Covers are an amazing tool in the music world. They can be utilized as a way to pay tribute to a favorite artist the way Disturbed did with their cover of “Sound of Silence,” develop vocal range, experiment in a different genre, or, give a different perspective on a song. Everyone knows the iconic saxophone notes from George Michael’s pop ballad “Careless Whisper” and Seether managed to translate them seamlessly into their rock version. Marilyn Manson gave a haunting reimagining to the Eurythmics’s “Sweet Dreams” plus his cover of “This is Halloween” has found its way to almost every Spotify Halloween playlist. Often, there is a sense that the artist is having just as much fun making a song their own as the original artist did. Even more often, a whole other level of emotions and meaning are brought to the cover that maybe the original didn’t. Whatever the intention behind covering a song, having more versions to suit different moods spreads the joy of the music.
Bad Wolves – Zombie
Originally, Dolores O’Riordan was intended to reprise her vocals for Bad Wolves’s cover of her song. As explained in their release of the music video, the day they had set to record was the day O’Riordan passed away. Bad Wolves released their cover in her memory, paying tribute to the song’s legacy with the gold idol from the original video and how it was written in memory of the two children who died in a bombing during the Troubles. Subtle touches such as switching the lyrics from “it’s the same old thing/since 1916” to “it’s the same old thing in 2018” reflects how the issues O’Riordan advocated for are still relevant to the newer generations. As expected of the band, Bad Wolves bring their own soulful vocals and incredible hard rock sound that would make O’Riordan proud.
Lauren Babic and Seraphim – lovely
Billie Eilish’s “lovely” with Khalid is already ethereal, perfectly encompassing one’s experience with loneliness. In the metal cover, Lauren Babic and Seraphim develop an element of rebellion that often accompanies finding one’s way out of a depressive episode. The original has a more gentle approach, as if Eilish and Khalid have faith that “some day I’ll make it out of here” by utilizing gentle approaches and solving the issues with a level of grace and hope. Babic and Seraphim keep the original hopeful tone, but their turning “lovely” into a metal song brings the image of a leather-clad, bloody knuckled rebel fighting their way back to a good place. Not to mention, Babic’s vocal range is incredible. Her voice emulates the softness of Eilish’s before flowing into her own trademark harsh vocals that perfectly compliment Seraphim’s clean singing.
Evanescence – Tourniquet
Surprisingly, “Tourniquet” was originally written and performed by a Christian death metal band from Arkansas. The story of the track finding its way to Evanescence’s album Fallen begins with Rocky Gray, the original composer of the song and member of Soul Embraced. Then, he started recording with Evanescence as well and Amy Lee wrote a second verse for “My Tourniquet.” It was then given the Evanescence touch and, with Rocky’s blessing, put on their first album, Fallen. The original is a stark contrast from the cover, but listening to them back to back definitely gives a sense how artists can add their own flare to songs while keeping its intended message and soul.
Jonathan Young – Breaking the Habit
Sometimes, all it takes is an acoustic guitar and clean, airy vocals to resurrect another part of the magic from a song. Jonathan Young’s Disney and metal covers are pretty well known already, but this one stands out the most in his plethora of tributes. By delivering a stripped performance, Young brings more attention to the meaning in the lyrics while also showing his own vocal range. While the original from Linkin Park is an adrenaline rush (and a classic), Young manages to hyper focus on the true emotions that may be glossed over by listeners. An already relatable anthem is given an atmospheric touch with the simplicity of Young’s voice and acoustics.
Machine Gun Kelly – Numb
No Banshee playlist is complete without Kells. In my defense, us Northeast Ohioans gotta stick together and this is my way of making sure I uphold that unspoken rule. Machine Gun Kelly is no stranger to releasing amazing covers, as we saw earlier this year with him and Travis Barker’s releasing their own version of Paramore’s “Misery Business.” While that is certainly a close second favorite, “Numb” hits every emotion a person can feel. Similar to the way Lauren Babic added another layer to “lovely,” MGK stripped the original rager down to a softer, more reflective piece. It’s both a beautiful tribute to the late Chester Bennington as well as an atmospheric cover that will simultaneously haunt and heal you.
Caleb Hyles ft. RichaadEb (and a surprise toxicxeternity)– Bring Me To Life
Evanescence took the rock world by storm with their first single, “Bring Me To Life.” Since then, it has served as an anthem for every budding Goth child, and spawned a slew of Sailor Moon AMVs. As is the fate of every Millennial anthem, “Bring Me to Life” has been meme’d to all Hell and back. Hyles pays tribute to every person that still unironically belts the lyrics while their friends scream “Save Me!” while spinning in an office chair. Needless to say, the music and vocals are absolutely flawless and give the iconic track a metal twist. Their video is even more of a masterpiece in taking the song seriously while simultaneously poking fun at it. This is the Millennial Way – we only poke fun at the things and people we truly love.
Nightwish – Over the Hills and Far Away
Yours truly had NO idea that this was a cover. Needless to say, it was a thrilling discovery that the original spawned from the mind of Gary Moore, a fellow Irishman. Former Nightwish front woman, Tarja Turunen, delivers such angelic, operatic vocals that are the metaphorical cherry on top of this masterpiece. A haunting magic accompanies the blend of traditional Irish music and metal set to a Count of Monte Cristo-esque story that is hardly ever found elsewhere. The cover remains pretty true to the original, with the added symphonic metal twist that Nightwish is known for. Both versions are incredible pieces of work that deserve more recognition.
Cover image by Ali Brant Photography
