We’re here to celebrate the British heavy metal icons Iron Maiden with five of the best black metal covers of their timeless songs. It would be impossible to overstate the cultural impact of Iron Maiden, whose music has shaped artists across the globe. Accordingly, Eddie and the boys boast countless fans in the black metal community, including the legendary Darkthrone.
The Nifelheim twins, Hellbutcher and Tyrant, are celebrated not only for their outstanding musical achievements but also for their epic devotion to Iron Maiden. This year, Sweden Rock Magazine facilitated a reunion between the siblings and Iron Maiden founder, composer, and bassist Steve Harris.
Another notable Iron Maiden enthusiast is musician and journalist Torgrim Øyre, or “T. Reaper.” Øyre has written extensively on the heavyweights and spawned a uniquely awesome reinterpretation of “The Number of the Beast” with Malignant Eternal, though he is likewise known for his work with Gorgoroth and Obtained Enslavement.
Germany’s Bethlehem, revered in part for their daring vocalists, naturally produced one of the wildest Iron Maiden covers with “Wo Adlers Wagen,” their spin on “Where Eagles Dare.” Tribute has been paid to Iron Maiden by a variety of other black metal acts such as Katechon, Absu, Anaal Nathrakh, Bornholm, Ancient, Månegarm, Baxaxa, Opera IX, Necromantia, and Naglfar of Sweden.
The Top 5 Black Metal Covers
- Cradle of Filth – “Hallowed Be Thy Name”
England’s symphonic stalwarts Cradle of Filth 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 “Hallowed Be Thy Name” wholly unforgettable. Dani Filth’s inhuman vocals claw their way into listeners’ psyches, lending an almost punk charm to the classic track. - Graveworm – “Fear of the Dark”
Graveworm’s “Fear of the Dark” captivates ears with its glorious symphonic opening. The group then unleashes aggressive vocals while mixing in much ear candy; enjoy this surprising, nearly nine-minute pick with your jaw on the floor. - Mystic Circle – “Afraid to Shoot Strangers”
Germany’s Mystic Circle, the fabled duo of Beelzebub and A. Blackwar, spellbind with their take on “Afraid to Shoot Strangers.” The band’s friend, the Cradle of Filth legend Sarah Jezebel Deva, provides ethereal additional vocals, enhancing the magic and atmosphere of this haunting opus. - Lord Belial – “The Trooper”
Given their greatness, Lord Belial’s decision to honor Iron Maiden with “The Trooper” resulted in a victory, defined by old-school feeling, dangerous confidence, and a sinister atmosphere. This harsh yet still sonically pleasing speed-hungry recording conveys a good deal of the original’s essence. - Necrophobic – “Moonchild”
Also from Sweden, the pioneering blackened death institution Necrophobic paid homage to England’s finest with “Moonchild.” With its racing guitars, throaty bestial assaults, and Joakim Sterner’s pounding drums, this rendition combines professionalism, artistry, and the underground spirit.
1702