Lords of Chaos Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of Norwegian teens discover that corpse paint and arson are surprisingly effective marketing tools for their metal band, until someone takes the ‘evil’ aesthetic a little too seriously and things get stabby.

🍿 Lords of Chaos: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Birth of Mayhem

The film begins in Oslo, 1987, where teenager Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth) aspires to create ‘true Norwegian black metal’ with his band Mayhem. Early scenes depict the formation of the band and their initial attempts to shock and gain notoriety. Euronymous’s ambition drives the band to embrace increasingly extreme imagery and performances.

The Arrival of Dead

The arrival of Pelle ‘Dead’ Ohlin as the band’s vocalist significantly alters Mayhem’s trajectory. Dead’s fascination with death and self-destructive tendencies intensify the band’s image. His disturbing stage presence, including self-mutilation, shocks audiences and solidifies Mayhem’s reputation for extremity.

Tragedy Strikes: Dead’s Suicide

Dead’s mental health deteriorates, leading to his tragic suicide. Euronymous’s reaction to Dead’s death is controversial, as he takes photos of the body and uses them for publicity. This event further strains relationships within the band and sets the stage for future conflicts.

The Rise of Varg Vikernes

Kristian ‘Varg’ Vikernes, a fan-turned-associate, enters the scene, eager to prove his dedication to black metal. Varg’s extremist views and actions, including church arsons, escalate the group’s activities. A power struggle emerges between Euronymous and Varg, fueled by differing ideologies and egos.

Escalation and Violence

The conflict between Euronymous and Varg intensifies, leading to threats and escalating violence. Tensions reach a boiling point, culminating in a confrontation that leads to Euronymous’s murder at the hands of Varg. The film portrays the brutal nature of the crime and its aftermath.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Euronymous (Rory Culkin): A 17-year-old determined to create ‘true Norwegian black metal,’ whose ambition leads to a dangerous blurring of reality and performance.
• Kristian ‘Varg’ Vikernes (Emory Cohen): An initially awkward fan who becomes a central figure in the Black Circle, challenging Euronymous’s leadership and pushing the scene toward violent extremism.
• Pelle ‘Dead’ Ohlin (Jack Kilmer): Mayhem’s troubled and morbid singer, whose obsession with death contributes to the band’s extreme image and ultimately leads to his tragic suicide.
• Ann-Marit (Sky Ferreira): A fictionalized groupie who gets entangled in the black metal scene, offering a glimpse into the social dynamics and misogyny within the circle.
• Bård Guldvik ‘Faust’ Eithun (Valter Skarsgård): A key member of the Black Circle who commits a violent act, highlighting the real-world consequences of the group’s descent into extremism.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Euronymous: “You know, there’s a way out if you’re so fucking depressed. One shot to the head and it’s all over. No more pain.” – Euronymous says this while standing over Dead with a shotgun, foreshadowing Dead’s suicide.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $253,184
• Worldwide Gross: $365,353

💥 Lords of Chaos Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Lords of Chaos’ was a wild ride! I went in expecting just a gory shock-fest, but I was genuinely surprised by how much the movie got under my skin. The suicide scene was incredibly intense and difficult to watch. The movie’s blend of dark humor and brutal violence was jarring, but it worked. I found myself both laughing and horrified, making it an unforgettable movie experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of music biopics”
  • “Viewers interested in true crime stories”
  • “Those fascinated by subcultures and extremism”
  • “People who enjoy dark and transgressive films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Depictions of self-harm”
  • “Hate crime depictions”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “This horror movie starring Rory Culkin is rock n’ roll at its darkest and most disturbing, delving into the chaotic origins of Norwegian Black Metal with a raw and unflinching intensity. Culkin delivers a captivating performance, making it a must-watch for fans of extreme cinema.
• IMDb User Review: “Darkly funny and brutal, ‘Lords of Chaos’ humanizes the infamous figures of the Black Circle, offering an understanding of how youthful rebellion spiraled into shocking violence. Rory Culkin and Emory Cohen are amazing, creating a film that balances intense moments with unexpected humor. Highly recommended.
• IMDb User Review: “As a metalhead, I found ‘Lords of Chaos’ a tongue-in-cheek look at the personalities behind the birth of black metal, not just a sensationalized retelling of crimes. The film offers insight into the characters, portraying them as flawed and rebellious teenagers, rather than purely evil figures, which is both fascinating and disturbing.

Audience Reactions

The raw, unflinching portrayal of violence and self-destruction resonated with many viewers.: Fans appreciated the movie’s ability to blend dark humor with the grim reality of the events.

Rory Culkin’s performance as Euronymous was consistently praised as a standout.: Viewers found the movie to be a fascinating, albeit disturbing, look into the early Norwegian black metal scene.

Overall Consensus: A controversial and disturbing film that polarizes viewers due to its graphic violence and historical inaccuracies, but it’s praised for strong performances and a darkly humorous tone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Anders Ohlin, brother of Pelle ‘Dead’ Ohlin, supported the film and provided a pair of Pelle’s original jeans for Jack Kilmer to wear. All other clothing was designed from scratch.”
• “The US theatrical and DVD releases were cut for an R rating, toning down the gory violence, but an unrated ‘director’s cut’ version is available on Blu-ray.”

🖥️ How to Watch Lords of Chaos?

Lords of Chaos is available for streaming on various platforms including Shudder and AMC+. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lords of Chaos, you might like these similar films:

• Spinal Tap (1984): A mockumentary about a fictional heavy metal band, offering a comedic and satirical look at the rock music scene.
• Almost Famous (2000): Explores the rock music scene of the 1970s through the eyes of a young journalist, capturing the energy and chaos of the era.

🛒 Lords of Chaos Related Products

• Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground: The book that inspired the movie, diving deeper into the controversial history of the Norwegian black metal scene.
• Mayhem – De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (CD): Mayhem’s seminal album, featuring Attila Csihar, a key figure in the black metal scene and depicted in the movie, on vocals.
• Burzum T-Shirt: A t-shirt featuring the logo of Burzum, Varg Vikernes’s project, allowing fans to show their appreciation for the band.
• Darkthrone – Transilvanian Hunger Vinyl: Iconic album from Darkthrone, a band heavily associated with the Norwegian black metal scene portrayed in the movie, capturing the essence of the era.

🎧 Soundtrack

Lords of Chaos features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Freezing Moon” – performed by Mayhem
• “Suicidal Wings” – performed by Thomas Gabriel

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CRADLE OF FILTH On The Story Behind “Jesus..” Shirt, Lords Of Chaos Film and More | Metal Injection

Ever wondered what Dani Filth thinks about ‘Lords of Chaos’? He dives into the film’s portrayal of the black metal scene and gives his unfiltered thoughts – you might be surprised by what he has to say!

Was LORDS OF CHAOS really that BAD?

Thinking about watching ‘Lords of Chaos’ but not sure if it’s worth your time? This video breaks down the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of the movie – a must-watch before you press play!

Interview with Ihsahn from EMPEROR at Hellfest19 Thoughts on New album + Lord of chaos movie

Want to know what someone who actually *lived* the Norwegian black metal scene thinks of ‘Lords of Chaos’? Ihsahn from Emperor gives his honest take, and it’s definitely an opinion worth hearing!

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