Candid interviews with the band members allows an insight into a sub section of society steeped in American pop culture and the hostilities this attracts.

[2] Filming locations included Baghdad and Erbil in Iraq, Beirut, Lebanon and Damascus, Syria.

[7] A book accompanying the film was released in 2009, titled "Heavy Metal in Baghdad - The Story of Acrassicauda".

The book offers an oral history of the band's journey, made up of extended interviews with key members.

reportage...Both a stirring testament to the plight of cultural expression in Baghdad and a striking report on the refugee scene in Syria, this rock-doc like no other electrifies its genre and redefines headbanging as an act of hard-core courage.

"[9] The Los Angeles Times described the film as "More than just another Iraq-doc, 'Heavy Metal' is a surprisingly up-close look at the toll of the war on young people, and how they still have dreams and still want to jam, party and get down.

The former praised the film in that it "brings home the cultural as well as the human violence meted out to that gorgeous capital more powerfully than many more exalted documentaries...Though they struggle to build a fan base, and end up seeking refuge in Syria, their dreams persist, still blazing fiercely at the close of this chastening and inspiring film.