"Walk in Hell With Me" (Local DVD review)

Brutal metal kings Lamb of God may just be the most famous band to ever come from Richmond, which is made clear within the first minute of this MTV-like documentary of their triumphant “Sacrament” world tour from two years ago ("Walk in Hell With Me"due out July 8). With two discs containing five hours of footage, disc one begins with a collage of international LOG concerts: huge, arena-sized crowds that prove demonic, growled metal is a global phenomenon. The band plays to 72,000 fans at one show alone in Europe.
“Sacrament” reached number eight on the Billboard charts and LOG was nominated for a Grammy during this whirlwind tour. The surprising commercial success seems to have helped them deal with interpersonal demons. There are no fistfights like in their last video, when drunken lead singer Randy Blythe forced guitarist Mark Morton into a bloody brawl. Instead, the members seem focused on a common goal: being the greatest live metal band in the world.
Somewhat predictably, director Doug Spangenberg sticks to light, backstage moments and bored, day-off shenanigans sandwiched between hard-hitting live footage. If you’re looking for insights into the scene, or the individual personalities, you’re out of luck—there’s not much digging or directorial perspective. Instead we get standard rock sightseeing and promotional chores: the band letting off steam shooting assault rifles in the desert, signing autographs after a memorable first gig in Japan, playing with bullwhips, bungee jumping, seeing the world as tourists. This is a document of the thralls of rising stardom, but the only real drama comes from dealing with the “Spinal Tap”-like mishaps that plague all big-time rock bands. Compare this film to a more artistic, probing rock tour documentary, like Robert Frank’s “Cocksucker Blues” (Rolling Stones, 1972--SEE YOU TUBE VIDEO BELOW) and you’ll see the huge potential missed. It would’ve been nice to have more than just a cursory glance at the fans and hanger-ons. In my experience, rock stars are less interesting the more they talk.
*In related LOG news: lead singer Randy Blythe will be making his film debut in the horror movie, “The Graves,” starring Tony Todd (“Candyman”), tentatively slated for this fall.