This episode of Sam Dunn’s documentary series on the history of Metal Music was initially omitted, but was brought to life after the series had aired due to an IndieGoGo campaign which demanded a light be shined on the darkest, most experimental recesses of the genre. The catch-all term ‘Extreme Metal’ refers to a plethora of styles and techniques, all of which aim to push the genre to its furthest edges, via the exploration of intensity and technology.

Only so much can be discussed in an hour long documentary from 2016, and thus the documentary covers the most recognisable digressions from the Heavy Metal canon- predating some of the exceptional crossover work of recent years. Despite its brevity, the documentary gives a fascinating insight into not only the history of guitar-centric Extreme Music, but also the sociological factor which it pertains: under what circumstances is something no longer extreme? And what musicological factors drive artists and fans to both seek and appreciate abject sonics?