Thrash Covers Classic Rock
The 80’s were a magical time. Heavy metal underwent a metamorphosis as the genre transformed into a snarling, speed obsessed mutation. This new breed of metal heroes had their own influences and often recorded heavier takes on 70’s classics. From AC/DC to Pink Floyd, enjoy these thrash metal versions of classic rock songs.
SLAYER- IN A GADDA DA VIDA
Slayer was featured on the Less Than Zero soundtrack beside an eclectic blend of performers. Rather than waste a new composition on a movie soundtrack, Slayer recorded a metal version of the Iron Butterfly classic, “In A Gadda Da Vida.” Although the original was a 17 plus minute psychedelic tour de force, Slayer trimmed the track down to three minutes of aggression.
TESTAMENT – NOBODY’S FAULT
While “In A Gadda Da Vida” wallowed in relative obscurity via a distinctly non-metal movie soundtrack, Testament’s cover of the Aerosmith track, “Nobody’s Fault” was given lavish attention via a humorous music video. Thrashers watching Headbanger’s Ball surely laughed at the band’s sense of humor.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM – SATURDAY NIGHT’S ALRIGHT (FOR FIGHTING)
Flotsam and Jetsam also chose a cover song as their video. No Place for Disgrace is often hailed as the band’s finest moment. Despite epic material like the title track,”Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” was a worthy choice for promotion. After all, nothing gets people’s attention more than a thrash band covering Elton John.
DARK ANGEL – IMMIGRANT SONG
Claims that Led Zeppelin invented heavy metal are certainly dubious, though one must admit, “The Immigrant Song” was damn heavy for 1970. When speed titans Dark Angel sought a Led Zeppelin song to record, the lead-off rack from Zeppelin 3 was an obvious choice. Witness one of Zeppelin’s heaviest moments become a blistering metal assault.
NUCLEAR ASSAULT – GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES
Nuclear Assault took the opposite approach when tackling their Led Zeppelin cover. Rather than speed the tempo into a sonic blur, this thrashier version of “Good Times, Bad Times” maintains the original Zeppelin vibe, yet distinctly sounds like Nuclear Assault.
DEATH ANGEL – COLD GIN
Death Angel also chose to remain faithful when tackling the Kiss classic “Cold Gin.” Still, the guitars sound meatier and singer Mark Osegueda fits in trademark squeals. When the infamous guitar breakdown hits, shredding guitars are cast aside to ensure that Ace Frehley’s melodic musings remain.
EXODUS – OVERDOSE/DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP
Steve “Zetro” Souza is a huge admirer of Bon Scott. In fact, the singer even formed an AC/DC cover band. So, it’s no surprise that a few AC/DC songs would find their way into the Exodus repertoire.
First up is “Overdose.” For those of us that grew up listening to cassettes, we missed this cover song completely while rocking out to Fabulous Disaster. This AC/DC cover was only available on CD.
Thankfully humble cassette listeners were treated to a live rendition of “Dirty Deeds Done Cheap” with the following Exodus release. Recorded during the Fabulous Disaster tour, the aptly titled Good Friendly Violent Fun record ended on a high note thanks to a fun romp through the AC/DC classic.
After a long absence from the Exodus camp, “Zetro” returned in 2004 to record Tempo of the Damned. This time around, a polished studio version of “Dirty Deeds” was recorded for inclusion as a bonus track.
VOIVOD – ASTRONOMY DOMINE/THE NILE SONG
Exodus were not the only band to record multiple songs from another band. Voivod, despite releasing several respected thrash records, are best known by casual fans for their cover of Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine.”
Several years later Voivod revisited the Pink Floyd canon while recording The Outer Limits. Despite being overshadowed by their previous cover, Voivod’s rendering of “The Nile Song” is equally proficient.
WRATHCHILD AMERICA – TIME
Pink Floyd is an unlikely candidate to be covered by a thrash band. Perhaps it’s their mellow reputation that make them a desirable choice. By slowing down tempos and ditching distortion, Wrathchild America uses this Darkside of the Moon classic to showcase a different side of their band.
OVERKILL – FRANKENSTEIN/HYMN 43
It was a BIG deal when Bobby Gustafson parted ways with Overkill in 1990. As one of the groups primary songwriters, many wondered how his absence would impact the band. Overkill responded by hiring TWO guitarists. To showcase their new ax-slingers, the band recorded Edgar Winter’s instrumental shred-fest, “Frankenstein.”
I know, I know……how can we include an Overkill cover WITHOUT Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth. One needs to look no further than Coverkill. As the title suggests, the disc is nothing but cover songs recorded by Overkill. Check out their take on Jethro Tull’s “Hymn 43” and the absolutely crushing riff that was waiting for a metal makeover.
ANTHRAX – I’M EIGHTEEN
Where does one even begin when selecting an Anthrax cover song? Might as well start at the beginning! Fistful of Metal contains a remake of the Alice Cooper anthem, “I’m Eighteen.” Although manager Jonny Z was convinced the Cooper tune would boost record sales, Scott Ian felt the song clashed with their original material. In protest, the guitarist refused to play on the track, making “I’m Eighteen” the ONLY Anthrax tune to NOT feature Scott Ian. Regardless, the song is a fun listen and I’m glad it exists!
MEGADETH – NO MORE MR. NICE GUY
Megadeth also recorded an Alice Cooper song. This cover was not destined for a Megadeth LP, but was recorded for inclusion on the Shocker soundtrack. Unlike Scott Ian, Dave Mustaine was not embarrassed by HIS Alice Cooper cover. Mustaine made a memorable appearance in the “No More Mr. Nice Video” as he was strapped into an electric chair.
Obviously this is by no means an exhaustive list of thrash cover songs. Did we leave out your favorite thrash version of a classic rock song? Let us know in the comment section!
