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When a band inspires musicians across generations and genres, you know they have become more than legends. Metallica’s music has travelled far beyond the world of heavy metal, reimagined by artists from every corner of the globe. From thrash metal peers to orchestral reinterpretations and even indie rock heroes, their songs continue to ignite creativity wherever they’re played.

Here are some of the greatest Metallica covers ever recorded.

Testament

Few bands can match Metallica’s power, but Testament comes close. The Bay Area thrash veterans recently released a fierce version of “Seek and Destroy” for the upcoming tribute album No Life ’Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ’Em All. Their take captures the intensity of the original while adding Testament’s signature technical precision.

It’s a fitting tribute from one of Metallica’s oldest allies and a reminder that the roots of thrash still run deep.

My Morning Jacket

At a Brooklyn concert, My Morning Jacket gave fans a surprise by performing “For Whom the Bell Tolls” with bassist Karina Rykman. The band’s atmospheric sound met Metallica’s crushing riffs in a powerful live moment that bridged two very different worlds.

The performance showed how Metallica’s music reaches well beyond metal, resonating with artists across the indie and alternative scenes.

Apocalyptica

Finland’s Apocalyptica created one of the most original tributes to Metallica in history. Their 1996 album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos transformed songs like “Enter Sandman,” “Master of Puppets,” and “Nothing Else Matters” into haunting, symphonic pieces.

By stripping away distortion and replacing guitars with cellos, they revealed the melody and emotion beneath the aggression. The result was both elegant and powerful, showing that great songwriting can cross any boundary.

Korn

When Korn covered “One” for The Metallica Blacklist in 2021, they gave the song a darker, more experimental twist. Their version balanced aggression with vulnerability, echoing the emotional turmoil of the original while adding Korn’s unmistakable edge.

It stood as one of the most intense and heartfelt moments on the tribute record.

Miley Cyrus

Pop superstar Miley Cyrus joined Elton John, Chad Smith, and Yo-Yo Ma to perform “Nothing Else Matters” for The Metallica Blacklist. Her soulful vocals brought a new emotional tone to the song while still respecting its original heart.

The collaboration showed just how far Metallica’s influence stretches, proving that even mainstream pop artists can find meaning in their music.

Ghost

Swedish rockers Ghost delivered a chilling live version of “Enter Sandman” that felt made for their theatrical sound. With haunting vocals and huge guitars, their cover walked the line between tribute and reinvention.

It was a moment that showed how much Metallica’s presence still echoes through today’s heavy rock scene.

Halestorm

Halestorm’s cover of “Ride the Lightning,” featured on their ReAniMate 3.0: The CoVeRs EP, channels the ferocity and technical precision of early Metallica while infusing it with Lzzy Hale’s powerful vocals and a modern rock polish.

Halestorm captures the song’s intensity without diluting its thrash origins, proving their respect for the original while asserting their own identity. The cover stands as a tribute to Metallica’s enduring legacy and a reminder that their riffs still ignite the next wave of rock’s most fearless performers.

Metallica Covers will Live On

From Testament’s explosive thrash to My Morning Jacket’s indie crossover, and from Apocalyptica’s classical experiments to Miley Cyrus’s soulful pop interpretation, Metallica’s songs have been reborn countless times. Each cover reminds us that great music can evolve, adapt, and reach new audiences without ever losing its soul.

More than forty years after their debut, Metallica remains a band that inspires the world to play louder, feel deeper, and keep creating.

Celebrate the sound that changed rock forever. Explore the latest Metallica merchandise now at Official Merchandise Store and wear your love for one of the greatest bands of all time.