By Mark Gromen

Virginians have always made history in Philadelphia, although most gathered at the Trocadero on February 16th, to witness the debut of LAMB OF GOD's As The Palaces Burn documentary, probably know more about who plays bass and drums than the roles Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison and George Washington played in the formation of the United States, down the street in 1776. While the rock-doc movie wouldn't have such long lasting, earth shaking consequences, it's a fine piece of film making, regardless of ones' degree of fandom.

The three-day President's weekend was made longer, for most people, by a winter storm that deposited more than a foot of snow on the Philly area a couple of days before this world premiere. Suffering from cabin fever, the Del-Val area metalheads converged on the Troc. In lieu of a red carpet, irregular mounds of ice hardened snow lined the street. Still, a few dozen hardcore fans, bundled against the sub-freezing temps, waited more than an hour for the 8pm entrance. Strange to see folding chairs on the venue's floor. Initially, there was a bit of a party vibe, although I was seated next to a guy in LOG toque and matching shirt, who not only didn't realize tonight was a movie (anticipated a live performance), but knew nothing of Randy Blythe's troubles over the last couple of years! Following the doc (and rousing applause), there'a a companion piece, a half-hour Q&A; with That Metal Show's Eddie Trunk.

While the bars were open and the concession stand offered popcorn, pizza slices and hotdogs, there was no band merch: no Free Randy Blythe nor I Was In Philly For The World Premiere" t-shirts. They could have (and given the financial hit they took with a legal defense fund, would be justified), but the band's attitude towards the entire project is subdued, respecting the lives forever lost and altered. Prior to showing As The Palaces Burn, the film's producer and the entire band walked onstage. Blythe was given the mic, the only musician to speak. With beer bottle in hand, he initially addressed his sobriety, saying "Don't worry. I haven't fallen off the wagon. This is non-alcoholic." He was pensive, remarking "You may all be seated, but you still look like criminals. This is not a movie we're happy about, but it's an honest expression of truth." After wandering offstage, to cheering fans, the guys went upstairs, many joining up with their significant other, to watch the film (and reactions) amongst the assemblage, from the last row. While most know the events that play out onscreen, it takes a quality filmmaker to keep (a notoriously ADD addled) crowd from yelling out or wandering to the bar.

The warts and all documentary is NOT a concert film. In fact, the little onstage action is usually a montage, played to a Lamb Of God studio track. The standing room only audience was initially boisterous, responding to a few comical moments and calling out the names of cameo appearances (even though the likes of Slash are clearly labelled). However, once the film hits Prague, the entire room becomes hushed, the crowd rapt at what transpired. It's a ride of self-examination, for all involved. As the guys onscreen shed a few tears, heard some live sniffles too. The film with make appearances around the country, at special large showings. It's so much better than a DVD at home. Check it out!