The Finnish metalhead sequel, Heavier Trip, is directed by Juuso Laatio and Jukka Vidgren. This movie picks up right where Heavy Trip (2018) left off, continuing the wild and hilarious story of the fictional band, Impaled Rektum.
If you’ve seen the original movie, you’ll know that Heavy Trip was about the unlikely rise of this amateur metal band from Finland. It wasn’t as serious as Lords of Chaos by Jonas Åkerlund, nor was it as drenched in horror as Deathgasm by Jason Lei Howden. Instead, Laatio and Vidgren delivered a goofy musical comedy filled with headbanging beats and slapstick humor.
While the sequel doesn’t quite match the charm of the original, that only speaks to how remarkable Heavy Trip was. Heavier Trip keeps the same spirit alive, bringing back the characters and humor that fans loved, and it’s still very much enjoyable. The filmmakers have proven that they understand the metal culture, and this movie shows that they’re still in tune with the heavy metal scene.
The Band Reunites in Heavier Trip
In Heavier Trip, we meet Impaled Rektum again, but this time they’re stuck in a prison off the coast of Norway. This prison is no ordinary jail though. It’s got a fancy seafood buffet, which adds a humorous twist to the setting. The band gets an unexpected opportunity when super-producer Maxwell Efraim Fisto (played by Anatole Taubman) shows up with an offer.
He wants the band to perform at Wacken Open Air, a famous heavy metal festival in Germany. If they accept, they’ll earn €50,000. However, the band’s bassist, Xytrax (played by Max Ovaska), dismisses the festival as “overcommercialized” and calls it an event for “wannabes.” Plus, they’re behind bars, so the lead singer, Turo (played by Johannes Holopainen), decides to turn down the offer.
Things take a turn when guitarist Lotvonen (played by Samuli Jaskio) finds out his family’s slaughterhouse will be taken away unless they pay €30,000. This forces the band into action. Impaled Rektum has no choice but to break out of prison, track down Fisto, and hope the offer is still on the table. But escaping won’t be easy, especially with prison security guard Dokken (played by Helén Vikstvedt) standing in their way.
A Film for Metal Lovers
Heavy Trip showcased Laatio and Vidgren’s knowledge of the metal scene, and Heavier Trip doesn’t stray from that. The directors continue to approach the heavy metal genre with a sense of humor that’s widely accessible. Most of the jokes are easy to understand, even for those who may not be hardcore metal fans.
That said, there are moments that only true metalheads will appreciate, but even those come with enough context for casual viewers to follow along. For example, there’s a reference to Jimi Hendrix’s famous guitar-burning moment, and it’s a joke that will land with just about anyone.
The film also touches on different subgenres of metal, which adds variety. One of the best scenes involves Xytrax encountering the Japanese Kawaii metal sensation, BABYMETAL. Xytrax has strict opinions about what “real” metal should sound like, but he can’t help but tap his foot to BABYMETAL’s hit song, “Gimme Chocolate!!” As a fan of BABYMETAL myself, I found this moment incredibly fun and satisfying. Whether you’re into classic Metallica or more niche genres like Norwegian black metal, there’s something for everyone in this movie.
The Challenges of the Music Business
The partnership between Impaled Rektum and Fisto is central to the movie’s story. Fisto represents the sleazy side of the music business, and his actions show how he tries to manipulate the band. He even tries to scrub away their individuality, pushing them to conform to the commercial side of the industry.
It’s not a new story by any means. We’ve seen it in other films about bands, like Rock Star by Stephen Herek and Suck by Rob Stefaniuk. But seeing it through the lens of Impaled Rektum adds a fresh, comedic twist to the familiar story.
Fisto’s name is a play on Mephisto, the “Monarch of Evil,” and it’s clear that he’s not interested in the band’s artistic integrity. He only cares about making money. The band members—Turo, Xytrax, Lotvonen, and their drummer Oula (played by Chike Ohanwe)—start to see how their identity as a band is being threatened. The spotlight begins to seduce Turo, but the others aren’t so easily swayed. The tension within the group builds as they realize Fisto’s influence is turning them into something they’re not.
