Metallica's 'Garage Inc': A Tribute to Rock and Metal Legends
In the fall of 1998, Metallica surprised fans with their release of "Garage Inc," a double-disc collection of covers of influential rock and metal songs. The first disc featured fresh takes on timeless classics, while the second disc included B-sides from various Metallica releases. The band aimed to have fun and explore new territory after three serious albums.
The album opened with a grinding dirge by Discharge, a punk band known for their brutal noise assaults. Metallica stayed faithful to the original while adding their metallic grind to the track. The choice to cover Discharge was bold but showcased the band's diverse influences.
Diamond Head, a British heavy metal band, inspired Metallica with their song "It's Electric." The track was a standout on Metallica's album and paid homage to the band that influenced Lars Ulrich. The connection between the two bands highlighted the impact of Diamond Head on Metallica's early days.
Metallica's cover of Black Sabbath's "Sabbra Cadabra" showcased their admiration for bassist Geezer Butler. The band seamlessly integrated another Sabbath song, "A National Acrobat," into the cover, creating a unique blend of rock and roll and heavy metal. The choice to cover Sabbath demonstrated Metallica's respect for the pioneers of the genre.
Bob Seger's "Turn The Page" was an unexpected choice for Metallica but resonated with the band's road-weary aesthetic. The emotional ballad captured the essence of life on the road and showcased Metallica's ability to connect with the song's themes. Despite not being a fan of Seger, Metallica found a way to make the song their own.
Misfits' "Die, Die My Darling" was a catchy and energetic track that Metallica had been familiar with since their early days. The song's infectious nature made it a natural choice for Metallica to cover, and their version became one of their best-loved covers. The band's connection to Misfits highlighted their diverse musical influences.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' "Loverman" was a brooding alternative epic that stood out on Garage Inc. Metallica's rendition captured the dark and intense atmosphere of the song, showcasing their versatility as musicians. The band's decision to cover Cave's track added a unique element to the album.
Mercyful Fate's influence on Metallica was evident in their cover of five of the band's songs arranged into a medley. The intricate and progressive nature of Mercyful Fate's music challenged Metallica to create a cohesive tribute to the band. The medley became a standout track on Garage Inc, showcasing Metallica's admiration for the occult metal pioneers.
Blue Öyster Cult's "Astronomy" closed their album Secret Treaties and was covered by Metallica as a tribute to the band's overlooked earlier era. The cover prompted one of the song's co-writers, Joe Bouchard, to return to music after hearing Metallica's version. The band's homage to Blue Öyster Cult highlighted their appreciation for classic rock.
Metallica's rendition of the traditional Irish folk ballad "Whiskey In The Jar" won a Grammy and featured a wild video set in an all-female house party. The band's energetic performance captured the spirit of the song and paid homage to Thin Lizzy's version. The cover became a fan favorite and showcased Metallica's ability to breathe new life into classic tunes.
Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Tuesday's Gone" was a poignant ballad that resonated with Metallica's love for the band's music. The cover featured a star-studded lineup of musicians and highlighted Metallica's connection to Southern rock. The band's rendition of the song captured the essence of moving on and reflected their appreciation for Skynyrd's legacy.
The album concluded with another Discharge song, "The More I See," which showcased Metallica's evolution from hardcore punk to metal territory. The track closed the album on a high note and highlighted the band's diverse musical influences. Metallica's covers on "Garage Inc" paid tribute to their inspirations and showcased their versatility as musicians.
In conclusion, Metallica's "Garage Inc" was a monumental tribute to their musical influences, featuring fresh takes on classic rock and metal songs. The album showcased the band's diverse tastes and highlighted their ability to reinterpret iconic tracks with their unique sound. "Garage Inc" remains a testament to Metallica's enduring legacy and their impact on the world of rock and metal music.