Deathgasm DVD Review

Director: Jason Lei Howden

Cast: Milo Cawthorne, James Blake, Kimberley Crossman

Certificate: 15

For years heavy metal music and the horror genre have been intrinsically linked. Now comes Deathgasm, a movie which finally unites both in an innovative and completely bonkers way.

Deathgasm screened at last year’s Frightfest and was one of the biggest audience pleasers. Set in New Zealand, the tale follows new kid Brodie (Cawthorne) as he unknowingly unleashes all manners of Hell on his sleepy village. Chaos ensures after Brodie and his newly formed metal band perform The Black Prayer, a sheet of music straight from the occult. Played with its tongue firmly in cheek Deathgasm feels very much like Shaun of the Dead with rock music, it even has ice cream.

With demons being dispatched by all manner of items, including both a dildo and anal beads (yes you read that right), Deathgasm can be a little crude in places. It’s also a blood drenched affair, so much so that it’s surprising that the lead cast’s skin hasn’t been forever tinted red.

In addition to all of the skull-shattering violence the film deals with themes of friendship, young love, betrayal and the hardships of being a teenage outcast. Howden has been quite vocal that the film was inspired by his own tumultuous teen years and some elements are clearly a way for him to exorcise some pent-up emotions. These scenes play well, let’s face it who doesn’t like seeing a bully get their comeuppance?

Sadly it’s not going to do anything to change the stereotype of ‘metal heads’ (angry and awkward) but it is a Hell of a lot of fun. There are no bonus features included on the disc, though given that the film was completed in just 20 days isn’t surprising. Deathgasm is best watched with the volume cranked up to eleven.

Deathgasm is released now on DVD everywhere and Blu-Ray exclusively through Zavvi.