Watch Dead Hands Dig Deep

Dead Hands Dig Deep is a 2016 American documentary film that tells the story of Edwin Borsheim, the former frontman of the death metal band Kettle Cadaver. Directed by Jai Love, the movie takes an up-close, unflinching look at a man who is equal parts artist and madman. Through interviews, concert footage, and unsettling glimpses into Borsheim's personal life, the movie asks questions about the nature of creativity, obsession, and self-destruction.

Borsheim's story is a fascinating one, equal parts inspiring and terrifying. A troubled youth, he turned to music early on as a way to cope with his demons. With Kettle Cadaver, he created something truly unique – a mixture of grindcore, death metal, and performance art that shocked audiences and won critical acclaim in the underground music scene.

But Borsheim was never one to rest on his laurels. He constantly pushed himself and his bandmates to explore new extremes, both musically and theatrically. As the movie shows, this often came at a great personal cost. Borsheim's lyrics were often graphic and disturbing, touching on themes of violence, perversion, and self-harm. In concert, he would often mutilate himself on stage, using a variety of crude tools and props to create a visceral, unsettling atmosphere.

But it wasn't just showmanship. As the movie reveals, Borsheim struggled with mental illness throughout his career. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, OCD, and borderline personality disorder, and often turned to drugs and alcohol to numb his pain. The movie doesn't shy away from these issues – in fact, it's quite the opposite. Love's camera captures Borsheim at his most raw and vulnerable, both in concert and in intimate moments with those closest to him.

Yet, as much as the movie is about Borsheim himself, it's also about his music. Through interviews with fellow musicians, fans, and industry insiders, Dead Hands Dig Deep paints a picture of a man whose art was ahead of its time. Kettle Cadaver may not have achieved mainstream success, but their influence can be seen in countless bands today.

In this sense, the movie is not just a portrait of an artist, but a tribute to a subculture. The underground music scene may not be for everyone, but it's a vital part of our cultural landscape. Dead Hands Dig Deep captures that spirit, showcasing not just Borsheim's genius, but the talents of the many musicians, producers, and fans who helped make Kettle Cadaver what it was.

One of the most striking things about the movie is its visual style. Shot on grainy VHS tape, it has a gritty, DIY feel that perfectly captures the raw energy of the music. Love also employs a variety of editing techniques – jump cuts, slow motion, multi-screen – to create a collage-like effect that matches the disorienting nature of Kettle Cadaver's music.

At the same time, the movie is not without its flaws. At times, it feels hagiographic, painting Borsheim as a tortured genius whose struggles were necessary for his art. And while the movie is certainly disturbing, it's not always clear what its message is. Is it a cautionary tale about the dangers of mental illness and drug addiction? Or is it a celebration of the power of art to transform and transcend? Perhaps it's both.

Ultimately, Dead Hands Dig Deep is a movie that can't be easily dismissed or forgotten. It's a bold, unflinching look at a man whose music and life were both characterized by extremes. Whether you're a fan of Kettle Cadaver or not, it's a movie that will leave an impression – for better or worse.