Reviews: Deathgasm (2015) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Genres: Horror, Action, Comedy, Music
Subgenres: Comedy, Demons, Supernatural Serial killer (Top Supernatural Serial Killers in Movies), Teens
Where does Deathgasm (2015) stand among horror films? Our review examines the scares, pacing, and what makes it unique in the genre.
Deathgasm (2015) – A Loud, Bloody Tribute to Metalheads and Mayhem
Deathgasm (2015), directed by Jason Lei Howden, smashes its way into the horror-comedy scene with headbanging chaos, outrageous gore, and a heartfelt salute to misfits everywhere. Set in New Zealand and dripping with splatter-fueled humor, this cult indie gem fuses demonic possession with the loud, rebellious spirit of heavy metal.
Instead of just another gore-fest, Deathgasm hits harder by mixing its over-the-top violence with relatable themes of isolation, friendship, and teenage rebellion—all served up with a killer metal soundtrack and more blood than you can shake a battle axe at.
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The story centers around Brodie, a socially awkward metalhead who finds himself exiled to the conservative suburbs to live with his strict, Bible-thumping relatives. Struggling to fit in at school and relentlessly bullied by his cousin, Brodie’s only refuge comes through his passion for heavy metal. There, he meets Zakk, a fellow outcast with a bad-boy edge, and together they form a band called DEATHGASM—"all caps, because lowercase is for losers."
Things take a brutal turn when the duo stumbles upon the Black Hymn, a piece of ancient sheet music rumored to summon demonic forces. Naturally, they can’t resist playing it. Unbeknownst to them, the song unleashes an ancient evil that possesses the townspeople, turning their sleepy suburb into a gore-drenched nightmare of vomiting demons, flying intestines, and unholy carnage.
Brodie’s journey is more than just a fight against evil—it’s a coming-of-age tale about embracing your true self, finding real friendship, and standing up to both supernatural evil and everyday cruelty. The heartfelt bond between Brodie and love interest Medina adds sweetness beneath the bloodbath, while his strained relationship with Zakk brings emotional stakes to the chaos.
Acting and Cinematography
Milo Cawthorne delivers a sympathetic and believable performance as Brodie, channeling the awkwardness and frustration of teenage isolation while still stepping up as a capable hero. James Blake plays Zakk with reckless energy, striking the right balance between charming and dangerous. Kimberley Crossman brings unexpected depth to Medina, who breaks the typical “girl-next-door” mold by embracing the mayhem alongside Brodie.
The film’s cinematography, led by Simon Riera, leans into stylized horror visuals with a comic-book feel. Bright reds, shadowy blues, and practical effects dominate the screen, adding gritty texture to the playful chaos. The gore is deliberately exaggerated and wildly creative, from lawnmower decapitations to death by marital aids—yes, it’s that kind of movie.
The pacing is brisk, with kinetic editing that keeps the action and comedy flowing smoothly, never dwelling too long on exposition before delivering the next burst of madness.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Jason Lei Howden’s direction shows a deep affection for both the heavy metal scene and the splatter horror genre. His background in visual effects shines through in the creative demon designs and gore sequences. The film doesn’t aim for subtlety—it fully embraces its campy premise, delivering laughs and shock value in equal measure.
The strength of Deathgasm lies in its commitment to practical effects, absurd humor, and genuine character arcs. Unlike some horror-comedies that rely solely on gore or gags, this film injects real heart into the blood-soaked mayhem.
That said, the movie does lean heavily on familiar genre tropes and crude jokes. For some viewers, the plot may feel predictable, and the humor might not land if you’re not a fan of juvenile or over-the-top comedy. However, for fans of horror and metal, these elements feel right at home.
Strengths:
Creative, over-the-top practical gore effects
Lovable misfit characters with real emotional arcs
Energetic pacing with plenty of laughs and bloodshed
Authentic nods to heavy metal culture
Memorable kill scenes and inventive weapon choices
Weaknesses:
Predictable plot beats for seasoned horror-comedy fans
Crude humor that won’t appeal to every viewer
Supporting characters could use deeper development
Niche focus on metal culture may limit broader audience appeal
Final Verdict & Score: 7/10
Deathgasm (2015) is a wild, blood-splattered celebration of metalhead culture and horror-comedy excess. While its plot follows familiar beats, the movie stands out through its inventive gore, lovable outcasts, and unapologetic love for heavy metal. The film doesn’t break new ground in storytelling, but it delivers exactly what it promises: loud, gory, and outrageously fun chaos.
The blend of over-the-top violence with heartfelt coming-of-age moments makes it a solid entry in the cult horror-comedy scene. Fans of films like Evil Dead II, Dead Alive, and Shaun of the Dead will feel right at home here.
