12 Best Metallica Covers Ranked: Motorhead, Apocalyptica & More

Metallica is a titan of the music world. For over four decades, their aggressive riffs, complex song structures, and powerful lyrics have defined metal for generations. Their influence is so immense that countless artists have paid tribute by covering their legendary songs. This act of homage is the ultimate sign of respect in the music industry. It shows how deeply the work of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and their bassists has impacted musicians across all genres.

This article dives into the best of these tributes. We will rank 12 of the most iconic and interesting Metallica covers ever recorded. From the cello-driven arrangements of Apocalyptica to the hard rock power of Disturbed, we explore how different bands have put their unique spin on these timeless classics. This list celebrates both the original genius of Metallica and the creative spirit of the artists who dared to reinterpret their masterpieces.

The Ultimate Ranking of Metallica Covers

Here is our definitive list of 12 incredible bands that took on the challenge of covering Metallica.

12. Postmodern Jukebox – Nothing Else Matters

Kicking off our list is a truly unique interpretation. Postmodern Jukebox is famous for transforming modern pop and rock hits into vintage jazz, swing, and ragtime arrangements. Their version of “Nothing Else Matters” is a stunning reinvention that strips the song of all its metal elements. Instead, they present it as a smoky, 1920s-era torch song. The heavy guitars are replaced by a gentle upright bass and a soulful piano, creating a completely different mood.

This cover succeeds by highlighting the raw, emotional core of the Metallica ballad. Without the distortion and power chords, the beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics shine through in a new light. It proves that a great song can transcend its original genre. While it might not be for metal purists, the sheer creativity and musicality of this version from Postmodern Jukebox earn it a place on our list. It’s a testament to the songwriting prowess of Metallica that their work can be so effectively reimagined.

11. Dark Tranquility – My Friend of Misery

The Swedish melodic death metal pioneers Dark Tranquility took on a deep cut from The Black Album. Their cover of “My Friend of Misery” appeared on the tribute compilation “A-Tribute to the Four Horsemen”. The band infused the track with their signature sound, transforming the brooding original into something far more aggressive and intense. Mikael Stanne’s harsh vocals replace Hetfield’s clean delivery, adding a layer of ferocity to the song’s dark themes.

Dark Tranquility also injects their trademark melodic guitar harmonies, which complement the original riffs perfectly. They manage to stay true to the song’s gloomy atmosphere while elevating its heaviness. The musicianship is top-notch, as they navigate the song’s complex structure with precision and power. This cover is a fantastic example of a band paying respect to Metallica while filtering the music through their own distinct style. It’s a powerful and well-executed tribute that fans of both melodic death metal and Metallica can appreciate.

10. Shinedown – Nothing Else Matters

American rock band Shinedown delivered a powerful and emotionally charged version of “Nothing Else Matters” for the film “Jungle Cruise”. Their take on the iconic ballad stays true to the original’s spirit but amplifies its cinematic qualities. Frontman Brent Smith’s soaring vocals bring a different kind of power to the track, creating a grand, arena-rock feel. The band adds orchestral elements that swell and build, turning the song into an epic, moving piece of music.

Unlike the original, which builds from a quiet start, Shinedown’s version feels massive from the beginning. The production is polished and modern, designed to have a huge impact. This cover demonstrates the universal appeal of Metallica’s songwriting, proving that “Nothing Else Matters” works just as well as a modern rock anthem as it does a metal ballad. It’s a respectful and well-crafted cover that introduces the classic track to a new audience while giving existing fans a fresh, powerful perspective on a beloved song.

9. Steve ’n’ Seagulls – Seek and Destroy

Coming in at number nine is a truly brilliant and unexpected take on a classic. The Finnish band Steve ’n’ Seagulls has become famous for their bluegrass reinterpretations of rock and metal anthems. Their version of “Seek and Destroy”, from Metallica’s thrashy debut “Kill ‘Em All”, is arguably their masterpiece. They completely strip away the distortion and aggression, replacing it with banjos, mandolins, an accordion, and even a washtub bass. This incredible transformation turns the headbanging anthem into a joyous, foot-stomping hoedown that you can’t help but smile at. The band’s rustic look and infectious energy make the performance even more entertaining.

