Hellsongs

While the concept of transforming heavy metal tunes into alternative music styles is far from new (witness Apocalyptica, Hayseed Dixie and more), there's nothing quite like Hellsongs' Hymns In The Key Of 666. Featuring a power trio turning the likes of Megadeth's "Symphony Of Destruction," Slayer's "Seasons In The Abyss," Metallica, Black Sabbath and more into virtual folk songs, the album is surprisingly fun, light-hearted and original. Performed in earnest, tracks such as Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" are delivered with such dynamic atmosphere they become almost moodier and more emotional than the originals, breathing new life into some legendary metal tunes. If the merit of a cover song hinges on the uniqueness of its delivery, with their acoustic guitars, lilting female vocals, piano and overt subtlety, Hellsongs have created ten instant, timeless classics.