A Band Called Death

A Band Called Death is a riveting 2012 documentary film directed by Mark Covino and Jeff Howlett. The film provides an in-depth look into the journey, struggles, and ultimate recognition of a little-known Detroit punk band named 'Death', composed of three African-American brothers; Bobby Hackney, David Hackney, and Dannis Hackney.

The film paints a startling and poignant picture of this groundbreaking, yet overlooked, punk rock band, which was formed during the mid-1970s. The Hackney brothers were three sons of a Baptist minister who decadently swapped gospel music for hard rock. The brothers' discovery of rock ‘n’ roll, specifically The Who and Alice Cooper, prompted them to form a rock band, which they daringly named ‘Death’. Their enthusiasm and dedication to their music worked in tandem with an inescapable ambition to break musically expressed racial bindings of that time.

However, the time was woefully premature for the sound Death presented. Their aggressive, hard-hitting music, uncompromising lyrics, and particularly the band's name caused numerous record labels to shy away. These challenges led to an inevitable disbandment after creating just one album – an album that, as the film highlights, would later gain them recognition as forerunners in the world of punk music.

One of the fascinating aspects of A Band Called Death is the element of undiscovered fame. David Hackney, the most visionary of the three brothers and the band's driving force, always believed that their music would one day gain recognition. Yet, the film chronicles an astonishing reality where the band's music was only rediscovered decades later in the age of the internet, a stark contrast to their initial struggle to get a record deal.

The heart of the documentary does not just lie in the tale of a band that had its success posthumously. It is also a personal story about family ties and resilience in the face of adversity. The Hackney brothers not only lose their band but also their parents and a brother, providing a poignant look into their personal struggles. Their interpersonal relationships, combined with a shared love for music, make for a captivating narrative about their lives.

The film also illuminates the narrative using interviews with luminaries of the rock, punk, and indie music scenes. Their commentary provides a valuable perspective on the band and its impact in a wider music context. A Band Called Death skillfully intertwines contemporary interviews with archival footage and personal family photos, unveiling a lost chapter in the annals of rock music.

The movie brilliantly navigates the twists and turns of the band's journey. It embarks on the exploration of their early years, delves into their later years of obscurity and struggle, and culminates with their surprise rediscovery and subsequent revival. The directors, Covino and Howlett, have expertly interwoven aspects of music, family, passion, tragedy, and unintentional fame into the band's moving narrative.

The unfolding of the narrative gives insight into the band's unique sound which, while initially rejected by mainstream label executives, found an almost cult-like following in the years after. Their unique blend of hard-driving rock with soulful harmonies, punctuated by David's distinctive guitar playing, created a sound that was truly distinctive.

In essence, A Band Called Death is an engrossing piece of film-making that tells an extraordinary story from the core of punk rock music history. Powered by the music of the band, and the charismatic characters of the brothers themselves, the film is an absorbing story of raw passion for an art form and belief in a dream, even when it seemed like the rest of the world was not ready to accept it.

Overall, this bands' journey through validation after 30 years of obscurity is a testament to the power of music and faith against the greatest of odds. A Band Called Death is a memorable documentary that offers both a deeply personal family story and a fresh perspective on the history of punk music. Whether you're a punk rock enthusiast or a connoisseur of powerful biographical narratives, you're likely to find the story of A Band Called Death compelling, touching, and ultimately uplifting.