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Our top 10 covers of Black Sabbath songs present a list of wonderful versions of songs originally and always known as Black Sabbath classics. For this list, we were very careful to pay tribute to the band by only picking songs delivered in renditions that maintained the same style of savage music. There have been countless artists who have covered Black Sabbath songs, and some of them have done it in a way that could make you cringe. There was just no way we were going to include a remake of a song like “War Pigs” as a ballad, dance number, or anything silly like that. We stuck with heavy metal bands who pay tribute in their own special way.
# 10 – Type O Negative – Paranoid
# 9 – Overkill – Changes
Continuing with our Black Sabbath covers list, we turn to the band Overkill. Their cover of “Changes” was released on the band’s 1999 album Coverkill. This was an album that consisted entirely of covers, as the title suggests. The band covered songs from groups that influenced them, like Deep Purple, Judas Priest, and, of course, Black Sabbath.
This was the band’s first album with new guitar player Dave Linsk. Additionally, in the band at the time were Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth on lead vocals, D.D. Verni on bass, Joe Comeau on rhythm guitar, and Tim Mallare on drums. The Black Sabbath song changes was originally released on Black Sabbath Vol 4.
# 8 – Ministry – Iron Man
# 7 – Anthrax – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Next on our list is a powerful rendition of “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” by the thrash metal band Anthrax. This cover was released on their 1987 EP I’m the Man. Anthrax, known for their aggressive and fast-paced style, added their own energetic twist to this Black Sabbath classic, making it a standout track on the EP.
The lineup for Anthrax at the time included Joey Belladonna on vocals, Scott Ian on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Dan Spitz on lead guitar, Frank Bello on bass, and Charlie Benante on drums. Their version of “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” retains the intensity of the original while infusing it with Anthrax’s signature thrash metal sound.
# 6 – System Of A Down – Snowblind
Continuing with our list of great Black Sabbath covers, we turn to System of a Down’s version of “Snowblind.” This cover was released on the 2000 compilation album Nativity in Black II, which features various artists paying tribute to Black Sabbath. System of a Down’s take on “Snowblind” infuses the song with their distinctive style, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, dynamic vocals, and intense energy. The lineup for System of a Down at the time included Serj Tankian on vocals, Daron Malakian on guitar and backing vocals, Shavo Odadjian on bass, and John Dolmayan on drums.
# 5 – Godsmack – Sweet Leaf
At the halfway point on our top 10 Black Sabbath covers list is the song “Sweet Leaf” by Godsmack. This cover was released on the 2000 tribute album Nativity in Black II, which features various artists paying homage to Black Sabbath. Godsmack’s version of “Sweet Leaf” maintains the heavy, gritty feel of the original while adding their own modern rock edge. The lineup for Godsmack at the time included Sully Erna on vocals, Tony Rombola on guitar, Robbie Merrill on bass, and Tommy Stewart on drums. Their powerful rendition of “Sweet Leaf” captures the essence of Black Sabbath’s influence while showcasing Godsmack’s own hard-hitting style.
# 4 – Pantera – Hole In The Sky
At the number four spot on our top 10 Black Sabbath covers list is the song “Hole in the Sky” by Pantera. This cover was released on the 1994 tribute album Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath. Pantera’s version of “Hole in the Sky” brings their signature groove metal sound to the classic track, delivering a powerful and aggressive interpretation. Pantera is such a cool band, no one sounds like Pantera. The lineup for Pantera at the time included Phil Anselmo on vocals, Dimebag Darrell on guitar, Rex Brown on bass, and Vinnie Paul on drums.
# 3 – Sepultura – Symptom of the Universe
At the number three spot on our top 10 Black Sabbath covers list is the song “Symptom of the Universe” by Sepultura. This cover was released on their 1993 album Chaos A.D.. Sepultura’s version of “Symptom of the Universe” will bliw your mind. Lsten to the sound of Igor’s drums. The rolls that he performs are off the charts. Andreas Kisser’s guitar is tight clean but oh so beautifully angry. This is an amazing killer version The lineup for Sepultura at the time included Max Cavalera on vocals and rhythm guitar, Andreas Kisser on lead guitar, Paulo Jr. on bass, and Igor Cavalera on drums. The ending is very suprising.
# 2 – Fates Warning – The Sign of the Southern Cross
# 1 – War Pigs – Gov’t Mule
We close out our top 10 Black Sabbath covers list with the song “War Pigs” by Gov’t Mule. This cover was released on their 1998 album Live… With a Little Help from Our Friends. Gov’t Mule’s rendition of “War Pigs” is an electrifying live performance that captures the raw energy and intensity of the original, while adding their own Southern rock flair.
The lineup for Gov’t Mule at the time included Warren Haynes on vocals and guitar, Allen Woody on bass, and Matt Abts on drums. Their powerful version of “War Pigs” features Haynes’s soulful vocals and fiery guitar solos, Woody’s thundering bass lines, and Abts’s dynamic drumming. This performance not only pays homage to Black Sabbath but also highlights Gov’t Mule’s exceptional musicianship and ability to bring new life to a classic track.
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