Wow. I had no idea that Jeff from Leviathan was the skater on the cover of the Skate or Die 2 video game. You learn something new every day.

Scott of Xasthur seems to have some serious issues, but at the same time he is such a great musician. Often the most twisted minds are the most creative and interesting ones.

12:43 "what appeals to you about coming here?" "it's close to absolute quiet." *children screaming and hitting each other with sticks*

Now THIS is a damn documentary. Amazing research, respectful and dedicated interviewer. Not the same "burning churches muh Varg" like 30 other documentaries with disinterested managers.

Loving that Xasthur is walking around with a backwards Kings hat. Bucking that stigma within circles that if you're into metal you HAVE to look the part 24/7.

Xasthur scares the shit outta me. Striborg seems like the average Aussie and whitehead seems like a stoner (a chill stoner) but xasthur is fucking giving me chills. He's just like his music in a way I guess you can say

"I don't see any worth in a lot of people. I find human beings most of the time to be very arrogant with nothing to be arrogant about. In the back of my mind, I'm always trying to think of ways to knock them off their high high horse if I could." That was beautifully well put.

Love how this series is filmed in black and white. Brings a real feel to it.

I was on a soccer team called the Darth Vaders TRVE KVLT

Thanks! We do this for you!

That dude from Xasthur is heavily depressed and has evident social anxiety. Feel bad for him in a sense, but then again. Grateful. Some of his music s dope

love to see a 10 year on follow up , but still showing that can thro down and record an album on your own

13:35 “human beings are arrogant with nothing to be arrogant about.” Hits the nail on the head

I can relate to xasthur too much

The trve source of all the despair - 10:48

they should make a movie about the life of Xasthur

we keep seeing all of these shots of how many albums these three guys own, i wish the interviewer would have at least asked them which albums they thought most important for us fellow enthusiasts and/or artists to hear, amirate??

Both Leviathan and Xasthur did vocals on Sunn O))`s Black One

It’s kinda sad the camera guy keeps going for these shots of the scars on Scott’s arms, but cause of the lighting and B&W film, can’t get them in high contrast till the end when he’s lighting a smoke in the park in daylight. But they included like, the 4 close-up attempts at the shot anyway in editing.

The host got that Charles Manson look on point.

Scott Connor in public looks like he's about to bust out a freestyle rap

the interviewer makes me laugh. "so like, whats wrong with you?"

Fascinating yes, but Scott is a rare beast man, he is everything that makes a perfect artist, haunted, tortured, misunderstood, incapable of understanding society or even his surroundings, hyper-intelligent, incredibly musically gifted, and his arms bear the marks of the pain he has inside... it's rare for an artist to be SO 'hardcore' and yet being unable to identify with his own credibility. In my honest opinion, he is the ONE artist that understands what true black metal is about....

I love black metal and although I don't agree with a lot of views that these people have I do have to say that I do admire them for being so open about how they think and feel. I think being a musician in this genre is one of the most unappreciative jobs you can have in this industry and its a nice change to see the people behind this awesome and emotional music.

Striborg's album collection is amazing. I'd love to see what kind of gems are in it.

I think the atmosphere of forests together with Black Metal will never pass... I like this heavily overgrown Tasmanian forest where Sin Nanna walks...

Armchair psychologists below, scroll at your own risk.

I have a lot of respect for these people. I don't honestly know a ton about black metal, but I have an appreciation for it. The more I listen and observe, I recognize it as a viable art form . I am glad for these guys that they have this outlet for their angst. They each seem very intelligent, which, as an outsider to much of black metal, I can really appreciate. In watching this, I wish I had some musical ability to express my own dismay in living in this day and age.This deserves my attention.

Basically what Scott is trying to say is: “We live in a society”

"I don't remember how to play half the shit I write" I figured that's the main reason why these bands don't play live

LISTENING TO SCOTT CONNER JUST BREAKS MY HEART

It's hard for Xasthur to even say a positive word like "glad"

Fascinating how life turn normal person into a shadow. Jeff's story really hits me. Scott's background is probably the most terrifying, but he refused to share it, which was a smart thing.

