Based on its title, publicity materials, and content, Lords of Chaos looks like another Rob Zombie flop. In actually, it’s…well, not quite Rob Reiner (the good years), but definitely more professional than it appears and surprisingly fun considering its dark and frequently grisly subject matter.

Like a bleaker, less redemptive 24 Hour Party People, populated by both more and less aware versions of the Spinal Tap guys, the latest feature from music video legend Jonas Åkerlund takes an unconventional look at an unconventional band — Norwegian Black Metal pioneers Mayhem.

Less about the music and more about crafting an image through which to best sell the songs, the well-made film lassos committed performances from Rory Culkin (Columbus), Emory Cohen (Brooklyn), and Jack Kilmer (Palo Alto), whose characters’ varying dedications to satanism, nihilism, and other alternative lifestyles range from tongue-in-cheek to knives-through-cheeks.

Featuring a handful of ultra-violent sequences that showcase the makeup department’s skills, Lords of Chaos provides a disturbing yet wholly entertaining lesson in being careful what you wish for, and a reminder to watch your words and the company you keep. Now, to wash off this elaborate black-and-white face paint…

Grade: B. Rated R. Now playing at Grail Moviehouse

(Photo: Gunpowder & Sky)