⚡️ Few albums hold the historical weight and sheer influence of Metallica’s 1983 debut, Kill ‘Em All. It wasn’t just an album; it was effectively a shot across the bow, introducing the world to the raw, lightning-fast sound of Bay Area thrash metal that would change the music scene forever.
Now, more than four decades later, the metal community is preparing for a monumental tribute. An upcoming, star-studded album titled ’Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is set for release this coming Friday.
Raven Takes on the Album Closer
To crank up the anticipation for the tribute album, one of the most exciting tracks has been dropped early onto streaming platforms: Raven’s ferocious cover of the album closer, “Metal Militia.”
For those unfamiliar, Raven isn’t just any band taking on Metallica; they were part of the very fabric of early thrash. They toured with Metallica back in the day and understand the DNA of Kill ‘Em All better than most.
And if you’re a purist of the original, you are in for a treat. Raven’s rendition of “Metal Militia” is described as an “incredibly faithful rendition” of the track. They nail the aggressive energy, the frantic pacing, and the raw intensity that made the original track a staple of early thrash. It seems Raven understands the assignment: pay tribute to the sound that launched a thousand bands.
A Kick Out of the Classic
Raven’s version successfully captures that essential early-80s sound, honoring the foundation of metal while delivering a fresh performance. Their history with Metallica—touring together and witnessing the birth of this genre first-hand—gives their cover an authenticity that is hard to match.
Speaking about the upcoming project, Raven’s lead vocalist and bassist, John Gallagher, expressed his excitement about being involved. This tribute album is clearly a passion project for the artists involved, acknowledging the massive debt they all owe to Kill ‘Em All.
Get Stoked for Friday
With Raven’s “Metal Militia” now streaming, fans have the perfect adrenaline shot to tide them over until the full release of ’Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All on Friday.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to revisit one of the most important albums in heavy music history, filtered through the passion and talent of contemporary artists. Don’t miss this classic track by Raven and prepare for the full tribute album release later this week!