Let me preface this review by saying I'm not really into Black Metal. Not that I have anything against the genre; I'd just never really bothered to listen. The gravel- throated lyrics and turbo-riffs all sorta sound the same. That said, I have to confess these insane bastards from the U.K. impressed me - and I'm not really sure why. Maybe it's because, deep down, they're regular blokes who know all those lyrics about satanic bestial necro butt-sex are really kinda funny.

This disc is touted by the decade-old Goth/metal group as their first full-length DVD venture, but it looks like anything but a freshman exercise. It's mainly comprised of live performance footage, with a grab-bag of other oddities compiled under the auspices of frontman Dani Filth - who comes across as dangerously charming in his brief host segments (my wife dubs him "creepy-sexy-freaky-hot"). The resulting package is good dirty fun from start to finish, and depicts a group of real pros at the height of their craft.

The guts of this disc consist of 74 minutes from the band's Easter 2001 concert in Nottingham. It's a feverish, balls-out set, with Dani's unbelievably twisted vocals guiding you through eleven doom-filled cuts. Frankly, I'd expected more ghoulish theatrics, but the background action is relatively subdued - save for a couple of stilt-walking devil-girls and a Grand Guignol climax.

Among the cryptically-titled but otherwise easy-to- navigate features are some music videos, including two versions of "Scorched Earth Erotica," which sort of doubles as a promo for SOV splatter epic Cradle of Fear (see review). This track is accompanied by a montage of highlights from the film, with the "Very Nasty Version" supplying a more generous helping of spurting blood and perky English breasts. Of course, a more "official" COF trailer, including weblink, is also provided. Other niceties include a slideshow of Giger-inspired promotional art, links to assorted website goodies, and a short called "The Blair Twit Project" (which is exactly what you'd expect, only stupider).

Oh, and there's an Easter Egg too, but don't go hunting for it. That is, unless you enjoy pondering all the wonderful stunts a chap can do with his penis piercing. (I'm still having sympathy pains.) Just don't go there. You'll thank me.

By far, the high point of the disc for me was the 58- minute "Sifting Through Filth: A Schlockumentary." Directed by band chronicler and drinking buddy Alex Chandon (who also helmed Cradle of Fear), this brain-fart stream of consciousness documents the hilarious exploits of "The World's Stinkiest Band," disarming any fears I may have had concerning uber-serious Black Metal pretentiousness.

The film's first image - Chandon drooling lager all over his shirt - pretty much sums up this film's attitude. I could almost smell beer-farts and day-old bongwater as I was treated to scene after scene of the guys stumbling, mumbling, mugging and chugging - in pubs, planes, buses, you name it - and ransacking hotel rooms Keith Moon-style. Other noteworthy antics include the classic "I'll give you a fiver if you eat that bug" routine, which climaxes in one band member snarfing up a full ashtray, with the expected gastric result. (Did I mention there are no less than three separate scenes of projectile vomiting?) Chandon actively participates in the fun; his occasional attempts to interview Dani at home don't really go anywhere, so he at one point decides to strip to the waist, chase a herd of horrified sheep, and basically truck like the Doo Dah Man. His mischief continues into the editing bay, revealing his fondness for repeating any shot in which someone makes a goofy noise or face. It happens a lot.

I can't honestly say this disc has made me a complete Filthmonger - I'm not about to order their entire back catalog just yet - but I admit I've come away with a new admiration for their devilishly clever self-promotion. Fans of extreme horror (like myself) and kinky, fetish-lovin' freaks (again, myself) might want to take a dive with the mosh-pit maniacs and give this one a spin.