Top 10 Covers Of Black Sabbath Songs

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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.

Black Sabbath was first formed in 1968 out of Birmingham, England. The original lineup consisted of Ozzy Osbourne on lead vocals, Geezer Butler on bass, Bill Ward on drums, and the phenomenal Tony Iommi on guitar. The first album, entitled Black Sabbath, with its spine-chilling cover, was released in 1970. That same year, the band followed up with Paranoid. One year later, in 1971, they released Master of Reality. Over time, the band would release nineteen studio albums, with multiple lineup changes throughout their tenure.

Most notably, these changes occurred with their frontman. Originally starting with Ozzy Osbourne, he was replaced by Ronnie James Dio in 1979. Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan also took the stage as the lead singer from 1982 to 1984 before Ronnie James Dio returned once more. Of course, many years later, Ozzy Osbourne would return for a reunion. This is not a comprehensive list of the band’s members; we’ve already covered that, which you can find on the site. This article is all about some of the most fun covers that have ever been done. I hope you enjoy this one!

# 10 – Type O Negative – Paranoid

We open up this fun list with our first cover, done by the band Type O Negative. We love this band; they are so original-sounding, and their version of “Paranoid” is just brilliant. The song was released on the band’s second studio album, The Origin of the Feces. It wasn’t included on the original issue but was actually released as a bonus track on the 1994 remastered edition.

The band at the time featured Peter Steele on lead vocals and bass, Kenny Hickey on backing vocals and electric guitar, Josh Silver on backing vocals and keyboards, and Sal Abruscato on drums, although Johnny Kelly played drums on this track. This is a great way to start off this list.

# 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

As we rock along on this list, we turn to a fantastic version of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.” This version was done by the industrial metal band Ministry. It was released on the band’s album Undercover. The album was released in 2010 and features the band covering songs by some of their most influential artists, such as ZZ Top, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, Ted Nugent, and more. This cover is actually the opening track on the album.

The lineup for Ministry at the time of Undercover included Al Jourgensen on vocals and guitar, Mike Scaccia on guitar, Tony Campos on bass, and Aaron Rossi on drums. Their unique industrial metal twist on “Iron Man” brings a fresh and powerful take to this Black Sabbath classic.

# 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

At the number two spot on our top 10 Black Sabbath covers list is “The Sign of the Southern Cross” by Fates Warning. This cover was released on their 1997 compilation album A Pleasant Shade of Gray. Fates Warning’s version of this classic track is a powerful and haunting interpretation that stays true to the original while showcasing the band’s progressive metal brilliance.

The lineup for Fates Warning at the time included Ray Alder on vocals, Jim Matheos on guitar, Mark Zonder on drums, Joey Vera on bass, and Kevin Moore on keyboards. Their rendition of “The Sign of the Southern Cross” captures the epic and atmospheric qualities of the original song, with Alder’s soaring vocals and Matheos’s intricate guitar work adding a new layer of depth and complexity. This cover is a testament to Fates Warning’s ability to honor Black Sabbath’s legacy while making the song their own.

# 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.