When Metallica released their self-titled record, aka The Black Album, in 1991, it had a gigantic impact on metal and its standing in the mainstream. Beyond that, though, it also had a huge influence on music as a whole.
That’s on full display with The Metallica Blacklist, a massive tribute compilation featuring covers of every Black Album track recorded by 53 different artists in honor of the record’s 30th anniversary.
Many artists on The Metallica Blacklist wouldn’t raise too many eyebrows — there’s Ghost playing “Enter Sandman,” Royal Blood covering “Sad but True” and Volbeat taking on “Don’t Tread on Me.” More left-field selections include St. Vincent‘s industrial version of “Sad but True,” J Balvin‘s reggaeton “Wherever I May Roam,” and Chris Stapleton turning “Nothing Else Matters” into a country epic.
Other participants include Cage the Elephant, Weezer, Portugal. the Man, White Reaper, Biffy Clyro, Slipknot‘s Corey Taylor, Phoebe Bridgers, Depeche Mode‘s Dave Gahan, Phoebe Bridgers and My Morning Jacket.
However, the centerpiece of The Metallica Blacklist might be an all-star recording of “Nothing Else Matters” featuring pop star Miley Cyrus, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Elton John, guitarist/producer Andrew Watt, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
The Metallica Blacklist is out today via digital outlets. It’ll be available on physical formats October 1. All profits will be donated to Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation and the charity of each participating artist’s choice.
Along with the Blacklist, Metallica is celebrating The Black Album‘s 30th anniversary with a deluxe, remastered reissue of the record featuring tons of bonus material including demos, live recordings, and rough and alternate mixes. That’s also out today.
Meanwhile, you can catch Metallica performing Friday night on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, airing at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.
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