Metalocalypse (2006)
The darkly hilarious Adult Swim animated series that turned death metal into an apocalyptic global force — and made Dethklok terrifyingly real.
Metalocalypse - Series Information
- Original Title: Metalocalypse
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Created by: Brendon Small
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (16 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 62
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 6, 2006 (United States - TV-MA), August 6, 2006 (Canada - 18+), August 6, 2006 (United Kingdom - 18), August 6, 2006 (Germany - 12), August 6, 2006 (France - 18), August 6, 2006 (Australia - MA 15+), August 6, 2006 (Mexico - C), August 6, 2006 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: Adult Swim
- Alternative Titles: Металлопокалипсис (RU)
- Production Companies: Williams Street, Titmouse
- Production Countries: United States of America
Metalocalypse - Plot
Part-American, part-Scandinavian death-metal band Dethklok has a lingering effect on its fans, who take the words seriously and do anything Dethklok lyrics say. The government fears the band's influence and sets out to destroy it by covert means; for example, by sending military pharmaceutical psychotropic drug manufacturers. Deemed sociopaths for tossing hot coffee at their concert attendees, two of the band members are alcoholics, and they all have self-esteem issues.
Metalocalypse - Trailer
Watch the official Metalocalypse trailer and see Dethklok's brutal world in action.
Where to Watch Metalocalypse
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Metalocalypse - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Brendon Small
Main Cast
- Mark Hamill
- Victor Brandt
- Brendon Small
- Tommy Blacha
- Malcolm McDowell
- Laraine Newman
- George Fisher
- James Hetfield
- King Diamond
- Kirk Hammett
Writers
- Brendon Small
- Tommy Blacha
- Janine Ditullio
- Dani Vetere
- Kristofor Brown
Executive Producers
- Tommy Blacha
- Keith Crofford
Metalocalypse - FAQs
Did Brendon Small actually perform all the music in Metalocalypse?
Brendon Small wrote, performed, and recorded virtually all of Dethklok's music himself, playing guitar, bass, and handling vocals. He later released the music as actual studio albums under the Dethklok name, with drummer Gene Hoglan joining for the recordings — turning a cartoon band into a real touring act.
Why was Metalocalypse cancelled after Season 4?
Adult Swim declined to greenlight a fifth season despite strong fan support, leaving the story unresolved. Brendon Small later addressed the cliffhanger with the 2023 animated film Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar, which served as a feature-length finale wrapping up the series' overarching narrative.
Where can you stream Metalocalypse right now?
Metalocalypse is available to stream for free on Adult Swim and Spectrum On Demand. If you prefer to own it, all seasons can be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Is Metalocalypse based on a true story or real band?
Dethklok is entirely fictional, though creator Brendon Small drew heavily from real death-metal culture, band dynamics, and genre tropes. The show features genuine metal legends like James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica and King Diamond in guest voice roles, lending it authentic credibility within the metal community.
How many seasons and episodes does Metalocalypse have?
Metalocalypse ran for four seasons totalling 62 episodes. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 20 episodes, Season 3 had 10, and Season 4 wrapped up with 12. The series aired on Adult Swim from 2006 to 2012.
What is Metalocalypse actually about?
The show follows Dethklok, a fictional death-metal band so absurdly popular that world governments fear their cultural influence. Equal parts brutal and ridiculous, it blends dark comedy with surprisingly sharp music satire, following the band's catastrophic misadventures while shadowy forces conspire to bring them down.
Who are the main voice actors in Metalocalypse?
Creator Brendon Small voices Skwisgaar Skwigelf and Pickles the Drummer, while Tommy Blacha voices Toki Wartooth and William Murderface. Mark Hamill plays Senator Stampingston, Malcolm McDowell voices Vater Orlaag, and metal icons James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and King Diamond appear in guest roles.
What shows are similar to Metalocalypse?
Fans of Metalocalypse often enjoy Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head for its music-obsessed humor, Helluva Boss for its adult animated irreverence, and Detroit Metal City for its sharp metal-genre parody. Mr. Pickles and Aggressive Retsuko also share that darkly comedic, subculture-skewering sensibility.
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