Deathgasm (2015) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Deathgasm (2015) about?
Deathgasm follows Brodie, a teenage metalhead who forms a garage band called DEATHGASM after moving in with his ultra-religious relatives. When Brodie and his bandmates play an ancient piece of sheet music known as the Black Hymn, they accidentally summon a demonic force called The Blind One, unleashing chaos and turning their small New Zealand town into a gory battlefield of possessed neighbors, killer demons, and flying body parts.
The film is a horror-comedy hybrid, combining coming-of-age themes with splatter-heavy gore and heavy metal culture.
Is Deathgasm considered a horror-comedy?
Yes, Deathgasm is firmly positioned as a horror-comedy. While it features extreme gore and demonic possession, the film balances its bloodshed with slapstick humor, ridiculous weapon choices (including death by s** toys), and tongue-in-cheek dialogue. It’s often compared to cult classics like Evil Dead II and Dead Alive (Braindead) for its mix of over-the-top violence and playful tone.
What is the Black Hymn in Deathgasm?
The Black Hymn is a cursed piece of ancient sheet music that, when played, summons The Blind One, an evil demonic entity with the power to possess humans and transform them into violent, mindless killers. The Black Hymn acts as the central plot device, driving Brodie and his friends into the battle against hellish forces they accidentally unleashed.
Who are the main characters in Deathgasm?
Brodie (Milo Cawthorne) – The metal-loving outcast and lead guitarist of Deathgasm.
Zakk (James Blake) – Brodie’s rebellious friend and bandmate, whose jealousy and reckless choices stir up tension.
Medina (Kimberley Crossman) – Brodie’s love interest, who proves she’s more than just the girl next door by embracing the chaos and fighting alongside the band.
The Blind One – The ancient demon awakened by the Black Hymn.
The dynamic between Brodie, Zakk, and Medina forms the emotional core of the film, giving weight to the head-banging horror.
Why does Deathgasm use heavy metal as a central theme?
Heavy metal in Deathgasm represents rebellion, empowerment, and outsider culture. The film uses metal music as a symbol of freedom from societal constraints, strict religion, and bullying. For Brodie and his friends, metal becomes a lifeline—a way to bond, find purpose, and (accidentally) summon demons.
The soundtrack features real metal bands and tracks that enhance the film’s raw, aggressive energy while reinforcing its message about the power of music.
How violent is Deathgasm and is it suitable for all horror fans?
Deathgasm is packed with extreme gore, dismemberments, and creative kill scenes, including chainsaw fights, decapitations, and demon beatdowns using unconventional weapons. The gore is exaggerated to a comedic level, making it more entertaining than disturbing for most horror fans.
However, the film’s crude humor and graphic violence may not appeal to viewers seeking serious, atmospheric horror or psychological tension.
Is Deathgasm connected to any other horror movies?
No, Deathgasm is an original story, though it pays homage to splatter horror classics like Evil Dead, Dead Alive, and The Return of the Living Dead. Its tone and style feel like a spiritual successor to these films, combining practical effects, slapstick comedy, and demonic mayhem.
Is there a sequel to Deathgasm?
A sequel titled "Deathgasm Part 2: Goremageddon" was announced and teased by the director, Jason Lei Howden. However, as of now, the project remains in development, with no confirmed release date. The sequel promises even more gore, metal, and demonic chaos if it comes to fruition.
Deathgasm (2015) – Ending Explained
In the final act of Deathgasm, the stakes reach their gory peak as The Blind One begins to fully manifest through the possessed townspeople. Brodie, Zakk, Medina, and their remaining bandmates realize that the only way to stop the demonic force is to reverse the effects of the Black Hymn by playing it backward.
Minor Spoiler:
Zakk, whose jealousy and poor decisions earlier in the film contributed to the band’s struggles, makes a final act of redemption by sacrificing himself to buy Brodie time. This moment brings closure to the strained friendship between Zakk and Brodie, turning Zakk into an unlikely tragic hero.
Brodie and Medina work together to perform the reversed Black Hymn, successfully banishing The Blind One and the possessed demons back into hell. The town is left in ruins, but Brodie and Medina survive, their bond stronger than ever.
The final scene offers a playful epilogue with Brodie and Medina jamming together, hinting at their future as both bandmates and partners, standing tall amidst the wreckage they helped create.
The ending delivers both gory satisfaction and emotional payoff, leaving the door open for potential sequels while tying up the immediate conflict with bloody flair.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Deathgasm Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.13/10
- IMDB: 6.3/10
- MetaCritic: 6.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 8.8/10
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