This personal story is told from the perspective of satellite engineer and vocalist Michael Dafferner, who is a member of an unknown 'math-core' metal band called Car Bomb. Over the course of three years--and three tours--he interviews the groups he performs with and questions why they are following the same frustrating path. Struggling with the reality of working a nine-to-five job and the desire to be a full-time musician, he examines why he chose such an unpopular genre of music. As he tours with more successful bands he begins to uncover the true meaning of success and why these bands take such big risks. Includes interviews with Lamb of God, Gojira, Richard Christy and many more.

Why You Do This

Slow Southern Steel is a film about heavy music in the modern American South, as told by the very people who have created this music during the last two decades. Shot in back alleys, parking lots, and the seedy green rooms of the dirtiest clubs that the Bible Belt failed to snuff out, these diehard musicians discuss their love of music and the south, as well as the difficulties, contradictions, and insanity that haunt every southern artist. There are no illusions here, no apologies, no distractions - only the straight truth as told by those who would know the difference. Narrated by the notorious Dixie Dave Collins (Weedeater, Buzzov-en, Bongzilla), Slow Southern Steel is an authentic and honest and thorough look at one of the most remarkable music communities ever spawned on the continent.