# HEAVY METAL REVEALED **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2020-06-15 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2020/06/15/heavy-metal-revealed --- ## Analysis Stern Pinball and Incendium officially launched the Heavy Metal pinball machine on June 15, 2020, a limited-edition built-to-order collaboration celebrating Heavy Metal magazine's 300th issue. The game features original artwork, character figures (Taarna and Nelson), and a soundtrack with original recordings from Sebastian Bach and Brendon Small alongside classic Heavy Metal movie tracks. The playfield design is based on a tweaked version of the Star Wars Pin home model, priced at $7,999 with exclusive availability through Incendium's website and select Stern dealers. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Heavy Metal playfield is a tweaked version of the Star Wars Pin home model design — _Article states: 'The playfield design though is not as unique as the rest of the game, featuring a tweaked version of the Star Wars Pin home model design' with visual comparison provided_ - [HIGH] Game celebrates Heavy Metal magazine's 300th issue and includes exclusive variant cover — _Official announcement: 'This limited edition pinball machine is built to order and only available this year, 2020... a limited edition, hand numbered issue of Heavy Metal #300 with a variant cover'_ - [HIGH] Soundtrack includes original recordings from Sebastian Bach and Brendon Small plus classic Heavy Metal movie tracks — _Article states: 'Pleasingly, Heavy Metal includes original music from Sebastian Bach, Brendon Small, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick and others' with full track listing provided in August 6 update_ - [HIGH] Game was delayed from original launch due to Coronavirus lockdown — _Article notes: 'The title has been trailed before and was due to launch just as the Coronavirus lockdown hit and pinball production largely closed down'_ - [HIGH] Limited edition model priced at $7,999 with White Glove delivery service (USA mainland only) — _Article clearly states: 'The price of the game is $7,999, but this is a limited-edition built-to-order model which will only be available in 2020 and includes a White Glove service with delivery and home set-up'_ ### Notable Quotes > "Sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and metal collide in this first-ever pinball machine. This is our most ambitious Heavy Metal product yet." > — **Llexi Leon, CEO of Incendium**, Official announcement > _Emphasizes the thematic ambition and significance of the project as Incendium's premier pinball venture_ > "Gamifying The Heavy Metal ethos into this timeless machine is a testament to Incendium's understanding of Heavy Metal's vision." > — **Matthew Medney, CEO of Heavy Metal**, Official announcement > _Indicates strong IP holder satisfaction with how the game captures the magazine's core identity_ > "The playfield design though is not as unique as the rest of the game, featuring a tweaked version of the Star Wars Pin home model design." > — **Pinball News**, Review section > _Critical observation that playfield reuses existing design rather than being fully original, offsetting premium positioning_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Stern Pinball | company | Co-producer and manufacturer of Heavy Metal pinball machine; provides manufacturing and distribution support | | Incendium | company | Co-producer, publisher, and exclusive sales distributor of Heavy Metal pinball; handles promotions and licensing partnership | | Heavy Metal (magazine) | organization | Iconic illustrated magazine founded in 1977; celebrating 300th issue with this pinball collaboration | | Heavy Metal (pinball machine) | game | Limited-edition pinball machine celebrating Heavy Metal magazine's 300th issue; features Taarna and Nelson characters | | Star Wars Pin | game | Home pinball model whose playfield design was tweaked and reused for Heavy Metal | | Llexi Leon | person | CEO of Incendium; championed Heavy Metal pinball as company's most ambitious product | | Matthew Medney | person | CEO of Heavy Metal magazine; endorsed the game as authentic representation of the brand | | Sebastian Bach | person | Musician who provided original recording for Heavy Metal pinball soundtrack | | Brendon Small | person | Musician who collaborated with Sebastian Bach on original Heavy Metal track for the pinball soundtrack | | Blue Oyster Cult | person | Classic rock band featured on Heavy Metal pinball soundtrack with 'Veteran Of The Psychic Wars' | | Taarna | person | Warrior heroine character from Heavy Metal magazine featured as playfield figure and in-game voice | | Nelson | person | Undead tailgunner character from Heavy Metal magazine featured as playfield figure and in-game voice | ### Topics - **Primary:** Limited-edition pinball machine launches and product announcements, Licensed IP integration in pinball game design (Heavy Metal magazine) - **Secondary:** Playfield design reuse and derivative mechanics, Music licensing and soundtrack curation for themed games, Premium pricing and built-to-order sales models, Manufacturer partnerships and exclusive distribution agreements - **Mentioned:** COVID-19 pandemic impact on pinball production timelines ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.78) — Article presents Heavy Metal pinball favorably with emphasis on premium production values, creative partnerships, and thematic authenticity. Mild criticism regarding playfield design reuse (not fully original) tempers enthusiasm but doesn't dominate the coverage. Tone is celebratory of the collaboration and product quality. ### Signals - **[event_signal]** Heavy Metal pinball celebrates magazine's 300th issue as milestone commemoration event (confidence: high) — Article emphasizes: 'The game celebrates the 300th issue of Heavy Metal magazine and comes with a unique custom cover version of the magazine' - **[licensing_signal]** Heavy Metal magazine IP