Description
Metallica - Through The Never (Music From The Motion Picture) – Double Compact Discs
Metallica: Through the Never is a 2013 film that blends concert footage with a fictional narrative, offering a unique take on the concert film genre. Directed by Nimród Antal, the film features high-energy performances of some of Metallica’s biggest hits alongside a surreal storyline that follows the experiences of a roadie named Trip, played by Dane DeHaan. Combining the visual intensity of Metallica’s live shows with a gripping fictional journey, Through the Never offers a sensory experience that captures the raw power of Metallica’s music in a groundbreaking way.
The film is divided into two interwoven parts: Metallica’s live concert, filmed in 3D for an immersive effect, and the narrative storyline that unfolds in parallel. The concert footage was shot over several performances in Vancouver and Edmonton, where Metallica performed on an elaborate stage setup with pyrotechnics, intricate lighting, and larger-than-life props, creating a striking visual backdrop. The band plays some of their most iconic tracks, including “Creeping Death,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Fuel,” and “Enter Sandman.” The setlist is carefully curated to represent the energy and range of Metallica’s sound, from thrash metal anthems to slower, darker pieces.
Interwoven with the live concert is Trip’s story. Trip is a young roadie for Metallica who, during the concert, is dispatched on an urgent mission to retrieve an item for the band. As he ventures into the city, he encounters a series of surreal and increasingly perilous events, transforming his journey into a nightmarish quest. Through surreal imagery and intense action, Trip’s story offers a symbolic reflection of the themes often present in Metallica’s lyrics: chaos, rebellion, and survival against overwhelming odds. His journey grows more intense as he encounters violent street riots, confronts mysterious masked figures, and struggles to complete his mission, all set to the pounding soundtrack of Metallica’s music.
Metallica: Through the Never is visually ambitious, combining cutting-edge cinematography with a complex, multi-dimensional stage production. Filmed using state-of-the-art 3D cameras, the concert footage captures the raw energy of Metallica’s performance, allowing viewers to feel like they’re right in the midst of the crowd. The stage design was one of Metallica’s most elaborate setups, featuring props like a giant electric chair, Tesla coils, crosses reminiscent of their Master of Puppets album, and an actual “ride the lightning” electric chair that sparks during the show. The elaborate setup enhances the immersive nature of the film, combining heavy metal spectacle with an apocalyptic aesthetic.
The stage show also includes explosions, lighting effects, and intense visuals that sync with the music. The production crew meticulously coordinated these effects to provide a seamless experience, with the explosions and stage elements adding to the drama of both the concert and Trip’s parallel journey. Nimród Antal’s direction further amplifies the intensity, with fast cuts and dramatic close-ups that capture the physicality of Metallica’s performance and the tension of Trip’s adventure.
The storyline of Trip’s journey serves as more than just a backdrop; it acts as a symbolic exploration of themes frequently found in Metallica’s music. Trip’s descent into chaos, encounters with masked figures, and struggle to survive amid violence and destruction echo Metallica’s long-standing fascination with rebellion, existential dread, and the human psyche’s darker aspects. Trip’s quest, though seemingly simple, grows more surreal and intense, suggesting themes of perseverance and the fight against overwhelming odds—ideas central to the spirit of metal and reflective of Metallica’s own journey through personal and professional challenges.
Through the Never received mostly positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at its innovative approach to blending live music with a fictional narrative. The concert sequences were particularly well-received, with critics lauding the high production quality, intense energy, and immersive cinematography. Reviews of the storyline were more mixed; some critics felt that Trip’s journey added an engaging layer to the film, while others found it confusing or secondary to the concert experience. However, the visual ambition and concept were widely acknowledged as groundbreaking for a concert film, offering something fresh to both metal fans and cinema audiences alike.
For Metallica fans, Through the Never is a significant work, capturing the visceral experience of their live performances and merging it with a symbolic narrative that adds depth and intensity to the viewing experience. The film continues to stand out for its unique concept, high-quality production, and the way it encapsulates Metallica’s power and presence on stage. It offers a distinctive perspective on the band, allowing fans to witness their music in a visually immersive context that reflects the larger-than-life themes Metallica has explored throughout their career.
Blackened Records
2-Disc Set. 16 songs from Metallica’s entire career recorded live
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
The Ecstasy Of Gold
Creeping Death
For Whom The Bell Tolls
Fuel
Ride The Lightning
One
The Memory Remains
Wherever I May Roam
Cyanide
…And Justice For All
Master Of Puppets
Battery
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
Hit The Lights
Orion
