Get Thrashed

Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal

Directed by: Rick Ernst

Rating: 4 out of 4 Pentagrams 

 Reviewed by: Jeff Deth

All of our thrash prayers have been answered in the form of this incredible documentary. With appetites being only faintly wet from Metal: A Headbangers Journey, Get Thrashed gives a pinpoint focus on this one very important genre. This is no cursory overview of the thrash scene that only touches on the “Big 4”. Up until this point that’s the best that could be hoped for regarding any story-telling having to do with the history of metal. That’s finally been squashed here as Ernst has pulled out all the stops To deliver the absolute best film investigating the bands, places and time when thrash ruled the world.

The film is a linear story that begins during the early 80’s and takes us through the grunge era of the early 90’s.

Every major and most minor bands are covered to varying lengths. Obviously the Big 4 gets the most coverage due to their impact, popularity and longevity. That’s not a bad thing; no thrash documentary would be authoritative without them. What sets this film apart is the attention other pivotal bands like Exodus, Testament and suicidal Tendencies get.

All the significant geographical scenes get covered from the infamous Bay Area to New York, Germany and even South America. The coolest thing from a fan perspective is the boatload of rare footage and archival materials included. Ernst took many years to compile interviews from tons of bands and key players past and present.

Former Overkill drummer, Rat Skates contributed a great deal of material in addition to animating all the graphics for the film. This is clearly a film crafted and designed by die-hard fans. In another sense though, they let the bands themselves create the story by being the providers of information.

Both classic thrash bands as well as current bands influenced by them are represented. There’s a bunch of great stories and history that gets laid down. My only criticism would be that there are so many bands

To talk about that true justice to each one could not be done. I would have given more time to some and less than others but I gladly accept the end result regardless. 

The bonus disc answered any disappointment I had over obscure bands going unmentioned. Just about every band I’ve ever heard of or own a record by gets their props via the extras.

As far as the DVD package, it couldn’t be much better. Not only do we get a 100-minute documentary, the bonus disc provides about another 90 minutes of bonus footage.

Overall this is a must own for general metal enthusiasts as well as the hardcore thrashers.