Tick Tock...

"What could possibly be on Cartoon Network at 1 in the morning? Adult cartoons?" Why, actually, yes. For those who don't know, Adult Swim is a programming block that showcases mature (i.e. - ages 18+, while still "suitable" for those as young as 14) from 10pm to 6am on weeknights and similar times on weekends. Around since 2001, the current programming on [as] includes Family Guy, Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

The topic of discussion today is the show Metalocalypse. As the name implies, it has something to do with metal. Acutally... it has everything to do with metal. The plot (if there is one) is centered around the inexplicably and unrealistically famous band Dethklok. The members include frontman Nathan Explosion, lead guitarist Skwisgaar Skwigelf, rhythm guitarist Toki Wartooth, bassist William Murderface, and drummer Pickles.

Episodes for Metalocalypse range from 11 to 22 minutes in length and are full of vulgar language, drug/alcohol use, intense violence and extreme black humor (frequently granting the show a TV-MA rating). The music is all original (scored by producer Brendon Small) and can vary between different genres of metal depending on the episode, but usually falls in the realm of melodic death metal.

Being "one-of-a-kind," the show has garnered a cult following and has become a franchise. The virtual band has even released two actual albums (The Dethalbum and Dethalbum II). Their impact can also be seen in popular culture: the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada wrote "Nickles Is Money, Too" after seeing a PSA of Pickles the drummer. Moreover, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock included a Dethklok song ("Bloodlines") in its main tracklist.

Metalocalypse and Dethklok aren't for everyone. If you want to gauge your acceptance, then check out the video below. (Cautionary Note: there is some language at the end). (Side Note: the mascot Facebones looks like Motörhead's mascot Snaggletooth).

"Bloodrocuted" by Dethklok

Taller than a tree,

Kelvin