Metallica Re- Revisited: Covers That Live Up to The Name..

     There is no questioning Metallica’s place in music history… they are one of those rare bands that have weaved themselves into music mythology.  Bigger than genre.  They are to rock music what Michael Jordan was to basketball; they didn’t just transform it… they have transcended it.

     When you reach the tier of ‘Icon’, when you find that a band is on every list of ‘who influenced us’, it’s inevitable that there will be copies.  Most are done in the manner of tribute… honoring the original artist. 

     I was on a mini quest for Metallica covers this evening; An Apocalyptica song was on the radio, and it gave me that Metalli-itch in the back of my head.  And we all know the itch cannot be ignored.  But tonight I was looking for covers, and it took me on something of a musical journey. 

     There are literally hundreds of Metallica cover songs to choose from, spanning virtually every genre.  I was amazed, in all honesty, at how well Metallica songs translate across many of those borders.  I shouldn’t have been;  Metallica writes amazing songs, and that translation is one of the marks of great songwriting.

     I’ve decided to gather some of my discoveries here… my own little brand of tribute.  You will find things you would never expect; pianos, rap music, punk, industrial, classical acoustic, even… no kidding… bluegrass.  Along with a few that will simply stop you in your tracks.  There are famous bands, and people you will never hear of.  All with that one common thread;  Metallica.

     So sit back, relax, and enjoy… Metallica, Re- revisited.

Korn One

I had to lead in with this one, because it is simply an amazing performance.  Perhaps the king of Metallica cover songs.

Nickelback Sad But True

I was leery at first, too.  Nickelback?  Get real.  But they actuall tear it up.

Pantera Whiplash

This is a pretty sweet moment; Phil on guitar, Dimebag on vocals.  RIP, brother.

Primus Master of Puppets

It’s not the whole song, but Les is to bass what Hendrix was to guitar.  This is spectacular.

Megadeth Battery

The irony of this one goes without saying.

Anthrax Welcome Home (Sanitarium)

The two bands came up in the world together… appropriate that they would eventually do a cover- and a great one.

Fade To Bluegrass Fade to Black

It’s exactly what it says.  And it’s brilliant.

Fightstar Leper Messiah

I had never heard of this band.  Upon further inspection, they aren’t all that good, but this cover is.

Machinehead Creeping Death

Just a kick ass live performance.

Piano Cover Fade to Black

If you have any pure appreciation of music, your jaw will drop.  If you’re only interested in head banging, skip this one.  On a side note… this girl can play the hell out of the piano.

Rodrigo Y Gabriella Orion

Another unexpected turn, but some of the best acoustic work I’ve ever seen.  A breathtaking interperetation.

Hatebreed Escape

It was an angry song to begin with, and Hatebreed is a really angry band.  Avoid this one if you have anger issues.

Ensiferum Battery

Not exactly sure how to quantify this one; just give it a listen.

Dark Tranquility My Friend of Misery

I’m not a big fan of the Cookie Monster growl, but it somehow works here.

Die Krupps Blackened

Old school industrial cover that rally works.

Gregorian Nothing Else Matters

Chanting,  Really.  And it is amazing.

Moonsorrow For Whom The Bell Tolls

I have no idea how to describe this.  It’s kind of goth-ish, without the lame aspects.  The musical arrangement is mind bendingly good.

In Flames Eye Of The Beholder

Just a rockin’ cover.

Grip Grand The Day That Never Comes

It took me awhile to decide if this belonged, but in the end I decided it did.  It’s another intereperetation you’d never see coming.

Testament Holier Than Thou

Crunchy metal covering crunchy metal.

Sum 41 Master of Puppets

Snotty little punks just jamming some Metallica.

Link 80 Harvester of Sorrows

Kind of a grindcore ska thing… brass on Harvester of Sorrows.  And it’s cool as hell.

Apocalyptica w/ Monica Jean-Vincent  Fade To Black

I had to put Apocalyptica in here, but this one has a whole different angle.

Total Chaos One

And we end where we began, with ‘One’.  But a great punk version of it.