Covered In Black
An Industrial Tribute to the Kings of High Voltage, AC/DC
Cleopatra
Everybody wins on this all-star collection of Industrial bands brought together to honor the best loved songs of AC/DC. Fourteen tracks provide a comprehensive representation of material from incarnations with both Bon Scott and his near vocal clone, Brian Johnson. The stellar achievement of this record is how it modernizes a core group of the hardest, most aggressive metal made in the past 20 years, in a way that could win AC/DC some new, cross-genre fans. In most cases, the interpretations of these classics are true enough – and often superior – to the originals, so as not to offend the sensibilities of AC/DC’s long-standing fan base. Pigface vs. Sheep on Drugs’ collaborative effort turns the post mortem fodder stomp “Back in Black” into a dub electronic journey to the center of the mind, while Birmingham 6’s version of “Thunder Struck” becomes an instant dance floor classic in the tradition of “Head Like a Hole.” Even one-trick ponies like the Electric Hellfire Club and the Genitorturers prove they can truly rock on their covers of “Highway to Hell” and “Squealer,” respectively. Spahn Ranch’s “Shot Down in Flames,” featuring Athan Maroulis’ subtly distorted vocals, and Razed In Black’s creepy salute to “Hell’s Bells” are two more noteworthy cuts on this flawless recording. Covered In Black is a master stroke of genius, and a must-own disc for any fan of heavy music. Cleopatra Records, 13428 Maxella Avenue, Suite 251, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
