There's a template for the typical aspiring musical act. Find a sound. Gather three to five people. Form a band. Dethklok, however, is far from the typical aspirant; for one thing, it's a band made of cartoon characters with superhuman guitar abilities (and not much else). The animated boob tube roots, however, have done little to dampen the group's growing popularity in the real world.

Dethklok: Dead Serious

"I wanted it to be something cool that I cared about."

There's a template for the typical aspiring musical act. Find a sound. Gather three to five people. Form a band. Dethklok, however, is far from the typical aspirant; for one thing, it's a band made of cartoon characters with superhuman guitar abilities (and not much else). The animated boob tube roots, however, have done little to dampen the group's growing popularity in the real world.

Dethklok from Metalocalypse

Heavy metal has, through the years, bred its own subculture, and Metalocalypse was the show to take it to the television universe. It was also the band's birthplace, the brainchild of Tommy Blacha and Brendon Small. The metal-themed comedy cartoon first aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim segment in August 2006.

In the story's alternate universe, the band has achieved a surreal level of popularity that, combined with superhuman guitar skills, lets them exert control over the people there. Billions of metal fanatics in the universe literally kill and maim - themselves and others - to be a part of the band's shows. The group, in turn, is monitored by a pseudo-Illuminati group, The Tribunal, which monitors and tries to curb the band's crazier activities.

By itself, the band seems to be nothing without its music. The band members are often portrayed as incapable, with much of their daily duties like groceries and cleaning left in the hands of their efficient and overcompetent manager and lawyer, Charles Offdensen.

Dethklok in the Flesh

Past the cartoon façade, however, is a real and talented lineup of musicians that gives the actual music to the show. Brendon Small is the man behind the Nathan Explosion's vocal lead, Skwisgaar Skwisgelf's lead guitar, William Murderface's bass and Toki Wartooth's keyboard. Gene Hoglan, meanwhile, is the true drummer for cartoon character Pickles.

The year after the show began airing, Cartoon Network sent the band out on a promo tour around several college campuses,