What makes this cover so successful is that it reveals the brilliant songwriting hidden beneath the original’s raw power. The iconic riff is so strong and catchy that it translates perfectly to folk instruments, proving the melodic genius of early Metallica. The cover went viral for a reason; it’s a masterclass in creative reinterpretation. Instead of sheer aggression, Steve ’n’ Seagulls deliver a performance full of character and charm, all while maintaining the song’s driving rhythm and rebellious spirit. It’s a fun, clever, and expertly performed tribute that celebrates the source material in a completely new light.

8. Volbeat – Don’t Tread On Me

Danish rockers Volbeat contributed a fantastic cover of “Don’t Tread On Me” to the massive tribute album, “The Metallica Blacklist”. Known for their unique blend of rock and roll, heavy metal, and rockabilly, Volbeat was the perfect band to tackle this track. They lean into the song’s stomping, groovy rhythm and inject their signature “Elvis metal” swagger. Michael Poulsen’s distinctive vocals give the track a classic rock and roll vibe that contrasts perfectly with the heavy guitar work.

Their version is fun, energetic, and incredibly catchy. They keep the core riff intact but add their own rhythmic bounce and flair, making it sound like it could have been a Volbeat original. This cover is a celebration, transforming the patriotic anthem into a joyous rock and roll party. It highlights the versatility of Metallica‘s music and shows how their riffs can serve as a foundation for completely different styles. It’s a standout track on an album full of great covers.

7. Children of Bodom – One

The late, great Alexi Laiho and his band Children of Bodom were masters of the cover song, known for injecting their virtuosic style into metal classics. They took on the epic anti-war anthem “One” from Metallica’s album “…And Justice for All”. Their version is a thrilling display of technical skill, transforming the track into a blistering melodic death metal showcase. The band infuses the song with their signature neoclassical guitar shredding and prominent keyboard melodies, creating a completely new sonic texture.

Children of Bodom expertly navigate the song’s complex structure. They maintain the haunting, clean intro but enhance it with atmospheric keyboards before the metal onslaught begins. Laiho’s signature snarling vocals add a different kind of aggression to the song’s powerful lyrics. When the track reaches its famous fast-paced, thrashy conclusion, the band pushes the speed and intensity to an extreme level. This cover is a fantastic tribute, honoring the original’s composition while showcasing the incredible musicianship that made Children of Bodom legends in their own right.

6. Disturbed – Fade to Black

Disturbed is renowned for its powerful covers, and their take on the iconic Metallica power ballad “Fade to Black” is a standout example. The original song from the album “Ride the Lightning” is a masterpiece of dynamic shifts, moving from acoustic despair to full-throttle metal anguish. Disturbed leans into this emotional journey, using their signature sound to amplify the track’s inherent darkness. David Draiman’s dynamic vocal range is perfectly suited for the song, capturing the initial vulnerability before unleashing his immense power in the heavier sections.

This cover, featured on the tribute album “A Tribute to the Four Horsemen”, successfully modernizes the classic without losing its soul. The band’s signature downtuned, rhythmic power makes the transition from clean to distorted guitars feel even more impactful and crushing. They respectfully handle the song’s famous structure, building the tension masterfully toward the climactic guitar solo. It’s a fantastic interpretation that showcases Disturbed’s ability to channel raw emotion. Their style enhances the themes of desperation and anger, making this a heavy, passionate, and memorable tribute to a Metallica cornerstone.

5. Bullet for My Valentine – Welcome Home (Sanitarium)

Welsh metalcore giants Bullet for My Valentine offered their take on a Metallica classic for a Kerrang! tribute album. They covered the iconic “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”, and it quickly became a fan favorite. The band brought their signature sound to the track, blending melodic hooks with aggressive metalcore intensity. Matt Tuck’s vocals expertly shift between clean singing and powerful screams, adding a modern dynamic that perfectly complements the song’s themes of inner turmoil.

Furthermore, they respected the original’s brilliant structure. The haunting, clean guitar intro is present, building tension before the heavy, chugging riff kicks in with immense power. They successfully captured the feeling of confinement and rage from the lyrics, with sharp, precise guitar work and a blistering solo. Ultimately, this cover works so well because it updates the sound for a new generation of metal fans. It honors the genius of Metallica while showcasing the talent of Bullet for My Valentine, making it a powerful and memorable tribute.

