Watch As The Palaces Burn

As The Palaces Burn is a documentary film that follows the journey of the heavy metal band, Lamb of God, during their 2012 tour. Directed by Don Argott, the film captures the highs and lows of the band's tour, their performances, and their interactions with their fans. The film is unique in that it started as a documentary about the band's fan base in countries like Colombia, India, and Israel. However, the film takes a dramatic turn when Randy Blythe, the band's lead singer, is accused of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a fan during a performance in Prague in 2010. What was supposed to be a celebration of heavy metal music around the globe quickly turned into a legal battle that had the potential to destroy the band's career.

The film begins with Lamb of God's rise to fame in the early 2000s and their journey to become one of the biggest names in heavy metal. Through interviews with the band members, their friends, and their fans, the film explores the band's music, their creative process, and their unique sound that has gained them a significant following around the world.

As the tour progresses, the film takes a darker turn when Randy Blythe is arrested upon arrival in Prague on suspicions of manslaughter. The rest of the film focuses on the legal battle that ensues as the band tries to get Randy released and cleared of all charges.

The film's strength lies in its ability to capture the raw emotions of the band members as they deal with the unexpected turn of events. The audience can feel the tension and anxiety that the band feels as they try to navigate a legal system in a foreign country while still maintaining their commitment to their music and their fans. The film also does an excellent job of showing the passion and dedication of the band's fan base, who rallied behind Randy and the band during their trial.

The documentary is not just a story about a rock band, but it is also a story about the essence of heavy metal music and the community it creates. The film celebrates the power of music to bring people together across cultures, languages, and borders. It demonstrates how Lamb of God's music has provided a voice for those who feel marginalized or unheard in their own societies.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy. The concert footage captures the energy and intensity of Lamb of God's performances, providing a sense of what it is like to see the band live. The documentary also features stunning shots of the band's fans in Colombia, India, and Israel, showcasing the diversity of the band's fan base and the global reach of heavy metal music.

In summary, As The Palaces Burn is a gripping documentary that tells the story of a band's journey and their fans' passion for their music. It shows how music can unite people around the world and highlights the struggle for justice in a foreign country. While the film will appeal to fans of heavy metal, it is also a compelling story for anyone interested in the power of music and the human spirit.

As The Palaces Burn is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 80.