Metalocalypse Theme Song Lyrics
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The Metalocalypse theme song, officially titled “Deththeme,” is a brutal death metal track that introduces the members of the world’s most successful (and dangerous) fictional band, Dethklok. Written and performed by series co-creator Brendon Small, the song serves as a roll call for the band’s lineup, blending extreme metal aesthetics with the show’s signature dark humor. The lyrics—ranging from “taller than a tree” to the nonsensical “doodily doo” for Pickles—highlight the absurdity of the characters’ personalities.
Created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha, Metalocalypse aired on Adult Swim and followed the lives of Nathan Explosion, Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Toki Wartooth, William Murderface, and Pickles. The show is famous for its satire of celebrity worship and the music industry, portraying the band as so powerful that their massive fan base is willing to sign “pain waivers” just to attend their lethal concerts. The theme song perfectly sets this macabre, high-stakes tone.
Because Brendon Small is a real-life musician, Dethklok transcended the screen to become a successful touring band. “Deththeme” appeared on The Dethalbum, which became the highest-charting death metal album in history upon its release. The show’s legacy continued beyond its final episode with the 2023 movie, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar, proving that the Dethklok phenomenon remains “brutal” to this day.
