If you’re a fan of extreme metal and curious about innovative covers that blend brutality with technical prowess, then this list is for you. Recently, Australian deathcore giants THY ART IS MURDER took on the iconic Cannibal Corpse track “Hammer Smashed Face,” and the result is a must-listen for fans craving a fresh take on a death metal classic. This article explores the most compelling covers of “Hammer Smashed Face,” highlighting what makes each version stand out and helping you decide which one deserves a spot in your playlist.
1. THY ART IS MURDER’s Cover: A Modern Deathcore Take
THY ART IS MURDER’s rendition of “Hammer Smashed Face” stands out for its relentless energy and aggressive style. Recorded during their 2022 sessions, the cover infuses the original’s raw brutality with their signature deathcore elements—palm-muted riffs, guttural vocals, and blast beats. It’s worth listening to because it bridges the gap between classic death metal and contemporary heavy music, offering a fresh perspective on a genre-defining track.
2. Cannibal Corpse’s Original Version: The Benchmark of Death Metal
Released in 1992 on their album “Tomb of the Mutilated,” Cannibal Corpse’s “Hammer Smashed Face” is considered a death metal cornerstone. Its complex guitar work, gory lyrical imagery, and relentless tempo set the standard for brutal death metal. Listening to the original helps appreciate how subsequent covers, including THY ART IS MURDER’s, pay homage while adding their own twist.
3. Bloodbath’s Cover: A Swedish Death Metal Perspective
Swedish death metal legends Bloodbath took on “Hammer Smashed Face” in a live setting during their 2014 tour. Their version emphasizes the melodic and atmospheric elements of death metal, with Anders Björler’s guitar work adding a dark, haunting layer. It’s worth checking out for its raw energy and how it balances brutality with melody, providing a different emotional tone.
4. Cattle Decapitation’s Interpretation: Ecological Horror Meets Death Metal
Cattle Decapitation, known for their ecological themes and technical prowess, delivered a cover that’s both intense and thematically unsettling. Their version maintains the song’s aggression but filters it through their unique blend of technical death metal and grindcore influences. This cover is notable for its precision and the way it amplifies the visceral impact of the original.
5. Necrophagist’s Cover: Technical Mastery and Precision
German technical death metal band Necrophagist recorded a cover that showcases their virtuosic guitar work and complex song structures. Although their version is more subdued in terms of vocals, the guitar riffs and intricate solos highlight the technical aspects of the composition. It’s an essential listen for fans interested in the musicianship behind death metal’s most extreme riffs.
6. Job for a Cowboy’s Rendition: Blending Deathcore and Technical Death Metal
Job for a Cowboy’s cover offers a seamless fusion of deathcore breakdowns with technical death metal precision. Their version features chugging riffs, guttural growls, and intricate drum patterns that push the boundaries of the original’s simplicity. It’s worth exploring for its energetic reinterpretation and modern production style.
7. Origin’s Cover: Technical Brutality
American technical death metal band Origin recorded a cover emphasizing speed and complexity. Their version is characterized by lightning-fast riffs, hyper-precise drumming, and a brutal vocal delivery that pushes the song’s intensity to new levels. This take is perfect for listeners who crave relentless technicality and speed.
8. Deicide’s Spin: Satanic Overtones and Heavy Atmosphere
While not an official cover, Deicide’s approach to similar death metal themes echoes the brutal intensity of “Hammer Smashed Face.” Their use of dark, satanic imagery and heavy, doom-laden riffs adds a different atmospheric dimension, making it worth exploring for fans interested in the thematic depth of death metal.
9. Cryptopsy’s Version: Grindcore and Technical Death Metal Fusion
Cryptopsy’s take on “Hammer Smashed Face” brings their signature grindcore-influenced chaos and technical prowess. The rapid-fire riffs, guttural vocals, and relentless drumming create a chaotic yet precisely executed rendition. It’s a must-listen for fans who appreciate the extreme end of death metal and grindcore fusion.
10. Carcass’s Cover: Melodic Death Metal Elements
British band Carcass, pioneers of melodic death metal, released a cover that softens some of the brutality while maintaining the song’s core intensity. Their version incorporates melodic riffs and cleaner production, making it accessible yet still heavy. It’s a good entry point for listeners transitioning from traditional death metal to more melodic subgenres.
How to Choose
When selecting a cover of “Hammer Smashed Face,” consider what matters most to you: do you want authenticity and raw brutality, or are you looking for technical complexity and innovation? Think about the style—whether deathcore, technical death metal, or grindcore—and how it aligns with your musical preferences. Also, production quality and how closely the cover captures the spirit of the original can influence your choice. Listening to samples or full tracks can help you find the version that resonates most with your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do artists choose to cover “Hammer Smashed Face”?
Because it’s a death metal classic that embodies the genre’s intensity and technicality, making it a challenging and rewarding song for artists to interpret in their own style.
2. Are covers of “Hammer Smashed Face” typically faithful to the original?
Some are highly faithful, emphasizing raw brutality, while others reinterpret the song with added technicality, melody, or different thematic elements.
3. Can I listen to these covers legally online?
Most are available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, but always check for official releases to support the artists.
4. Which cover is the most popular among fans?
THY ART IS MURDER’s version gained notable attention for its fresh take, but Bloodbath’s live cover and Cryptopsy’s extreme rendition are also highly praised within the community.
5. Are there any covers that bring a different genre influence?
Yes, bands like Cattle Decapitation and Carcass introduce themes and melodies from grindcore and melodic death metal, respectively, offering diverse listening experiences.
Final Thoughts
Covering a death metal classic like “Hammer Smashed Face” is a bold move that showcases a band’s technical skill, creativity, and respect for the genre. Whether you prefer the raw, unfiltered brutality of Cannibal Corpse or the modern, genre-blending approaches of bands like THY ART IS MURDER, exploring these covers offers a deeper appreciation for death metal’s evolution. Each version brings something unique to the table—so dive in, listen closely, and find your favorite reinterpretation of this iconic track.
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