Is Metal really one of the most stereotyped, dismissed and condemned forms of music of the last 35 years? True metalhead's seem to think so.

Seeing the genre's surge of popularity in recent years, with the help of annual festival Ozzfest becoming more mainstream, newcombers may not clearly understand exactly how metal got to where it is today, which is exactly why this is the perfect time for a little Metalolgy 101.

Narrated by 30-year-old anthropologist and lifelong metal aficionado Sam Dunn, Metal: A Headbangers Journey takes a look at the evolution and various degrees of metal.

His begins with the age-old question: Who is the originator of heavy metal? While it may be impossible to ever clearly agree on one band, most agree Black Sabbath is indeed the first.

As Dunn treks around the world to examine commonly held misconceptions and the culture associated with the music, Dunn addresses a wide array of themes and connections to metal, such as sexuality, how dressing like women is actually a form of masculinity, religion, church burnings in Norway, violence and gore.

He also peppers the film with insightful analyses and commentaries from members of industry who are knowledgeable about metal including journalists, a musicologist veterans of the metal scene, including Ronnie James Dio, Bruce Dickinson, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and Vince Neil to name a few.

The documentary is a terrific starting point to gaining an understanding of what makes metal fans such a brotherhood. It intelligently discusses the differences between the major categories of metal and it may surprise you by how many sub-genres he identifies. The film is meant to show people that there's more to heavy metal then the stereotypes that have been given to the genre. It's a good insightful lesson for any fan of the genre and anyone looking to learn a little more.  

Grade: B