SHEER TERROR
BEATEN BY THE FISTS OF GOD
THORPE

If you consider yourself a hardcore fan by any measure, run to your local indie record store and get this now. Long overdue, Beaten by the Fists of God finally gives Sheer Terror the credit they deserve. The documentary is priceless, featuring lengthy insider conversations with the band members (there were a lot of them) and irreplaceable vocalist Paul Bearer. Light is shed on the band’s rollercoaster ride of a career, from the various pitfalls of both indie and major labels to the hazards of an alcohol-fueled non-stop touring schedule.

The film is peppered with comments from contemporary punk and hardcore luminaries like Blood for Blood (a way too short commentary from Whitetrash Rob), Life of Agony and Dropkick Murphys, but the heart and soul rests with Bearer himself. His mugging facial ticks and wise-ass remarks are priceless, especially when detailing his encounters with nazi skinheads and clueless bandmates (in one stunning moment, the group’s ‘rock guy’ drummer asks who this band ‘Anarchy’ is, because their logo is everywhere).

The documentary flows directly into a complete live set from Sheer Terror’s final show ever at CBGB’s in October 2004. Comprised of close to two dozen songs and shot in a surprisingly professional manner, the set offers up classic tracks such as “Spoiler” and “Not Waving, Drowning” with ferocity. Look closely and you can even spot myself and Altercation staff writer Bri running amok in the seething, drunken pit. Awesome, nostalgic viewing for the old school crowd; mandatory, educational viewing for the teenage Korn fan.

JT

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