Dark sonic youth: ‘Until the Light Takes Us’ doc explores Norwegian black metal scene

Metalheadz alert! This revealing documentary on the obscure but provocative Norwegian black metal music scene is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. No, Until the Light Takes Us is not unconscious self-parody in the style of Anvil; it’s a feature length film chronicling the history, ideology and aesthetic of a musical subculture infamous as much for a series of murders and church arsons as it is for its unique musical and visual aesthetics. Serious counter-culture business.

This is the first film to shed light on a movement that has been shrouded in darkness and rumor. Featuring exclusive interviews and spontaneous cinema verité moments with the musicians, Until the Light Takes Us explores every aspect of the controversial movement that captured the attention of the world in the early 1990s. This is a movie that gets inside the minds, hearts and dead souls of black metal’s musicians. Featuring: Gylve “Fenriz” Nagell, Varg Vikernes, Jan Axel “Hellhammer” Blomberg, Kjetil “Frost” Haraldstad, Ivar Bjornson, Abbath and Demonaz Doom Occulta, Kris “Garm” Rygg, Bjarne Melgaard, Harmony Korine, and more. The film, shot on 35 mm and digital video, is directed and produced by Audrey Ewell and Aaron Aites, who moved to Norway for two years to get the story from the inside out.

At the fabulous Burton Theatre, in the auditorium of the former Burton International School at Cass and Peterboro (3420 Cass Avenue), in Detroit’s Midtown. Free secured parking in former Chung’s lot north of the theatre. Screenings are at various times, Dec. 2-6. Go here for calendar.