Metallica is one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time. Their music has inspired countless artists across various genres to pay tribute to their legacy. Some covers remain faithful to the original, while others add a unique twist or flavor. So, which Metallica song covers are worth listening to?
Founded in 1981 by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, Metallica emerged from their shared passion for heavy metal music. They soon recruited Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton to complete their lineup and released their debut album, Kill ‘Em All, in 1983. This album was a breakthrough for the thrash metal genre, combining the speed and aggression of punk rock with the complexity and technicality of metal.
Metallica continued to release several more albums that solidified their status as leaders and innovators of the genre, such as Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and …And Justice for All. Here are 10 epic Metallica song covers that you need to hear:
1. “Nothing Else Matters” by Apocalyptica
Apocalyptica, a Finnish cello metal band, has covered many Metallica songs over the years. Their rendition of “Nothing Else Matters” is one of their most popular and beautiful covers. Using four cellos, they create a haunting and emotional atmosphere that captures the essence of the song.
Released in 1998 as part of their debut album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, the album was a tribute to Metallica and featured eight instrumental covers of their songs. The album’s success led to a collaboration between Apocalyptica and Metallica in 1999, when they performed together at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
2. “Enter Sandman” by Motörhead
Motörhead, the legendary British rock band, influenced many metal bands, including Metallica. Their cover of “Enter Sandman” pays tribute to their friends and fans. They inject their signature speed and energy into the song, making it raw and aggressive.
Motörhead’s cover of “Enter Sandman” was released in 1998 as part of their album Snake Bite Love. The album was dedicated to their former drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, who passed away in 1995. The cover also expressed gratitude to Metallica for their support and friendship, as Metallica had covered Motörhead’s songs and invited them to tour together in 1995.
3. “Master of Puppets” by Trivium
Trivium, an American metal band, draws heavy influence from Metallica. Their cover of “Master of Puppets” is a homage to their idols. They perform the song with precision and passion, matching the intensity and complexity of the original.
Released in 2006 as part of the tribute album Remastered: Master of Puppets Revisited, the album celebrated the 20th anniversary of Metallica’s iconic album Master of Puppets. It featured covers of the eight songs from the original album by different metal bands, such as Bullet for My Valentine, Machine Head, and Mastodon.
4. “Ride The Lightning” by Halestorm
Halestorm, an American rock band with a powerful female lead singer, Lzzy Hale, adds a new dimension to “Ride The Lightning.” Hale sings with intensity and conviction while the band delivers a fast and furious performance.
Their cover of “Ride The Lightning” was released in 2013 as part of their EP ReAniMate 2.0: The CoVeRs eP. This EP, a sequel to their previous EP of covers, featured six more songs by different artists, such as AC/DC, Daft Punk, and Fleetwood Mac, showcasing Halestorm’s diverse musical influences and tastes.
5. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Sabaton
Sabaton, a Swedish power metal band that focuses on historical themes and battles, brings a fitting choice with their cover of “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The song, based on a novel by Ernest Hemingway about the Spanish Civil War, is given an epic and bombastic style, making it more dramatic and heroic.
Released in 2018 as part of their compilation album The Metalizer Re-Armed, Sabaton re-released their debut album, The Metalizer, which was originally recorded in 2002 but not released until 2007. The album included four bonus tracks, one of which was the cover of “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”
6. “Seek and Destroy” by Testament
Testament, an American thrash metal band part of the “Big Four” of the genre along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, gives a nod to their peers and rivals with their cover of “Seek and Destroy.” They play the song with skill and fury, adding extra solos and riffs.
Their cover of “Seek and Destroy” was released in 2008 as part of their album *The Formation of Damnation*. The album marked their return to the thrash metal scene after nine years and also featured a cover of Iron Maiden’s “The Evil That Men Do.”
7. “Fade to Black” by Disturbed
Disturbed, an American nu metal band, showcases their distinctive vocals and rhythms in their cover of “Fade to Black.” This surprising and refreshing take on the classic ballad adds electronic and industrial elements, creating a dark and futuristic vibe.
Released in 2011 as part of their album The Lost Children, Disturbed compiled previously unreleased songs and b-sides from their previous albums. The album also included a cover of Judas Priest’s “Living After Midnight.”
8. “One” by Korn
Korn, one of the pioneers of the nu metal genre, pays tribute to one of their main influences with their cover of “One.” They play the song with respect and reverence while adding their touch of groove and heaviness.
Their cover of “One” was released in 2003 as part of the tribute album MTV Icon: Metallica. The album was the soundtrack of the MTV special that honored Metallica and their impact on music and culture. It featured covers of Metallica songs by different artists, such as Limp Bizkit, Avril Lavigne, and Sum 41.
9. “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” by Bullet For My Valentine
Bullet For My Valentine, a Welsh metalcore band, has been influenced by Metallica and other thrash metal bands. Their cover of “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” is a tribute to one of their favorite songs. They play it with skill and power, adding modern and melodic touches.
Their cover was released in 2006 as part of the tribute album Master of Puppets: Remastered. This album celebrated the 20th anniversary of Metallica’s Master of Puppets and featured covers of the eight songs from the original album by different metal bands, such as Trivium, Machine Head, and Mastodon.
10. “Battery” by Machine Head
Machine Head, an American groove metal band, has been influenced by Metallica and other thrash metal bands. Their cover of “Battery” is a tribute to one of their favorite albums, Master of Puppets. They play the song with skill and intensity, adding extra solos and riffs.
In 2007, Machine Head released their cover of “Battery” as part of their album The Blackening. The album achieved critical and commercial success, earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance. It also featured a cover of Iron Maiden’s “Hallowed Be Thy Name.”
Conclusion
These are 10 epic Metallica song covers that you need to hear. They demonstrate how Metallica has influenced and inspired many artists from different genres and generations. They also show how Metallica has paid homage to their own influences and heroes.
These covers are a testament to the enduring and universal appeal of Metallica’s music, which transcends the boundaries of time and genre. Whether you are a fan of Metallica or not, you can appreciate the diversity and creativity of these covers, discovering new ways of enjoying their songs. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.