You can be addicted to a certain kind of sadness

This is very interesting. All these Artists extol, misanthropy and solitude in their work. Striborg has a ecological perspective, as to me his hatred of mankind is justified by how people don't respect nature. Xasthur seems to be extremely focused on music, and so he does not care what he wears-he just wants to be a solo artist. Simular Leviathan is angry, but he appears to be the most normal, he once was a social person and has a job-but he is tired of being around people.

absolutely amazing video. ive closed the door on a lot this music, but this video was amazing to watch. i was crazed over this stuff for a very long time. Scott/Xasthur legitimately brought a tear to me eye. you can just look at some people and see sadness, its hard to look at.

dude i have the world record on the halfpipe in skate or die 2... thats fucking crazy

I need to start listening to these guys

The self harm scars on Scott Conner's arms are pretty rough, guy's gone/going through some serious mental health related shit

Also, thanks to the uploader for this amazing documentary. It really is a fascinating insight into some of black metal's best musicians. Xasthur has given me so much inspiration through his music, he knows the score. Thankyou so much!

Damn, he’s got Katatonia - Dance of December Souls CD, nice touch

Xasthur is a symbol For real depression and loneliness

I used the same Tascam DP-01 Fx as did Scott on my "one man band" 10 years ago. A phenomenal piece of equipment for anyone who inspires to "do it yourself".

Another fantastic installment! Can't wait for part three!

i keep watching this documentary nearly every day because I find it utterly fascinating and well leviathan and xasthur are pretty much my favourite bands that i nearly listen to every day and know every part of the songs \m/

Quite an interesting length of exposure with this interviews. Been honestly delayed in watching this in its entirety for a years time now, out of an all too personal feeling of relevance with the personalities captured herein, I suppose in some way. Many regards for the journey made and the documentation observed by the crew, of these select noted relics of the art - projects who are household names to those have enjoyed the style of music for years now. Cannot help but applaud such unique exposure. Aye.

Really great documentary guys, Looking forward to seeing it all complete. keep up digging for interesting subjects.

this is beyond awesome. sincerely appreciate the work and effort to make this come to life. ill be honest ive never heard of Striborg till this but i like that guys outlook and have now started listening to him.

Couldn't help but notice "The Best of Kansas @10:49" in Xasthur's collection.

Xasthur should link up with Mc ride

Really getting into Black metal and thank you so much for making this amazing documentary!!!!

just an amazing doc! waiting for the final part

Basically what I'm understanding here, is that if you want to play deep and meaningful black metal, especially metal that means the most to you.. well, you gotta be introverted. You have to have some sense of anti-social personality disorder. We're not talking about full-blown psychopathy, but more of a brooding mind that folds in on itself too much. Where loneliness and suffering is some sort of cause of itself, but it's also borne of the human mind. It's insanely complex, and that's probably the hardest thing to understand about black metal. It's not just Satan this or anti-religion that. It can be a truly dark, isolating genre of music. It's atmospheric and emotional and despairing. I think this becomes more clear when listening to bands like Xathrites of Happy Days. Where black metal becomes depressing suicidal black metal, you know? And these bands aren't exactly in that vein, but they truly capture what black metal is about. It's at the heart of the plight of humanity, and it represents some of the darker parts of the human psyche. I can definitely understand the level these guys are on, and I can bet you they have an infinite amount of passion for their music. Because without their music, they're nothing. It's their vehicle in a world that is crumbling, broken, and dying. This documentary is giving me a newfound respect for the black metal genre. For that, I've got to thank you.

I really feel for these guys. They put so much passion into their music and are so into it and I respect them so much for that. I'm not particularly into this type of black metal (depressing black metal really). it's just a shame all in all. theres so many genres of heavy metal and sometimes black metal just doesn't succeed as well as others.

Excellent! Can't wait to see Part 3!

10:25 funniest way I've ever seen someone say shut up

I loved what he said about not wanting people to come up to him.. expecting to make a connection or something. Its tough to walk this path.. but very inspiring to watch these guys actually do it.

