It’s about time that Michael Jackson got his own metal tribute. I mean, anyone that was alive in the ’80s and ’90s heard the King of Pop over and over again, and Jackson’s run from 1979’s Off the Wall to 1991’s Dangerous made him an unstoppable force in the music industry that any other musician can only dream about. That his influence would spread to the metal world is pretty much a given. While we’d already known that Cleopatra would be releasing Thriller: A Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson, now you can listen to the whole album online.
The list of contributors to the album is very impressive. With Testament’s Chuck Billy, Living Colour’s Corey Glover, and Motorhead’s Phil Campbell just a few of the many musicians guesting on the comp, Cleopatra has put together a solid lineup. As far as listenability, your results may vary. It’s hysterical to hear Chuck Billy singing “Thriller,” and even through a metal filter, the songwriting and hooks shine through. It may ultimately just make you go back to the original, since it’s hard to top Jackson’s vocals. Regardless, have a listen. It’s streaming below the track listing.
1. Thriller – Chuck Billy (Testament)
2. Man In The Mirror – Danny Worsnop (Asking Alexandria) & Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big)
3. The Way You Make Me Feel – Angelo Moore (Fishbone), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), & Rudy Sarzo (Queensrÿche)
4. Black Or White – Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust), Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS), & Tony Franklin (The Firm)
5. Beat It – Priya Panda (Diemonds) & Ron Bumblefoot Thal (Guns N Roses)
6. Billy Jean – Corey Glover (Living Colour) & Phil Campbell (Motörhead)
7. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) – Elias Soriano (Nonpoint)
8. Rock With You – Doug Pinnick (King s X)
9. Dirty Diana – Chris Jericho (Fozzy)
10. Bad – Paul Dianno (ex-Iron Maiden) & Craig Goldy (Dio)
11. They Don t Care About Us – Icarus Witch
12. Never Can Say Goodbye – Lonnie Jordan (War)
13. Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm (Re-recorded)
