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Heavy Metal by Chris James, Julio Montoro, and Joel Miranda

Created by: Chris James, Julio Montoro, Joel Miranda

Heavy Metal is a modern twist on the classic Matchbox penetration trick, adapted to use an everyday object: AirPods. The magician demonstrates how music can change the state of objects by playing soft music to make the AirPods penetrable with a key, then switching to heavy metal music to transform them into a solid, examinable metal block. This close-up magic trick baffles spectators with its impossible penetration and transformation, enhanced by a built-in locking mechanism that allows the metal block to be freely examined without revealing the secret. The trick comes with a carrying case, an uncut key, a reset tool, and the heavy metal unit itself, offering a durable and practical magic effect that's ready to perform right out of the box.

Key features

  • Modern take on the classic Matchbox penetration using AirPods

  • Built-in locking mechanism for safe examination by spectators

  • Made from stainless steel for durability and longevity

  • Quick reset feature suitable for strolling magicians

  • Includes tutorial videos for immediate performance

Pros

  • High-quality manufacturing and durability

  • Strong, baffling effect that wows audiences

  • Quick and easy reset for continuous performances

  • Angle-friendly and can be performed surrounded

  • Comes with comprehensive tutorial videos

Cons

  • Requires an extra tool for reset, which must be done off-camera

  • The metal block is heavy, which might affect portability

  • Higher price point compared to simpler tricks

Effect

Heavy Metal is a modern take on the classic Matchbox penetration effect. The magician shows an AirPods case and plays music from their phone. A key is pushed through the case, seemingly penetrating it. The music stops as the key passes through, then resumes when the key is removed. The magician then reveals that the AirPods case is actually a solid block of metal, which can be handed out for examination.

Full details

Heavy Metal was created by Chris James and Julio Montoro, engineered by Joel Miranda. The trick includes:

  • A stainless steel block shaped like an AirPods case
  • A silicone case to conceal the gimmick
  • An uncut key for penetration
  • A reset tool
  • Optional dummy AirPods for a switch routine

The effect plays on the idea that music changes the state of objects—soft music makes the case penetrable, while heavy metal music turns it solid. The gimmick has a built-in locking mechanism, making it completely examinable after the effect.

Who should consider the trick

Heavy Metal is ideal for magicians who:

  • Want a strong, visual penetration effect
  • Perform close-up or walk-around magic
  • Prefer modern, everyday objects over traditional props
  • Value high-quality, durable gimmicks

It may not suit performers who dislike carrying heavy props or need instant resets between performances.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The basic routine is simple—anyone who can hold an AirPods case can perform it. The reset takes 10-20 seconds and must be done off-camera. Adding the optional switch routine with dummy AirPods requires more practice but enhances the effect.

What magicians say

  • ChampionMagic praised the built-in locking mechanism: "You can confidently hand out Heavy Metal without any concern."
  • AlexisReviews highlighted the quality: "The craftsmanship is completely crazy... it's something that can be used in real life."
  • Magic Orthodoxy noted the modern twist: "It's a nice portable way to do the old toothpick-through-the-matchbox effect."
  • BAM_magic called it "a great everyday carry" and gave it a 95% score, emphasizing its examinability and strong reactions.

Heavy Metal is a well-engineered update to a classic effect, offering both visual impact and practicality for performers.

What people are saying about Heavy Metal

AlexisReviews says...

The quality is simply amazing... the craftsmanship is just completely crazy and it's something can be used in real life.

BAM_magic says...

This is a powerful effect and it's completely disarming... it's a great everyday carry this can be performed completely surrounded.

ChampionMagic says...

The thing that sold me on heavy metal is the built-in locking mechanism they added... you can confidently hand out heavy metal without any concern.

magicorthodoxy says...

It's a fun little effect... I wasn't expecting to like it as much because I am not an iPhone user, but I have enjoyed using it from that approach.

Review videos

Tutorial videos

Other videos