The 10 best Metallica songs not by Metallica
Metallica’s influence on rock and heavy metal is undeniable, and their music has inspired countless artists across various genres. Some bands have channeled Metallica’s iconic sound into their own songs, creating tracks that could easily be mistaken for deep cuts from the legendary metal group. Here are ten songs that embody the spirit of Metallica, yet come from different artists who’ve captured some of the band’s magic in their own music.
1. “Painkiller” by Judas Priest – With face-melting guitar solos and blistering drum work, “Painkiller” channels an energy reminiscent of Metallica’s most intense performances.
2. “Electric Eye” by Testament – Testament, a band often compared to Metallica, produced “Electric Eye,” a song whose sharp riffs and relentless pace pay homage to the Bay Area thrash scene from which Metallica originally emerged.
3. “Ghost Walking” by Lamb of God – The groove-laden riffs and raw aggression in “Ghost Walking” echo Metallica’s ability to blend melodic hooks with thrashing intensity.
4. “Roots Bloody Roots” by Sepultura – The Brazilian metal giant’s foray into groove metal feels like it could slot right into “Load-era” Metallica with its hefty riffs and rhythmic punch.
5. “Throw Down” by Pantera – Pantera’s bone-crushing force coupled with Dimebag Darrell’s virtuosic guitar work on “Throw Down” captures the hard-hitting vibe of Metallica’s faster tracks.
6. “Are You Dead Yet?” by Children of Bodom – High-speed guitar licks and Alexi Laiho’s growling vocals are reminiscent of James Hetfield’s early days, with a touch of European flair.
7. “Awakening” by Unleash the Archers – This power-metal masterpiece delivers soaring melodies over thrashy drums in a way that wouldn’t be out of place on “…And Justice for All.”
8. “In Due Time” by Killswitch Engage – The melodic approach to metalcore in “In Due Time,” with its balance of harsh and clean vocals borrows from Metallica’s softer side while still delivering heavy riffs.
9. “Blacklist” by Exodus – Exodus shares its Bay Area thrash roots with Metallica, and “Blacklist” is a testament to this common heritage, serving up rapid-fire riffs akin to early Metallica.
10. “Downfall” by Trust Company – With an ear for melody wrapped in a hard rock package, “Downfall” reflects the more mainstream side of what Metallica presented in the ’90s.
These songs are not only top-notch tracks in their own right but they also serve as powerful tributes to the sonic legacy that Metallica has built over the decades. Whether it be through direct influence or simply a shared love for high-octane rock music, these bands have created pieces that provide fans with a taste of what makes Metallica’s music so enduring — without being penned by Hetfield, Ulrich & co. themselves.