Suicide Silence: Ending Is the Beginning - The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show

"Suicide Silence: Ending Is the Beginning - The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show" is not just a film. It is a tribute, a commemoration, an intimate look into a heartwrenching goodbye, and a testament to the enigmatic power of music that bridges the gap between life and death. The title of this film is a homage to Mitch Lucker, the esteemed frontman of Suicide Silence, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in 2012. Filmed and recorded on December 21, 2012, this work documents a unique concert held at the Fox Theater in Pomona, CA in honor of their fallen leader and friend.

The film is primarily a concert movie, recording this one-off show performed by Suicide Silence, their friends, and their peers from the metal community, following Lucker's untimely demise. However, it is not like other concert films. This one is heavily imbued with raw emotions as each note strikes a chord of remembrance and reverence for Lucker, weaving an eerie yet beautiful elegy of enduring passion and unquenchable spirit.

The movie beautifully interlaces incandescent concert scenes with emotional interviews, archival footage, and heartfelt testimonials about Lucker from his Suicide Silence bandmates - Chris Garza, Mark Heylmun, Alex Lopez, and Dan Kenny. These segments are filled with reminiscences of Lucker's love for music, his charismatic personality, and his indomitable dynamism that set the stage afire when he performed. Candid and up-close, these clips offer viewers insightful glimpses into Lucker's life beyond the stage, and the tremendous impact that his premature passing had onto those who lived and breathed music with him.

The concert footage is the beating heart of the film. The stage sees a different vocalist for each track, offering a roll-call of who's who amongst the modern heavy music scene. It's a poignant and fitting tribute, as Lucker was a man of the moment in the world of heavy music, his untimely demise creating a void that the participants of the memorial show nobly try to fill. On stage, these talented vocalists unleash a sonic assault, passionately performing Suicide Silence classics. This spectacle of raw power and unmitigated passion is accompanied by visuals that are not for the faint-hearted. The stage production is intense, with colossal screens flashing images in sync with the thunderous rhythm of the music, as the performers come and go to pay their tributes.

A major highlight to watch for is Lucker's widow, Jolie, delivering a heartfelt speech that transcends music, focusing on loss, depression, resilience, and hope. Joined on stage by the couple's young daughter, she bravely recounts her personal struggle coping with the tragedy, urging viewers to support those battling depression. It's a heart-stopping moment that sets the tone for the rest of the night, a heart-rending narrative thread that runs throughout the film.

Directed by Jeremy Schott and shot in stunning high-definition, the film has a sleek, polished look that elegantly captures the electrifying energy of the concert, the swelling crowd, and the roiling emotions within the Fox Theater. The audio, too, is top-notch, balancing the live concert tumult with the quieter moments, such as the engaging interview segments and intimate back-stage moments.

"Suicide Silence: Ending Is the Beginning - The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show" is a movie that goes beyond being a mere concert film or a documentary. It is a tribute to a spirit that lived for music and celebrates his memory through the power of music. It serves both as a souvenir for fans of Suicide Silence and Mitch Lucker and a significant document for those who appreciate the influence of band dynamics, friendships, and shared creative passions in the metal music world. This film is a poignant reminder of the extreme highs and lows that life can hold and how, despite all, the show must go on. Prepare to be moved.