All bands kick off their careers covering their idols. It’s a way of learning how to play the instruments, how to play in a band, and to homage the idols. Not only amateurs, but pros do it once in a while for million reasons. But, I guarantee, it’s not that easy as many may think. It’s a great responsibility. On the other hand, it may take the band to the other level as happened to Quiet Riot and Slade’s “C*m on Feel The Noize” and “Mama Weer All Crazee Now.”
Here are some Metal covers that are simply amazing:
Heaven – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is probably one of the most, or the most, covered songs of all times. It’s been so covered that many don’t really know that Bob Dylan wrote it – Dylan’s songs are particularly desired as covers. As you all know, Guns N’ Roses were the most successful band to cover it, but Heaven’s cover is simply majestic. The scenery of the Grand Canyon is also particularly breathtaking.
Disturbed – The Sounds of Silence
To cover an acclaimed song may be harmful because it can possibly backfire. This wasn’t the case. Disturbed nailed it when they decided to cover Simon And Garfunkel’s song.
Quiet Riot – C*m Feel the Noize and Mama Weer All Crazee Now
One can say that Quiet Riot hit the jackpot when they decided to cover Slade’s “C*m on Feel The Noize” on their third effort “Metal Health.” Before it they were known as the Randy Rhoads band. From a barely known band to stardom. That’s what happened. MTV helped a lot as well.
Kiss – God Gave Rock and Roll to You
Sometimes the cover gets bigger than the original. That’s what happened to Argent’s “God Gave Rock and Roll to You” covered by Kiss in 1991.
Yngwie Malmsteen, Ronnie James Dio & Rob Halford – Mr. Crowley (Ozzy Osbourne & Randy Rhoads Tribute)
Definitely no words for this masterpiece.
Dio – Dream On
I like Aerosmith, but sometimes I get bored of them. However, I don’t dare saying the same to this cover with the voice of the master.
Judas Priest – Diamonds and Rust
Joan Baez was a pretty popular folk singer in the 1960s. She recorded the song in 1975. Judas Priest recorded it soon after at the same year, but for unknown reasons it was left over and then included in 1977’s “Sin after Sin” pretty different than the original. However, in the early 2000s, The Priest decided to perform it acoustic in live shows which took the song to the level of masterpiece.
Metallica – Astronomy and Whiskey in the Jar
Thin Lizzy’s “Whiskey in the Jar” and Blue Öyster Cult’s “Astronomy” were honored by these Metallica’s covers. “Whiskey in the Jar’s” video is a nonsense, but the song got great.
Bonfire – Africa
Toto’s “Africa” received an awesome cover from Bonfire. The secret was to keep it the closest possible to the original.
Blind Guardian – The Wizard and Spread Our Wings
In 1996, Blind Guardian decided it was time to honor the bands that influenced them. The result was “Forgotten Tales” an album with some acoustic versions of their songs and some covers. “The Wizard” sounds very close to the original, though “Spread Your Wings” keeps the spirit being slightly heavier.