licensing partnership demonstrating strong brand control and creative collaboration on premium pinball product (confidence: high) — Incendium describes itself as 'premier licensing partner' for Heavy Metal; exclusive variant cover of issue #300 included; CEO quotes emphasize brand authenticity and vision alignment - **[market_signal]** Premium pricing at $7,999 for limited-edition built-to-order model with reused playfield design (confidence: medium) — Article notes playfield is 'tweaked version' of Star Wars Pin home model, not original design, which may not fully justify premium positioning despite other quality elements (artwork, soundtrack, figures) - **[announcement]** Official announcement of Heavy Metal pinball machine as limited-edition collaboration between Stern Pinball and Incendium (confidence: high) — Stern Pinball and Incendium jointly announced the machine on June 15, 2020, with exclusive availability through Incendium's website - **[product_strategy]** Heavy Metal pinball launch delayed from original target due to Coronavirus lockdown impact on manufacturing (confidence: high) — Article states: 'The title has been trailed before and was due to launch just as the Coronavirus lockdown hit and pinball production largely closed down' with November/December 2020 shipping target announced - **[product_strategy]** Premium features distinguish Heavy Metal: custom cabinet artwork, character figures with lighting, original music recordings, exclusive magazine variant, hand-numbered edition (confidence: high) — Cabinet features 'colour-changing galaxy black metallic paint,' illuminated Taarna and Nelson figures, original tracks from Sebastian Bach/Brendon Small, and exclusive Heavy Metal #300 variant cover --- ## Transcript **Date:** 15th June, 2020 **Updated:** 6th August, 2020 - See update below [Stern Pinball](https://sternpinball.com/) and [Incendium](https://incendium.online/) today officially launched the *Heavy Metal* pinball machine they have co-produced. [![Stern Pinball and Incendium's Heavy Metal pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/001-heavy-metal-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/001-heavy-metal.jpg) Stern Pinball and Incendium’s Heavy Metal pinball The title has been trailed before and was due to launch just as the Coronavirus lockdown hit and pinball production largely closed down. So, *Heavy Metal*‘s launch was delayed until today, although the game won’t actually ship until late-November or December, 2020. A collaboration between *Heavy Metal* magazine’s publisher, Incendium, and Stern Pinball, the game features some attractive and colourful original artwork featuring warrior heroine, Taarna, and the undead tailgunner, Nelson. [![The left side of the Heavy Metal cabinet](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/002-heavy-metal-618x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/002-heavy-metal.jpg) The left side of the Heavy Metal cabinet [![The right side of the Heavy Metal cabinet](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/003-heavy-metal-616x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/003-heavy-metal.jpg) The right side of the Heavy Metal cabinet [![The front of the Heavy Metal cabinet](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/004-heavy-metal-358x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/004-heavy-metal.jpg) The front of the Heavy Metal cabinet The cabinet trim features a colour-changing galaxy black metallic paint, while inside we find artworked ‘blades’ lining the cabinet sides. The game celebrates the 300th issue of *Heavy Metal* magazine and comes with a unique custom cover version of the magazine. The playfield design though is not as unique as the rest of the game, featuring a tweaked version of the *Star Wars Pin* home model design. [![The Heavy Metal playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/005-heavy-metal-543x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/005-heavy-metal.jpg) The Heavy Metal playfield We can compare this to the playfield for the *Star Wars Pin* home game. [![Star Wars Pin's playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/006-heavy-metal-1024x988.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/006-heavy-metal.jpg) Star Wars Pin’s playfield Rather than collecting movie characters, *Heavy Metal* requires players to experience the four genres associated with Heavy Metal – Fantasy, Horror, Metal and Sci-Fi. *Heavy Metal* also includes a full coin door, allowing commercial operation. Obviously, the Death Star and Tie Fighter at the top of the two ramps have been replaced with models of Nelson and Taarna, with the F-O-R-C-E standup targets now spell H-E-A-V-Y. [![The Neslon figure at the top of the left ramp](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/007-heavy-metal-684x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/007-heavy-metal.jpg) The illuminated Neslon figure at the top of the left ramp [![The model of Taarna on the right ramp](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/008-heavy-metal-684x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/008-heavy-metal.jpg) The model of Taarna on the right ramp [![The H-E-A-V-Y standup target bank](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/009-heavy-metal-684x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/heavy-metal/009-heavy-metal.jpg) The H-E-A-V-Y standup target bank Pleasingly, *Heavy Metal* includes original music from Sebastian Bach, Brendon Small, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick and others – something seen as essential for a *Heavy Metal*-themed game. The price of the game is $7,999, but this is a limited-edition built-to-order model which will only be available in 2020 and includes a ‘White Glove’ service with delivery and home set-up by an installer, although that’s only available in mainland USA. While production will be by Stern Pinball, sales and promotions will be by Incendium, and the game currently needs