What is it? Back for a second season, "Metalocalypse" is the nihilistic, bloody, but ultimately silly toon about Dethklok, a fictitious death metal band so popular their album sales can affect the world's economy. (Which is ironic, given that some of the guys in the band are so clueless that they probably couldn't spell “economy.”)
Liner notes: Co-creator Brendon Small ("Home Movies") is the voice of singer Nathan Explosion, drummer Pickles and lead guitarist Skwisgaar Skwigelf, while his partner in crime, co-creator Tommy Blacha ("Andy Richter Controls the Universe"), does the voices of rhythm guitarist Toki Wartooth and bassist William Murderface. Voicing various members of the Tribunal, the cabal of government and military officials who keep an eye on the band and their geopolitical implications, are Mark Hamill ("Star Wars") and Malcolm McDowell ("Heroes").
What rocks: The show's writers really know their metal, and much of the rock humor rings as true as "This is Spïnal Tap." That is, if the Tap were so popular that they could kill people at will and get away with it…
What blows: While the show is often spot-on, it's not as funny as fellow—and far more surreal—Adult Swim offerings such as "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" or "Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law." It also doesn’t have an umlaut in the title.
The verdict: If you love metal, hate metal, or are just tired of watching dance-centric reality competition programs, "Metalocalypse" won't disappoint.
“Metalocalypse” premieres Sunday, May 18 at 12 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network.
