# The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)

> Penelope Spheeris turns Los Angeles heavy metal’s glittering mythology into a funny, abrasive portrait of celebrity excess and subcultural spectacle.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/22822

## Facts

- Runtime: 93 min
- Genres: Documentary, Music
- Director: Penelope Spheeris
- Cast: Dave Mustaine, Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Holmes, Lemmy Kilmister, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry
- TMDB rating: 6.8/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094980/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: none
- Mood: witty, irreverent, uncomfortable, music documentary night, heavy metal film marathon

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- [Turn Up the Night (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/7506606)
- [Metal: A Headbanger's Journey (2005)](https://ember.film/movie/12424)
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