Though bands like Slayer, Metallica and others have clearly changed the face of music as we know it, in a much subtler way, so has Today Is the Day. Since 1992, Steve Austin and his rotating supporting cast of musicians have not only changed the landscape of metal and noise rock forever, but also roped in several key figures that have gone on to do damage of their own in bands like Mastodon, Nile, Hate Eternal, Leviathan, Anal Cunt, Slipknot and more. Now the new documentary, The Man Who Loves to Hurt Himself, examines the life and creative vision of the man responsible for classic albums like Supernova, Temple of the Morning Star, Sadness Will Prevail and more.
Out today (August 28th), via Gravitas Ventures, The Man Who Loves to Hurt Himself provides a glimpse into the mind of Austin, exploring the artist's drive, thoughts and creative process. Watch an exclusive clip from the documentary below, in which Austin talks about creating an aesthetic designed around being "painful, ugly, aggressive, intense" and why he feels his band's overall message of "being alone … feeling defeated and feeling like an outcast because you can't compromise the person that you are to fit in" is universally relatable.
Shot over the course of three years by director Anthony Short, the award-winning film was a labor in love for all involved and he's proud to finally unveil the finished product to the world. "I'm happy this film is finally getting released" says Short. "I'm thankful for all the people standing by us during this process."
Austin himself offered a reflection on the film, and shared his advice on how he's survived all this time. "Surround yourself with people you love," he says. "The struggle is real. You can never give in if you truly believe in what you are doing. I hope this film reaches out to everyone who is following their dreams."
The Man Who Loves To Hurt Himself is out now via Gravitas Ventures on Blu-ray, DVD and across all video on demand and digital platforms. Find the film at iTunes, at Target on DVD and Blu-ray, and at Barnes & Noble on DVD and Blu-ray.
