Among the myriad characters adored within the Metalocalypse realm, one that holds a special place in our hearts is none other than Nathan Explosion of Dethklok. This luminary figure, at the helm of death metal, possesses not only an awe-inspiring vocal prowess but also wields a sharp, deadpan humor that elicits uproarious laughter.
Brendon Small, the mastermind behind Metalocalypse, drew copiously from the rich tapestry of heavy metal’s culture and history in the genesis of his masterpiece. It’s hardly a stretch to speculate that he might have taken inspiration from iconic metal maestros when sculpting his characters. Gazing upon the visage of Nathan Explosion, one particular candidate in the metal world immediately springs to mind: the late, legendary Peter Steele of Type O Negative. Indeed, the frontman’s robust physique, flowing ebony locks, and unyielding countenance radiate echoes of Steele’s indomitable spirit.
However, in a recent tête-à-tête with the esteemed Full Metal Jackie during a radio broadcast, Small not only dispelled the notion of Steele as the muse behind Explosion but divulged the identity of who played a pivotal role in shaping the persona of Dethklok’s Nathan Explosion. When discussing the influential frontman who left his mark on Nathan Explosion, Small disclosed, as transcribed by Metal Injection:
“It’s funny. Peter Steele. I mean I think Type O Negative is great, but it was never really an idea. I think people kind of made that equation later on. But look, everyone loves Peter Steele and I know I think we’re lucky to have any kind of equivalence to that. Though it wasn’t the intention up top it started with Corpsegrinder really, with George Corpsegrinder Fisher from Cannibal Corpse, but I also think he’s a beautiful romantic as well.”
Honestly, that makes a ton of sense. While Nathan Explosion does look an awful lot like Steele, he also has a strong Corpsegrinder vibe to him.
Speaking of Corpsegrinder and Metalocalypse – did you know the Cannibal Corpse frontman used to play a character in the show? He voiced the villain known as the Metal Masked Assassin (who was one seriously brutal dude).
Brendon Small Explains How Metalocalypse & Adult Swim Got Back Together. According to Metalocalypse mastermind Brendon Small in an interview with Revolver, the Adult Swim festival is when things started to pick back up for the project.
“I think it all started kind of coming into focus in 2019,” said Small. “The network reached out and said, ‘Hey, would you like to do a live Dethklok show at one of these Adult Swim festivals?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, sure, OK.’
“And then it just kept on opening up bigger conversations — and at some point, a little bit before the pandemic, they said, ‘How would you like to finish the story, or do whatever you think this is?’ So that’s when all the prep started for everything. But the outline for the story was the same chief outline that I’d had in mind for like 10 years or so.”
If you’re interested in catching a live Dethklok show check the festival & tour dates here:
If you haven’t had the chance to watch the latest Metalocalypse film titled “Army of the Doomstar,” we strongly encourage you to give it a go.
