These days, I find that I can’t get enough country, bluegrass, and roots music. Whether it’s Outlaw Country from the ’70s, Hillbilly Music born in the hills of Appalachia, or the vast crop of incredibly talented independent artists that populate social media and streaming platforms today, I’m a huge fan. However, not long ago, my playlists were full of metal from bands like Suffocation, Amon Amarth, Lamb of God, and countless others, and I know I’m not alone in that. So, these metal covers of country songs really do something for me.
Videos by American Songwriter
If you’re a metalhead who still loves heavy riffs and thunderous drums but also enjoys the songwriting and storytelling of country music, you’re in luck. These covers are sure to bring those two sides of your musical taste together like peanut butter and chocolate.
[RELATED: 4 Original Outlaw Country Legends Who Are Still Alive]
1. “I’m the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised) by DevilDriver
I could have just pulled the tracklist from DevilDriver’s 2018 album Outlaws to the End Vol. 1 for this list and called it a day. The album is made up of metal covers of classic country songs made popular by the likes of Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Johnny Cash. They also covered my absolute favorite Johnny Paycheck song, “I’m the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised).”
Written by Bobby Borchers, Mack Vickery, and Wayne Kemp, Paycheck first released this song on his 1971 compilation album Super Hits. DevilDriver takes this Outlaw Country classic and pulls it firmly into the metal world with monolithic riffs, double-kick drums, and Dez Fafara’s killer vocal delivery.
2. “The Thunder Rolls” by All That Remains
Garth Brooks co-wrote this ’90s classic with Pat Alger and released it as the final single from his album No Fences in 1991. It was a No. 1 hit on the country charts. The tale of betrayal and revenge at the heart of this song made it ripe for a heavier cover. Metalcore outfit All That Remains recorded their version of the song for their 2017 album Madness.
All That Remains did a fantastic job of blending their style of metal and Brook’s country twang on their cover of this classic song. They kept the melody but transformed pulled it out of the honky tonk and aimed it squarely at the mosh pit.
3. “Ring of Fire” by Dragonforce
I didn’t know that I needed a power metal cover of this classic country song played at inhuman tempos, but it turns out I did. It’s a stunning combination. If you’re in the market for a power metal band that will either make your guitar-playing friend want to step up their practice routine or quit playing altogether, look no further than Dragonforce. On the other hand, if you’re looking for one of the best-known country songs from a legendary artist, “Ring of Fire” is at the top of the list.
Dragonforce recorded Cash’s biggest career hit and signature songs for their 2014 album Maximum Overload. The guitar work on this cover is out-of-this-world. The band also threw in a nod to “The Highwayman,” which is always a welcome addition.
4. “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand”–James Hetfield
Metallica’s James Hetfield recorded his metal-infused cover of this Outlaw Country classic for the 2003 album I’ve Always Been Crazy (A Tribute to Waylon Jennings). Hetfield joined the likes of Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, John Mellencamp, and Dwight Yoakam to pay homage to the late country legend. However, the best version of the song available comes from CMT Outlaws, where Hetfield performed it live.
This was a special recording for the Metallica frontman. He met Jennings while doing publicity at a college radio station in the 1980s. “My dad was a big fan of Waylon,” he recalled in an interview. “When we were doing that interview, I brought my Waylon CDs for him to sign for my dad. Waylon brought his son Shooter’s Metallica CDs for me to sign for him. It was a pretty cool kind of father-son crossing there,” he added.
At the time, Hetfield’s father was in poor health. He revealed that Jennings called his dad to chat and lift his spirits. “That phone call meant so much to me and my dad,” he said.
Featured Image by Mat Hayward/Getty Images
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