Official press release:

MetalRock Films will release part one of a new two part Inside Metal documentary DVD series entitled The Rise of L.A. Thrash Metal. Directed by Bob Nalbandian with narration by David Ellefson of thrash legends Megadeth, the documentary focuses on the Los Angeles thrash metal uprising of the early/mid ’80s and acts as a follow-up to the first two Inside Metal titles, The Pioneers of LA Hard Rock & Metal and LA Metal Scene Explodes. Throughout history, the San Francisco Bay Area has long been deemed as the epicenter for thrash metal, but this DVD explores the idea that Los Angeles is the rightful birthplace of three of the “Big 4” thrash bands and is the breeding grounds for unconventional thrash/punk-metal bands.

Fans can watch an exclusive new clip cut from the DVD of Metallica’s Lars Ulrich discussing punk music and Metallica’s early influences, exclusively via Billboard. Watch the clip here:

Director Bob Nalbandian tells Billboard:

“Prior to thrash metal, punk and metal fans were outright adversaries in Los Angeles, but the early thrash metal shows brought the two forces together to rebel against the popular glam-rock movement that was so prevalent in Los Angeles in the ’80s.”

Pre-orders are available now via Amazon.

Watch an official DVD trailer and a clip of Gene Hoglan discussing the first time he met James Hetfield in 1981 here. Part two of The Rise of LA Thrash Metal will be released later in 2018.