After bluegrass Pink Floyd, bluegrass metal was the obvious next step, although the dark hues of Metallica seem an unlikely choice. But here they are, ten Metallica songs done in bluegrass fashion -- or at least as bluegrass as it's possible for Metallica songs to be. There are plenty of innate differences in the styles that make a fusion difficult -- the concept of melody being one. This album pinpoints the fact that in their original versions, these songs contain precious little melody, especially in the vocals, and here they have to work hard to extract that and create harmonies behind the tenor lead -- indeed, the piece that seems most open is "Fuel." The playing, of course, is superb, with mandolin player Tony Robertson turning in some stunning solos on "Nothing Else Matters" and "Wherever I May Roam" and Vance Henry offering some shimmering guitar on "Fuel." Part of the problem is that while perhaps three of these songs are generally well-known, coming from that brief period when Metallica was a general big deal, most of the material will be familiar only to those who've heard several Metallica albums. And though bluegrass has its share of dark lyrics, they're generally not as nihilistic or apocalyptic as anything in this metal field. A lot of thought has gone into the arrangements here, and there's a definite irony in the fact that the disc contains no drums -- the instrument of Metallica's leader. Interesting, with some fabulous playing, but you can't help feeling that the talent could be put to better use on some other project. ~ Chris Nickson
Iron Horse: Vance Henry (vocals, guitar); Anthony Richardson (vocals, banjo, dobro); Tony Robertson (vocals, mandolin); Ricky Rogers (vocals, acoustic bass).
Personnel: Vincent Henry (vocals, tenor, guitar); Tony Robertson (vocals, tenor, mandolin).
Recording information: Desert Rose Studios, Muscle Shoals, AL.
Steel and metal I love older heavy metal and down home bluegrass. Iron Horse brings the two together is a unbelievable sound. Flat top guitar playing heavy metal, banjo picking blister electric guitar solos. High lonesome harmony perfectly replaces the angry metal growl. It just don't get no better! Submitted by hbasblues (Camp Lejeune, NC) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
The funniest tribute This is right up there with Heyseed Dixie. This is the best tribute ever!! Submitted by a reviewer (Tucson Az) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Interisting Cool. only this. It could be better!! Submitted by diego_tiodacamisa (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Amazing I got this album looking for some fun parodies, and I was just expecting something mediocre. I first started listening to it, and pretty much reacted saying, "heh, this sounds pretty cool". Then I realized, this is really, really good. It's real music.
What makes this so well done is that if Metallica never existed, this album would still sound great because of its authentic bluegrass sound. The harmonizing vocals, the tinny dobro rhythms, the bouncing acoustic bass notes, implement typical bluegrass music features into the songs.
It isn't some random people playing Metallica tabs on banjos. It's an experienced bluegrass band playing their revamped compositions of Metallica songs with true country features and styles, creating this fabulous piece of work. Submitted by canadianesemonkey (Bangkok, Thailand) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Metal Blue Grass Having heard this for the first time only 3 days ago, I was totally blown away. Ive been a Metallica fan for 12 years now, and have heard so many bands try and cover Metallica, but nothing comes close to this. Truly awesome music! Submitted by Haydz (Australia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Steel and metal
The funniest tribute
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