Through the Never (2013) - Surreal fantasty movie meets diversified metal concert - 8/10 (08/01/20)

Metallica's Through the Never was a commercial failure but is a very interesting movie that would have deserved more recognition. The movie revolves around a roadie who is sent on a mission to fuel a stranded truck in order to deliver a crucial item for a concert. While this mission sounds simple, the quiet protagonist named Trip gets caught in a violent confrontation between demonstrators and the police in downtown Vancouver. As if that weren't enough already, a mysterious black rider is hunting the roadie through town for mysterious reasons. Trip must fight for survival and deliver the item as quickly as possible.

About one third of the movie tells the story described above. It's a mysterious fantasy story that mixes actual locations with supernatural events. The story asks more questions than it answers. It actually offers some food for thought and is everything but conventional. Metallica certainly took a few risks here but intellectual and open-minded audiences will appreciate the experimental and surreal approach.

The other two thirds of this film show Metallica playing a show featuring songs from all their records except Load and St. Anger. The band offers fast-paced garage rock anthems such as ''Hit the Lights'', atmospheric epics like ''Master of Puppets'' and heartfelt ballads in the key of ''Nothing Else Matters''. The set list combines popular classics such as progressive thrash metal milestone ''One'' with overlooked fan favourites such as the experimental instrumental ''Orion''. New and old fans alike will appreciate the diversified and unique set list. As if the great music weren't enough, there are numerous interesting things happening on stage thanks to impressive special effects. The climax is certainly the crumbling of a gigantic statue of Greek goddess Themis during "...and Justice for All'' and the intense blackout that follows immediately after ''Enter Sandman''.

In conclusion, both the actual concert recorded in Edmonton and Vancouver as well as the mysterious side story are intriguingly connected in this experimental movie that shouldn't only fascinate thrash metal fans but also cinephiles who like to think outside the box. It wouldn't be exaggerated to compare Metallica's Through the Never to Pink Floyd's The Wall thirty-one years earlier. This movie is worth being watched over and over again and purchasing its diversified soundtrack is also highly recommended.