Belzebubs bring their black metal world to television

For years, Belzebubs have existed in a league of their own. Combining black metal, razor-sharp humour, heartfelt family stories and stunning animation, creator JP Ahonen has built one of heavy music’s most original and recognizable multimedia universes.

Now, that universe is about to reach its biggest milestone yet.

Currently in production, Belzebubs will become a 13-episode animated television series, produced by Pyjama Films together with Movimenti Production (Banijay Kids & Family) and Mago Production, commissioned by Yle and distributed by Banijay.

The series follows Sløth – devoted father, loving husband and frontman of the world’s most unfortunate black metal band – as he attempts to balance family life with his relentless musical ambitions.

What began as a cult webcomic has evolved into a global phenomenon. The Belzebubs universe has attracted more than 650,000 fans online, the comics have been published in over 20 countries, and the band – signed worldwide to Century Media Records / Sony Music Entertainment – received widespread acclaim with its debut album and award-winning animated music videos, which have amassed more than six million YouTube views.

Alongside the animated series, Belzebubs are currently preparing the release of their highly anticipated second studio album, once again accompanied by a new collection of animated music videos. Together, the upcoming album and television series mark the next chapter in the ever-expanding Belzebubs universe, continuing to blur the boundaries between music, comics and animation.

JP Ahonen, creator, head writer and showrunner of Belzebubs, comments:

“Belzebubs is a cross-media beast that weaves together comics, music and animated music videos in a unique fashion, and I feel the series now perfectly combines all of the above. I can’t wait to introduce the series to our already active fan community, as they’ll surely appreciate how everything is linked and now comes together.

I think Belzebubs works for TV like a charm, as we have the same infernal energy and witty dialogue, but more space for drama and growth. The first season consists of 13 standalone episodes, but there’s an overarching storyline that slowly evolves towards the funny, action-packed, and surprisingly emotional finale.”

Century Media Records, adds:

“From day one, Belzebubs has never been just a band. It’s a fully realised creative universe where music, storytelling and animation come together in a way that is truly unique within heavy music. Seeing that vision grow into a full animated series is incredibly exciting, and with a brand-new album on the horizon, we’re only scratching the surface of what’s still to come.”

The English voice cast includes Andrew Wheildon-Dennis, Jess Robinson, Pippa Haywood, Amalia Vitale, Charlie Hiscock and James Alexander. The series is based on the internationally acclaimed Belzebubs universe created by JP Ahonen, who also serves as head writer and showrunner. The series is produced by Pyjama Films together with Movimenti Production (Banijay Kids & Family) and Mago Production.

With the animated series and new music arriving soon, Belzebubs continue to prove that they are far more than a band – they are one of heavy music’s most distinctive and ambitious creative worlds.