Metal Rock Films — the company behind the Inside Metal documentaries The Pioneers of LA Hard Rock & Metal and LA Metal Scene Explodes in 2016 — is releasing The Rise of LA Thrash Metal (Part One) on Jan. 19. The film, which will be available on DVD and major streaming outlets, examines the rise of thrash in Los Angeles during the ’80s and its subsequent evolution.
Directed by Bob Nalbandian, The Rise of LA Thrash Metal is narrated by Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson and features commentary from a few dozen musicians affiliated with such bands as Slayer, Testament, Anthrax, Armored Saint, Suicidal Tendencies, Prong and Diamond Head.
Now, Billboard is premiering an exclusive clip of Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich from the documentary. The segment shows Ulrich discussing “how punk rock and metal fans began to unite together at the early/mid-’80s thrash metal shows,” explains Nalbandian. “Prior to thrash metal, punk and metal fans were outright adversaries in Los Angeles, but the early thrash metal shows brought the two forces together to rebel against the popular glam-rock movement that was so prevalent in Los Angeles in the ’80s. Lars also talks about how Metallica’s early influence was definitely more metal than punk.”
Watch the clip below:
The Rise of LA Thrash Metal is available for preorder at Amazon.com. Its sequel, The Rise of LA Thrash Metal (Part Two), will arrive in March.