Familiar but Fun
Even though Heavier Trip follows a storyline that’s been done before, it still manages to keep things fun. The movie stays true to the characters that fans of Heavy Trip came to love. Xytrax is still brutally honest, Lotvonen remains obsessed with Dave Mustaine, and the band continues to face absurd challenges. There are also some nice nods to rock n’ roll legends, like a prop that includes Lemmy Kilmister’s iconic hat. These little touches add to the charm of the film.
New characters also help keep the sequel fresh. Fisto’s shady actions and the introduction of Blood Motor, a rival band led by a growling frontman named Rob (played by David Bredin), bring new dynamics to the story. While these additions are welcome, it’s still clear that this is Impaled Rektum’s story. The band doesn’t lose its identity, and the humor is consistent with the original movie.
Music and Metal
One of the highlights of Heavier Trip is its soundtrack. The original movie had a killer metal score, and the sequel doesn’t disappoint in this department either. Mika Lammassaari, who steps up as the composer for the sequel, delivers an awesome collection of songs. The soundtrack is filled with crunchy guitar riffs and heavy bass lines that will get any metalhead pumped up.
The music is not just a backdrop to the film; it’s an essential part of the experience. Heavier Trip is a love letter to metal fans, and the soundtrack reflects that. The energy and intensity of the music add to the film’s overall excitement, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.
Is Heavier Trip as Good as Heavy Trip?
While Heavier Trip is definitely a fun movie, it doesn’t quite match the originality of Heavy Trip. The first film was unique in how it balanced metal culture with quirky, offbeat humor. It had a rebellious spirit that made it stand out from other music comedies. In comparison, Heavier Trip feels more predictable. The plot follows a more traditional route, with the band facing typical obstacles like shady producers and the temptation of fame.
That being said, Heavier Trip still has plenty to offer. Fans of the first movie will enjoy seeing Impaled Rektum’s continued adventures, and the humor remains as ridiculous as ever. The film doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a solid sequel that stays true to what made the original special.
The Cast Shines Again
The cast of Heavier Trip brings the same energy and charm that they did in the first film. Johannes Holopainen is once again great as Turo, the awkward but lovable frontman. He’s the heart of the band, and his character’s journey in this sequel is engaging, even if it’s a bit more predictable.
Max Ovaska as Xytrax continues to steal scenes with his deadpan humor and metal purist attitude. His interactions with BABYMETAL are some of the funniest moments in the movie, especially as he tries to maintain his metalhead identity while secretly enjoying their catchy tunes.
Samuli Jaskio as Lotvonen and Chike Ohanwe as Oula also give solid performances, rounding out the band’s lineup. The chemistry between the cast members is evident, and they all work well together to bring the absurdity of Impaled Rektum to life.
Newcomers like Anatole Taubman as Fisto and David Bredin as Rob add fresh energy to the film, playing off the main cast with ease. Their characters add to the chaos and humor of the story, ensuring that the sequel feels lively and entertaining.
A Sequel Worth Watching
Heavier Trip may not surpass its predecessor, but it’s still a worthy follow-up. The film delivers the same kind of chaotic energy that made Heavy Trip a cult favorite, with plenty of laughs and headbanging moments along the way. The metal soundtrack, the humor, and the lovable characters all come together to create an entertaining sequel that fans of the first film will appreciate.
In the end, Heavier Trip is a fun, lighthearted metal comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a movie made for metalheads by metalheads, and it doesn’t try to be anything else. If you enjoyed Heavy Trip, you’re sure to have a good time with Heavier Trip.
It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid sequel that keeps the headbanging fun going. The film delivers a delightful continuation of Impaled Rektum’s journey, blending humor and metal culture seamlessly, making it a must-watch for fans seeking laughter and headbanging excitement.
