The 15 Best Metal Covers of Non-Metal Songs

Being one of the most ample and diverse genres of music, Metal takes inspiration in many places, from classical music to pop, and, of course, we from MetalJunkbox couldn’t help but notice and list some of the best metal covers of non-metal songs that were created in the past years.

“Lapdance” by Wargasm (Original by N.E.R.D)

Wargasm’s cover of N.E.R.D’s “Lapdance” infuses the original hip-hop track with aggressive guitar riffs and intense vocals.

“Sabotage” by Cancer Bats (Original by Beastie Boys)

Cancer Bats’ punk cover of Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” adds a new level of aggression and intensity to the classic rap-rock track.

“Someone Like You” by Ice Nine Kills (Original by Adele)

Ice Nine Kills transforms Adele’s emotional ballad “Someone Like You” into a metalcore epic. Something most of the recent fans would not even know, considering their horror-inspired themes.

“Stripped” by Rammstein (Original by Depeche Mode)

Rammstein’s version of Depeche Mode’s “Stripped” is both dark and atmospheric. The band’s heavy instrumentation and Till Lindemann’s deep vocals create a beautiful cover that stands out from the original.

“Ievan Polkka” by Korpiklaani (Original: Traditional Finnish Folk Song)

Korpiklaani’s version of the traditional Finnish folk song “Ievan Polkka” is a high-energy folk metal cover that brings a lively tune into the realm of heavy metal with fast-paced instrumentation and fun vocals.

“Jesus He Knows Me” by Ghost (Original by Genesis)

Ghost’s cover of Genesis’s “Jesus He Knows Me” adds a dark and theatrical twist to the original. The band’s unique style and eerie vocals create a hauntingly beautiful version of the song.

“No Ordinary Love” by Deftones (Original by Sade)

Deftones’ cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love” infuses the smooth R&B track with their signature atmospheric metal sound.

“All the Things She Said” by Poppy (Original by t.A.T.u)

Poppy’s cover of t.A.T.u’s “All the Things She Said” brings a heavy, industrial twist to the pop hit. This was an early showcase of Poppy’s ability to blend pop and metal elements seamlessly.

“The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed (Original by Simon & Garfunkel)

David Draiman’s deep, emotional vocals create a mesmerizing rendition.

MetalJunkbox doesn't support the attitudes of Disturbed regarding the Israel attacks in Gaza.

“Oops!…I Did It Again” by Children of Bodom (Original by Britney Spears)

Almost a satire in itself, this song had no right to be this good, transforming a song from Britney Spears into Metal and keeping its essence.

“Sail” by DevilDriver (Original by AWOLNATION)

DevilDriver’s version of “Sail” retains the moody atmosphere of AWOLNATION’s while adding their style with heavy riffs and the unique voice of Dez Fafara.

“Wrecking Ball” by August Burns Red (Original by Miley Cyrus)

Metalcore band August Burns Red takes Miley Cyrus’s pop hit “Wrecking Ball” and turns it into a heavy, energetic anthem, on their version of Punk Goes Pop.

“Word Up!” by Korn (Original by Cameo)

Korn’s nu-metal cover of Cameo’s funk hit “Word Up!” blends the original with heavy guitar riffs and a way more energetic vibe with the famous Korn style. The band’s unique style brings a fresh twist to the track and becomes even better when accompanied by the video clip:

“Smooth Criminal” by Alien Ant Farm (Original by Michael Jackson)

Alien Ant Farm’s rock cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” became a massive hit, being up to today one of the band’s most popular songs.

“Sweet Dreams” by Marilyn Manson (Original by Eurythmics)

Marilyn Manson’s cover of “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics transforms the synth-pop hit into a slow, creepy rock anthem. This is one of the best metal covers of non metal songs and many don’t even know the original song anymore.

Artists: Alien Ant Farm, August Burns Red, Cancer Bats, Children of Bodom, Deftones, Devildriver, Disturbed, Ghost, Ice Nine Kills, korn, Korpiklaani, Marilyn Manson, Poppy, Rammstein, Wargasm