The Only 4 Legit Covers Of Black Sabbath In Existence – Ozzy Will Approve

Covering Black Sabbath isn’t a walk in the park, especially since their heavy metal sound is so iconic. Even their simpler tracks can be challenging, as matching the raw energy of the originals is key to a successful cover. But these four bands managed to pull it off in style, offering unique takes that still honor the Sabbath legacy. Let’s dive into their standout covers!

Melvins
Known for their grunge and sludge metal roots, Melvins can turn a Black Sabbath classic into something fresh and unique. Their cover of “Into The Void” is a perfect example. It starts agonizingly slow, but when the line “Buildings crashing down” hits, Melvins cranks up the intensity, making it almost unrecognizable but undeniably powerful.

Metallica
Given the close relationship between Metallica and Black Sabbath, it is not surprising that they have covered Sabbath several times. A favorite is their 1998 recording of “Sabbra Cadabra.” Metallica makes it feel completely their own by adding their distinctive touch while remaining loyal to the song’s core. “Symptoms of the Universe” is another Metallica cover that would have been a perfect fit for this list.

Pantera
When the groove metal powerhouse Pantera covered Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” in 1994, it immediately won over fans. Despite their reputation for being aggressive, Pantera didn’t hide from the original track’s more trippy elements. They added their own groove-heavy spin while maintaining the song’s purity, flawlessly capturing the original’s vibe.

The Cardigans
Although the alt-rock band The Cardigans, who have pop tendencies, might not seem like a good fit to cover Black Sabbath, their rendition of “Changes” demonstrates their skill. They took the song’s melancholy energy and turned it into their own, even though their styles were distinct. Although, regrettably, a full studio version of this cover was never produced, it remains a noteworthy accomplishment for the Swedish band.

These bands proved that you don’t have to play metal to do justice to Black Sabbath’s music!