The Decline Of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years

"It's a wickedly straight-on peek into the Rock 'n' Roll subculture of Heavy Metal." – Michael Wilmington, Los Angeles Times

IT'S MORE THAN MUSIC. IT'S A WAY OF LIFE.

The second in Penelope Spheeris’ trilogy, The Metal Years takes a fast-paced look at the outrageous Heavy Metal scene of the late '80s. Set in Los Angeles, the film explores fascinating portraits of struggling musicians, fans and star-struck groupies. Featuring Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Poison and members of Aerosmith, Kiss, and Motorhead as well as performances by Megadeath, Faster Pussycat, Lizzy Borden, London, Odin and Seduce, this raucous and entertaining chapter also chronicles the lonely naiveté of the striving bands, the endless flow of alcohol and drugs and the relentless sexism.

Poignant, wistful, sad and insightful, it's a brilliant look at a unique and timeless genre of music. It's a historically significant time capsule and it has come to define a generation of music lovers. It is both an exposé and a fun, irreverent, indulgent, indescribably exciting ride. You shoulda lived it.