A still from Once Upon A Time In Norway

It’s the story of this bizarre band, a sub culture and a genre of music that forms the subject of two black metal documentaries that will be shown at the Hive this Tuesday. Once Upon A Time In Norway (2007), directed by Martin Ledang, talks of the rise and fall of Mayhem; Satan Rides the Media (1998), directed by journalist Torstein Grude, covers the controversy around Vikernes, also linked to a series of arson attacks, including the burning down of Catholic churches in the 1990s in Norway.

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A still from Satan Rides the Media

Though black metal’s roots can be traced back to Switzerland and London, it’s Norway that was the mothership,” says curator Saurabh Mistry. “Though never considered mainstream, it has a cult following. It’s like theatre really, with stage props and wild antics, and has connections to the occult. But, it’s not just about the crime and violence. Most metal music is a revolt against the way the world works — it questions things.”

It’s a way o f life though, especially for metal heads, who are considered the most fanatic of music lovers. “While Once Upon a Time in Norway doesn’t capture exact details about Mayhem, I think it does give a fair portrayal of the essence of a black metal band’s lifestyle,” says metal head Amyn Patel, also a Mayhem fan. “These movies are about a sub-genre of music that keeps us going, and gets us out of bed every day. Black metal is essentially a means of rebellion and an expression of frustration. Though I don’t support the arson and violence, Mayhem was a symptom of the world we live in.”

Yet, the movies aren’t just for the metal heads. Come in if you are curious about the metal “scene”. Listen in, Mistry says. “They are asking some important questions. Are we actually living in a matrix? Keep an open mind.”