If you’re hunting for the top 10 better metal renditions that actually outclass the tracks they’re based on, you’ve hit the right spot. Cover versions are everywhere these days – from pop icons to rock legends – but only a handful of heavy‑metal reinterpretations manage to flip the script and become superior to the source material. Below we break down the ten most impressive metal covers that prove a heavier approach can add depth, power, and fresh emotion to classic songs.
Why These Top 10 Better Metal Covers Shine
Metal’s raw energy and sonic heft give musicians a unique toolkit for reshaping beloved melodies. By swapping soft verses for crushing riffs, swapping a sax solo for a screaming guitar, or injecting a growl where a smooth croon once lived, these bands have shown that a metal makeover can be more than a novelty – it can be an artistic upgrade.
10 Seether (Wham/George Michael, 1984)
The original “Careless Whisper” is instantly recognizable thanks to its iconic sax intro and melodramatic lyrics, cementing its place as an emblem of 80s pop romance. George Michael penned the track at just 17, showcasing his prodigious talent, and it quickly became the go‑to heartbreak anthem for generations.
Seether’s 2009 Valentine’s Day spin on the song started as a tongue‑in‑cheek experiment, yet the resulting version struck a chord with fans who didn’t even realize it was a cover. Released as a single, it vaulted to #63 on the Billboard Hot 100. By swapping the sax for a razor‑sharp guitar riff and layering thunderous power chords beneath Shaun Morgan’s gritty vocals, the band preserved the song’s emotional core while wrapping it in a heavy‑metal shell, turning a cheesy ballad into a fierce statement on betrayal.
9 Anthrax (Kansas, 1976)
Anthrax, one of thrash’s legendary “Big 4,” earned fame for their aggressive, fast‑paced style. It seemed unlikely they’d tackle Kansas’s progressive anthem, a track famed for its soaring vocals and prominent keyboards—elements far from Anthrax’s usual arsenal.
Defying expectations, Anthrax recorded a 2017 version that feels almost indistinguishable from the original, thanks to meticulous production and the enlistment of veteran keyboardist Fred Mandel. Frontman Joey Belladonna’s surprisingly versatile vocals shine, delivering a performance that even convinced Kansas founder Phil Ehart to give the cover his seal of approval.
8 Avenged Sevenfold (Pink Floyd, 1975)
Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” stands as a timeless masterpiece, its lyrical depth evolving with each listen. The original’s delicate balance of acoustic ambience and emotional resonance has made it a staple of classic rock history.
Avenged Sevenfold reimagined the track in 2017, swapping the gentle acoustic lead for a punchier electric guitar while retaining the haunting interlude that defines the song. M. Shadows’ distinctive vocal timbre adds a fresh clarity, and the band’s decision to highlight the lyrical relevance in today’s climate breathes new life into the classic, introducing it to a whole new generation of listeners.
7 Five Finger Death Punch (Bad Company, 1974)
Bad Company’s eponymous 1974 hit borrowed its title from the iconic western film starring Jeff Bridges, and the track quickly became a cornerstone of classic‑rock radio. Though the song enjoyed moderate fame, it never reached the cultural ubiquity of some of its peers.
Five Finger Death Punch revitalized the anthem on their 2009 “War Is The Answer” album, replacing the original piano foundation with thick, distorted guitars and tweaking a few lyrics for added punch. The resulting version feels more powerful, and a music video filmed for troops stationed in Iraq cemented the rendition as a tribute to service members, amplifying its emotional resonance.
6 HIM (Chris Isaak, 1989)
Chris Isaak’s sultry “Wicked Game” has graced countless soundtracks and commercials, its black‑and‑white video becoming an iconic visual of late‑80s romance. The track’s seductive vibe made it an unlikely candidate for a metal makeover.
Swedish “love metal” outfit HIM took a bold step in 1997, accelerating the tempo and injecting palm‑muted riffs alongside tasteful lead guitar work. While the band’s heavy aesthetic could have overwhelmed the original’s subtlety, vocalist Ville Valo’s performance matches Isaak’s crooning, delivering a darker, edgier version that retains the song’s innate sensuality.
5 Motörhead (David Bowie, 1981)
When Lemmy Kilmister and David Bowie passed away within weeks of each other in late 2015, the music world mourned two iconic rebels. Bowie’s “Heroes,” a soaring anthem of perseverance, received a fitting homage from Motörhead, who recorded it as one of Lemmy’s final studio contributions.
Lemmy opted not to imitate Bowie’s soaring vocal style; instead, he applied his signature rasp, pairing it with a thunderous rhythm section and a blistering guitar solo. Slight lyrical tweaks and the band’s gritty production transform the track into a heavier, more visceral tribute, celebrating both musicians as true heroes of their respective realms.
4 Disturbed (Simon and Garfunkel, 1964)
Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound Of Silence” is arguably one of the most distant songs from metal’s aggressive roots, yet its haunting melancholy makes it ripe for a darker reinterpretation. Nu‑metal pioneers Disturbed seized the opportunity in 2015, delivering a version that quickly garnered acclaim, even earning praise from actor Russell Crowe.
Disturbed’s take slows the tempo, replacing the folk‑inspired arrangement with a symphonic backdrop and subtle acoustic touches. Lead singer David Draiman’s controlled, emotive delivery builds to a powerful crescendo, turning the quiet contemplation of the original into a brooding, goose‑bump‑inducing anthem that feels eerily relevant in today’s turbulent climate.
3 Metallica (Deep Purple, 1972)
Metallica’s towering legacy includes a trove of groundbreaking originals, yet the band also honors its influences through thoughtful covers. Their 2016 rendition of Deep Purple’s “When A Blind Man Cries,” originally released as a B‑side, showcases this reverence.
James Hetfield’s vocal growth shines, navigating the gentle verses before exploding into Kirk Hammett’s soaring lead work. Lars Ulrich’s nuanced drumming adds depth, while the contrast between soft passages and crushing interludes elevates the track beyond its modest origins, cementing it as a standout entry in Metallica’s cover catalog.
2 Diamondhead (Led Zeppelin, 1970)
Diamondhead emerged as a key force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, sharing the stage with legends like Iron Maiden and Saxon. Though they never achieved massive global fame, their influence on future thrash icons is undeniable.
In 2020, the band revisited Led Zeppelin’s iconic “Immigrant Song,” delivering a heavier, Viking‑ready interpretation that surpasses the original’s cinematic presence in the “Thor: Ragnarok” soundtrack. Brian Tatler’s commanding vocals match Robert Plant’s intensity, while his war‑cry intro and blistering solo inject fresh ferocity, making the cover a thunderous tribute to the classic.
1 In This Moment (Phil Collins, 1981)
Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” is famed for its sparse arrangement and explosive drum break, creating a subtle tension that built to a legendary climax. Over the decades, many artists have attempted to capture its magic, but few have truly expanded its atmosphere.
In This Moment’s 2020 version reimagines the track with Maria Brink’s commanding vocals, layered over heavily distorted guitar feedback that mimics storm clouds gathering on the horizon. When the iconic drum explosion finally erupts, it feels even more monumental, amplified by the band’s soaring dynamics and dramatic production.
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About The Author: I’m a 32‑year‑old logistics professional living in South Africa, moonlighting as a freelance writer. When I’m not juggling shipments, I’m penning short stories for Reedsy Prompts, where I’ve been a shortlisted finalist twice, and dreaming up a debut novel.