Review ‘Studio 666’: Rock and Roll is the Devil’s Music in this Grindhouse Slasher Comedy

Studio 666 is now playing in theaters, reader beware spoilers ahead!

The Foo Fighters came on the scene in 1994 and have been riding the wave of success ever since. Frontman Dave Grohl, at this point, is a pop culture icon appearing in everything from the Tenacious D movie as Satan to The Muppets as the evil ‘Animal.’ Directing Sound City and Sonic Highways, he showed his talent for documentary filmmaking.

When it came time to create his first feature, he decided to go with a horror-comedy demonic possession rock schlock, Studio 666. Directed by B.J. McDonnell (cameraman for Shazam & Jack Reacher), the film stars the Foo Fighters themselves along with Whitney Cummings (Whitney) and Will Forte (SNL, MacGruber).

When their manager (Jeff Garland) tells them they need to complete and deliver their tenth studio album, the Foo Fighters are set up in an Encino mansion, with a dark past and perfect sound. Everything is falling into place to begin recording their album, just one problem, Dave Grohl is all out of ideas. There is a hilarious scene as he thinks he’s got a great riff only to realize it’s a hit they wrote for their first album.

Walking around to clear his head, he finds an old cellar with a crucified raccoon and some reels collecting dust. Though not a Latin incantation, à la Evil Dead, the music that emanates from the speaker is an unfinished rock epic that unleashes a demonic presence into the singer himself.

With newfound inspiration and the discovery of a new note L Sharp, the Foo’s begin working on the epic track, slowly becoming a 40 plus minute tune. With the front man’s behavior becoming erratic, the band feels that something is seriously wrong. When a cryptic warning from the ex-groupie neighbor Samantha (Cummings) points to something seriously evil living within the house. The band has no other course of action than to try and finish the record as soon as possible and get out of the house. That is, if they can survive the session long enough to escape.

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Filmed in the same house, the actual Foo Fighters recorded their latest release, “Midnight at Medicine.” The location inspired both their music and the idea for the film project that would pay homage to such classics as The Exorcist, The Burning, and, of course, Evil Dead 2. There are also easter eggs galore, including an appearance from the laser gun that graced the cover of their first album. Sharp-eyed viewers will have a field day with Studio 666.

Taylor Hawkings (drums), Pat Smear (guitar), Rami Jaffee (keyboard), Chris Shiflett (lead guitar), Nate Mendel (Bass) all play exaggerated versions of themselves. While comfortable in front of large crowds, their acting chops, or lack thereof, give this grindhouse throwback a lot of its charm. None of them are taking this too seriously, but it’s clear they’re having an absolute blast in the process. I’m sure the constant digs at the legendary Grohl were also a bit cathartic. 

Cummings as Sam and Forte as a delivery driver bring their comedic chops that play well with the band and lead to memorable moments. There are a few cameos that I won’t spoil here, but you’ll be smiling from ear to ear when they appear.

Gore fans will relish in the over-the-top madness that appears on the screen. Hammers, grills, drum cymbals, and a chainsaw (used more effectively than the recent franchise ever did) are used in the houseguests’ systematic eradication. Let’s just say no surface was left un-bloodied in this one. The effects are solid, and even the red-eyed demons that patrol the property are creepy and effective in adding that little supernatural touch in an otherwise full-on slasher.

With a run time of 106 minutes, some scenes seem to drag a bit, and with a few more edit passes, this could be a tight horror-comedy. That being said, I was having a blast hanging out with the band and being a part of the creative process. Dark humor, gore, and some rocking metal, Studio 666 will be a fun ride for any genre fan who’s looking for a throwback to the slashers from the 80s that we all hold so dear. And how can a new score from a Master of Horror himself, Mr. John Carpenter, not get anyone excited to check this out. 3/5

★★★

Studio 666 is now playing in theaters and you can find tickets here. Check out the trailer below and be sure to follow ScaryNerd for all things horror, sci-fi and more.

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