Russell has been clean for 10 years. Awesome. I got clean 4 years ago and I agree, my music has gotten more varied. Doomy.

thanks for finding these guys to interview - it must have been hard to find them - i love black metal and some of this one man stuff is amazing - Xasthur is my fave right at this moment im finding more leviathan and striborg

This is awesome.Thanks for this,well done.

Xasthur makes this interview. How could depressive music be any more authentic than a person like that making it?

Holy shit Jeff Whitehead! Remember seeing him in Thrasher when I started really getting into skating. Loved his style. That's fuckin awesome

These are incredible. Great work.

Awesome series, cant wait for part 3

All of these guys make great music. I hope they find a way to escape from their depression

it's really nice to hear their ideologys to the music they've created. leviathan is my fav american bm, and xasthur makes music like no other person or band in the world. so the creating of this documentary is a stroke of epic awareness :D thanks noisey. but i can't wait to see the rest.

Very great performance from leviathan and us bm.and Xasthur i listen evry day thanks you are exist

Awaiting part three. Very interesting.

These are really great! When can we expect part 3? I'm looking forward to it.

Wow anyone else just absolutely consumed by these artists work? Utterly devastating but beautiful dark work..

I love this. Its amazing to get the point of view of the people who make this music. I've heard a lot of shit get talked about these dudes and their music.. but I had never heard their side of the story until this. Its refreshing and strikes me as true journalism... good for vice for making this series and putting this out in the world. Very good.. and very interesting.

Jef is a legend, I’m rewatching this for the first time in years & I forgot that he used to skate. Hopefully he still does it

It's pretty depressing when you don't fool yourself with a fucked up marriage, with children that you can't get rid of, with so-called friends you become like Leviathan, Striborg and Scott...

the most genuine type of music out there!

Thank you! I knew it wasn't on any of the studio albums but I hadn't heard that split. That track is beautiful and nightmarish like all the best xasthur tracks

Xasthur must have Aspergers, his mannerisms, his difficulties, his views of people in general-not being able to relate to others- is a lot like how I am. I've met and know so many people with Aspergers like me, he definitively fits with the introverted types.

Skateboarding And Black Metal Hell Yeah!!!!

Being from San Jose, I'm pretty sure I played in that same soccer league as Jeff (though I was in the mid-90s). I also really didn't expect Scott to have an LA Kings hat

This series is captivating. On to part three.

Look at his arm at 14:20 , really feel bad for him

Watched this for the first time a while ago. I like how Jeff wears a Kampfar shirt.

14:20 Xasthur either cuts or he used to cut. Depression is a Bitch and cutting is a serious problem, hope he's since quit.

so amazing hearing jef play an early version of a riff from scar sighted @ 0:36

Striborg and Leviathan continue to intrigue me, but the floor in the basement at the bottom of Xasthur has just collapsed into a bottomless tunnel of mystery. Very, very intriguing artist.

Stirborg is so fucking awesome

lol that the heart/grenade on his chest ended up getting used by greenday

These guys are so talented, they should be in a band !

This is a really good series

Looking at Malefic I can feel all the darkness, its almost written all over his face

He sold a logo to a company for $50 flat and complains they haven't paid him royalties since, well why would they seeing as you did it for $50 with no royalty contract in place.

Man, you get used to following Stiborg around in his chill-ass life and then it hard cuts to Xasthur's black abyss of despair.

really enjoyed that!! :)

xasthur is cool

the footage of tasmania goes so well with xasthur's music, i'm pleasantly confused each time they make the transition

Jeff has genuinely had such an insane life. Famous seemingly multiple times in completely different worlds.

I would love to see some of this music live

Could you imagine if these 3 made a band.

Xasthur has had a life of pure productivity. He's poured all his focus into creating rather than consuming, and he's done more in his life than 100 office workers who just drudge on a day to day basis like zombies and don't actually produce anything. Buying a car, getting a mortgage etc., that's not being productive. That's just shifting numbers for stuff that someone else made, and that someone else was probably a robot.

That's sick Leviathan ended up in some issues of Thrasher Mag & just had an interest in Skateboarding in general. Crazy he also contributed to the Thunder Truck Logo too. Fuck with Xasthur, & Striborg as well.

Music is therapy all I have to say beautiful souls in there … jems❤❤