to be ordered through [their website](https://incendium.online/collections/all/products/pinball). Here’s how the two companies announced the game: **STERN PINBALL & INCENDIUM ANNOUNCE FIRST OFFICIAL HEAVY METAL PINBALL MACHINE** **CHICAGO, IL – June 15, 2020** – Stern Pinball, Inc., a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball, and Incendium, a multi-faceted production company known for an array of animation, comic books, toys, and video games, announced today the availability of a new limited edition pinball machine celebrating the world’s greatest illustrated magazine, Heavy Metal. The Heavy Metal pinball machine will be available exclusively from www.incendium.online. The Heavy Metal pinball machine commemorates the 300th issue of Heavy Metal, which has been running since 1977 and inspired the 1981 animated movie of the same name. An exclusive variant cover edition of issue 300 will be included with every machine. Heavy Metal is working with Incendium as a premier licensing partner to align with premium brands and their products. “Sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and metal collide in this first-ever pinball machine. This is our most ambitious Heavy Metal product yet. We couldn’t be more proud of the result and we’re hugely grateful for the support from Stern Pinball and Heavy Metal in bringing this amazing machine into existence,” said Llexi Leon, CEO of Incendium. “Gamifying The Heavy Metal ethos into this timeless machine is a testament to Incendium’s understanding of Heavy Metal’s vision. I couldn’t be more excited about this product, and all of the other speciality items we have on our upcoming slate.” added Matthew Medney, CEO of Heavy Metal. The original art created for the Heavy Metal pinball machine art pays tribute to characters and worlds from the magazine’s storied history. New additions from its upcoming publications join this shared universe for the first time. Gameplay revolves around the warrior heroine, Taarna and the undead tailgunner, Nelson. Both, will speak for the first time ever, supporting the in-game narrative. The pinball machine soundtrack will feature original recordings from Sebastian Bach, and Brendon Small, in addition to iconic tracks from the Heavy Metal movie original soundtrack including Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, and more. This limited edition pinball machine is built to order and only available this year, 2020. The Heavy Metal pinball machine features cabinet armor in the unique color changing galaxy black metallic with all original art, figures of Taarna and Nelson that light up, custom art blades and a limited edition, hand numbered issue of Heavy Metal #300 with a variant cover. **Pricing and Availability:** Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes. Limited Edition Model: $7999 Heavy Metal pinball machines are available from www.incendium.online and select authorised Stern Pinball dealers. **About Stern Pinball, Inc.** Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball. Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe. Recent Stern Pinball titles include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com. **About Incendium:** Founded in 2006, Incendium is a multi-faceted production company known for an array of animation, comic books, toys, and video games. Driven by our team’s passion for Myths, Monsters, and Metal, the brand embraces the 80s and 90s counterculture with a contemporary twist. For more information, please visit www.incendium.online. **About Heavy Metal:** First published in 1977, Heavy Metal, the world’s foremost illustrated fantasy magazine, explores fantastic and surrealistic worlds, alternate realities, science-fiction, and horror in the present and future. Writers and illustrators from around the world take you to places you never dreamed existed. Heavy Metal was the first magazine to bring European legends, Moebius, Tanino Liberatore, Philippe Druillet, Enki Bilal, Pepe Moreno, and Philippe Caza to the U.S. as well as showcasing American superstars Richard Corben, Jim Steranko, and Berni Wrightson. The magazine continues to showcase amazing new talent and allows established creators to have “carte blanche.” Heavy Metal magazine is now published six times per year. Most issues feature one or two serialized graphic novels, several short stories, and two art galleries. Recent creators have featured Grant Morrison, Steven King, Bart Sears, Tim Seeley, and Kevin Eastman. With new CEO Matt Medney and newly appointed Publisher and Chief Creative Overlord, David Erwin, at the helm, Heavy Metal promises to continue Heavy Metal’s legacy as the leader in cutting-edge science fiction, fantasy, and horror storytelling. For more information, please visit www.HeavyMetal.com You can see more details and order the game on Incendium’s dedicated [Heavy Metal pinball product page](https://incendium.online/collections/all/products/pinball). **UPDATE – 6th August, 2020** Stern Pinball today released the full soundtrack listing for the Heavy Metal game. 1: Veteran Of The Psychic Wars – **Blue Oyster Cult** 2: Takin A Ride (Heavy Metal) – **Soundswitch** 3: World Of Fantasy – **Helloween** 4: Cosmic Power Of The Infinite Shred Machine – **Dragonforce** 5: Heavy Metal – **Justice** 6: Midnight Flyer – **The Night Flight Orchestra** 7: I Must Be Dreamin’ – **Cheap Trick** 8: Heavy Metal – **Sebastian Bach**feat.**Brendon Small** 9: At The Edge Of Time – **Blind Guardian** 10: Space Police – **Edguy** 11: Sky Is Mine – **Amorphis** 12: Lightyears from Home – **Primal Fear** Initial comments suggested most or all of the tracks could be covers, but that appears to be limited to the Heavy Metal track which was originally by Sammy Hagar but is performed here by Sebastian Bach and Brendon Small. A preview of that track can be heard in the latest Heavy Metal Pinball teaser video which you can see below. VIDEO _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: af693ed6-f967-4960-829f-632c8a0af8f0*