Jonas Akerlund

The Profile

Jonas Akerlund is a Swedish director known for groundbreaking music videos and feature films. He directed Spun (2002) and Lords of Chaos (2018), and has created videos for artists such as Madonna, Metallica, The Prodigy, Lady Gaga, and U2. Earlier in his career, he was a drummer for the Swedish band Bathory.

Swedish director; acclaimed music‑video auteur; former Bathory drummer; feature films include Spun (2002) and Lords of Chaos (2018); has directed videos for Madonna, Metallica, The Prodigy, Lady Gaga, and U2; active since the 1980s.

Three DeBaser reviews size up Jonas Akerlund’s feature films. Lords of Chaos is criticized for narrative choices, historical liberties, and a sidelined musical core. Spun is portrayed as a chaotic, drug-fueled plunge with abrasive style. Reviewers note Akerlund’s heavyweight music-video pedigree and Swedish roots. Overall reception is mixed, leaning negative.