Watch Get Thrashed

Get Thrashed is a documentary film released in 2006 that explores the evolution and impact of thrash metal music. The film is directed and produced by Rick Ernst and includes interviews with some of the biggest names in thrash metal. The movie begins by tracing the origins of thrash metal back to the 1980s in both the Bay Area of California and the East Coast of the United States. The filmmakers explore the connection between punk rock and metal and explain how thrash metal emerged as a reaction to the more commercialized and polished sound of heavy metal at the time.

The narrative of Get Thrashed is built around interviews with musicians, including members of Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Anthrax, Megadeth, Overkill, Testament, and many others. These interviews are interspersed with archival footage and live concert footage, which transports the audience back to the heyday of thrash metal.

The filmmakers also trace the impact of thrash metal on popular culture and music. They explore the influence of bands like Metallica on genres beyond metal, such as grunge and alternative rock. They also examine the ways in which thrash metal pushed the boundaries of what was possible in heavy metal and paved the way for the more extreme genres that followed, like death metal and black metal.

Throughout the film, the interviews with the musicians are candid and insightful. The filmmakers do a great job of capturing the personalities of each musician and conveying the passion they have for their craft. Whether discussing the ups and downs of touring, the creative process behind album production, or the state of the music industry, the musicians in Get Thrashed offer valuable insights into the world of thrash metal.

The filmmakers also use the movie to explore the social and political context that thrash metal emerged in. They show how thrash metal provided a voice for disaffected youth who identified with the nihilistic lyrics and aggressive sound. They also examine the ways in which the music was shaped by the political and economic turmoil of the 1980s, including the Cold War, the Reagan administration, and the rise of corporate culture.

One of the most interesting aspects of Get Thrashed is the way in which it shows the interconnectedness of the thrash metal scene. The filmmakers highlight the ways in which the members of different bands were friends and collaborators, and how the creativity and energy of the scene was fueled by this sense of community. They also show how the camaraderie and mutual support of the musicians helped them to weather the often tumultuous nature of the music industry.

The movie concludes by discussing the legacy of thrash metal and its continued relevance to contemporary music. They argue that the uncompromising spirit of the music is more important than ever in an era of polished and commercialized pop culture. They also show how many newer bands continue to draw inspiration from thrash metal, illustrating the continued importance of this genre.

Overall, Get Thrashed is an informative and entertaining documentary that provides a comprehensive look at the history and impact of thrash metal. The filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the energy and intensity of the music, and the interviews with the musicians are insightful and engaging. Whether you're a fan of thrash metal or just interested in the history of heavy metal music, Get Thrashed is definitely worth checking out.

Get Thrashed is a 2007 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.