Review of As the Palaces Burn (2014) by Thedrauch — 27 Nov 2014

One of the most surprisingly effective docs of the year, by a wide margin. One of the greatest accomplishments of As the Palaces Burn is the way that it simultaneously introduces the band to those (like myself) unaware of their existence, while integrating the intricate, fascinating, and emotionally gripping legal battle that takes place for the majority of the second and third acts, all without leaving one aspect feeling lackluster or unnecessary in comparison to each other.

Randy Blythe is slowly revealed to be a courageous man, one whose exoneration feels hard won and triumphant after an exceptionally well-staged build of tension. I'm actually glad I was in the dark going in.

It left the entire experience, from start to finish, very engaging. There isn't a particular achilles-heel to As the Palaces Burn. What faults there are are slight. The finale feels like it's searching for a way to conclude with the court case in a way that ties everything together full circle, only finding a somewhat wholesome ending.

There are times that, while still engaging, the plot can feel a tad redundant, but the film still clocks in at a sharp 90-minutes. Definitely check this one out. It's a blend of Anvil! The Story of Anvil! and Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory.