England\u2019s symphonic stalwarts Cradle of Filth<\/a> have delivered several of the highest-quality covers in extreme metal. The dramatic flair and pomp of these colorful entertainers contribute to making their provocatively drastic reimagining of \u201cHallowed Be Thy Name\u201d wholly unforgettable. Granted, Cradle of Filth still allow the excellence of Iron Maiden\u2019s songwriting to shine.<\/p>\n Dani Filth<\/a>\u2019s inhuman vocals claw their way into listeners\u2019 psyches, though his high-pitched screams prove deafening. Dani\u2019s admirable tenacity lends an almost, dare I say, punk charm.<\/p>\n CoF\u2019s\u00a0\u201cHallowed Be Thy Name\u201d appears on some versions of Cruelty and the Beast<\/em> (1998), the powerhouse\u2019s compilation Lovecraft & Witch Hearts<\/em> (2002) and\u00a0beside gems by other giants on\u00a0A Tribute to the Beast<\/em>\u00a0(2002).<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Graveworm\u2019s \u201cFear of the Dark\u201d captivates ears with its glorious symphonic opening. The group then unleash aggressive vocals while mixing in much ear candy; enjoy this surprising, nearly nine-minute pick with your jaw on the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cFear of the Dark\u201d can be found on the Italian titans\u2019 third full-length record, Scourge of Malice<\/em> (2001), for which the outfit recruited guests to help elevate their soundscapes with viola, violin, cello, Scottish warpipe, etc. This offering is moreover included on A Tribute<\/em>\u00a0to the Beast Vol. II\u00a0<\/i>(2003).<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Germany\u2019s Mystic Circle, the fabled duo of Beelzebub and A. Blackwar, spellbind with their take on \u201cAfraid to Shoot Strangers,\u201d which is featured together with other worthy covers on Kriegsg\u00f6tter MMXXV<\/em> (2025). The band\u2019s friend, the Cradle of Filth legend Sarah Jezebel Deva, provides ethereal additional vocals, enhancing the magic and atmosphere of this haunting opus.<\/p>\n Mystic Circle unfurled a fitting video to accompany the track, further demonstrating their ability to make unlikely classics their own.<\/p>\n Beelzebub tells me that Mystic Circle plan to conquer Marilyn Manson<\/a>\u2019s \u201cThe Beautiful People,\u201d and we can only hope that happens.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\nGraveworm, \u201cFear of the Dark\u201d<\/h2>\n
Mystic Circle, \u201cAfraid to Shoot Strangers\u201d<\/h2>\n