones and the Sex Pistols, and ultimately paved the way for other Black punk and alternative bands.

The Hackney family, who grew up in Detroit, was musically inclined since their early days as kids in the 1960s. Their father was a preacher, and so gospel music resonated in the house, but as they grew older their musical interests diversified. In the documentary, the Hackney brothers Bobby, David, and Dannis, reminisce about their teenage years and how they came together to form a band. The name Death, which may seem controversial or ominous, actually came about from a conversation they had where they pondered on the afterlife.

Death's music is characterized by its raw, fast-paced energy and socially conscious themes, including anti-establishment sentiments, and the exploitation of the Black community. The fusing of these influences created a different sound that stood out in the 70s music scene, where Black musicians were expected to play R&B or funk. The documentary artfully captures old concert footage and the brothers' accounts of their experiences performing in different venues around Detroit, being turned down by record executives for their name, and criticisms they faced as a Black punk band.

The documentary is an excellent portrayal of the hardships and struggles that the Hackney family and their bandmates went through. The film is not just a history lesson about a band that almost made it through but fell short of commercial success. Rather it highlights the band's potential influence on rock music history and how their contributions have been overlooked in part due to the racial prejudices of the time. The documentary is thus a heartfelt exploration into the band's legacy and the Hackney family's journey.

The documentary also features interviews with record label executives, journalists, and musician Henry Rollins, who was instrumental in reintroducing Death to the public. The film illustrates the rough journey that the Hackneys faced and how they faced criticism and rejection from many quarters.
A Band Called Death portrays the story of a group of brothers who faced socioeconomic challenges and a music industry that refused to acknowledge them. The film also portrays the Hackney brothers' uncompromising nature, their determination, and their love of music.

In conclusion, A Band Called Death is a cinematic tribute to a groundbreaking act that influenced the rock genre in ways that have often been overlooked. The film is a powerful reminder of the challenges that many Black musicians have faced (and still face) when working in a predominantly white music industry. It is an inspiring story of triumph and determination, which resonates with audiences who appreciate unflinching passion and creativity in art. The fact that the story is true, and it has been so long in the making, makes it all the more exceptional. A Band Called Death is a must-see for fans of documentary films and rock music.

A Band Called Death is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 77.