4. Machine Head – Battery

When Machine Head decides to cover a thrash metal anthem, you know it’s going to be heavy. Their version of “Battery”, the explosive opening track from “Master of Puppets”, is an absolute monster. Robb Flynn and his bandmates deliver a performance that is overflowing with aggression, speed, and precision. The cover appeared on a Kerrang! tribute album, and it stands as one of the most faithful yet powerful Metallica tributes ever recorded.

Machine Head doesn’t try to reinvent the song; instead, they focus on amplifying its raw thrash energy. The guitars are incredibly tight and heavy, and Dave McClain’s drumming is a thunderous assault that drives the song forward relentlessly. Robb Flynn’s vocals are pure rage, perfectly channeling the spirit of early Metallica. This cover is a love letter to thrash metal. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the genre and a nod from one of metal’s great bands to the masters who paved the way.

3. Rodrigo y Gabriela – Orion

This entry is a complete departure from the others, showcasing the sheer musical genius of Metallica. The acoustic duo Rodrigo y Gabriela covered the instrumental masterpiece “Orion” on their self-titled 2006 album. They transformed Cliff Burton’s iconic bass-driven epic into a breathtaking display of flamenco-style acoustic guitar virtuosity. Their version is a masterclass in rhythm, melody, and technical skill, proving that you don’t need distortion to be heavy.

Rodrigo Sanchez’s lightning-fast lead melodies and Gabriela Quintero’s percussive, rhythmic playing create a sound that is both intricate and immensely powerful. They beautifully interpret all the different sections of the song, from the soaring guitar harmonies to the famous bass interlude. This cover exposes the incredible compositional depth of “Orion”. It highlights that beneath the layers of metal, Metallica created a piece of music so strong it can be reinterpreted in a completely different genre and still retain all of its power and beauty. A truly stunning tribute.

2. Apocalyptica – One

No list of Metallica covers would be complete without the band that built their career on them. The Finnish cello-metal band Apocalyptica burst onto the scene with their 1996 album “Plays Metallica by Four Cellos”. While all their covers are incredible, their interpretation of the epic anti-war anthem “One” is arguably their finest moment. They transform the song into a haunting, dramatic, and powerful piece of classical music without losing any of its original intensity.

The cellos beautifully replicate every part of the song. They capture the sorrowful clean guitar intro, the chugging mid-section riffs, and the frantic, machine-gun-like ending. The dynamic range of the cellos allows Apocalyptica to express the song’s emotional journey from despair to rage in a way that is both unique and deeply moving. This cover is not just a novelty; it’s a brilliant re-contextualization that reveals the neo-classical heart of Metallica’s music. It’s a creative and powerful tribute that continues to captivate listeners decades later.

1. Motorhead – Whiplash

Topping our list is the perfect cover from the perfect band. The legendary Motorhead covered “Whiplash”, one of the fastest and most aggressive tracks from Metallica’s debut album, “Kill ‘Em All”. This version, recorded for the tribute album “Metallic Attack: The Ultimate Tribute”, is so fitting it feels like it could have been a Motorhead original. The song’s raw, punk-infused energy is a perfect match for the band’s signature “rock and roll” style.

The late, great Lemmy Kilmister, a major influence on Metallica himself, delivers the lyrics with his iconic gravelly voice, adding an extra layer of grit and authenticity. The music is a chaotic, high-octane blast of pure energy that captures the spirit of the song perfectly. This cover is special because it represents a full-circle moment: the idol covering the students. It deservedly won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2005. For its raw power, historical significance, and sheer perfection, Motorhead’s version of “Whiplash” is the greatest Metallica cover of all time.

The Bottom Line

This ranking showcases the incredible versatility and timelessness of Metallica’s music. From the thundering thrash of Motorhead to the classical reinterpretations by Apocalyptica, each artist on this list brought their unique vision to these iconic songs. These covers are more than just simple copies; they are heartfelt tributes that highlight the profound and lasting impact Metallica has had on the entire music landscape. Their influence is so strong that their songs can be reshaped into almost any genre and still retain their power.

This list is just a small sample of the countless covers that exist, proving that the legacy of Metallica continues to grow. These tributes serve as a bridge between generations of fans, introducing new listeners to the masters of metal while giving longtime followers a fresh perspective. The music of Metallica will undoubtedly continue to inspire artists for decades to come, cementing their status not just as a band, but as a true musical institution.