For one man to single-handedly play a Metallica song is an enormous undertaking that requires a massive level of talent. However, to also play the song in the style of a completely different band and make it sound like an accurate recreation of their sound takes things to another level, requiring creativity, invention, and a deep understanding of both bands. That’s exactly what was required of Andre Antunes when he decided to cover ‘Master of Puppets’ in the style of Muse.
Incorporating elements of Muse’s signature sound, like operatic harmonies, twinkly arpeggiations, and fuzzy bass, Andre created an interpretation of Metallica’s song that will have Music Man fans astonished by how accurately he managed to capture the sound of both bands in one cover. Fans online observed how deep Andre’s understanding of both bands’ musical styles must go, with one commenting, “it’s uncanny how well done this is,” on the video, which now has over 2M views.
Before I heard Andre’s cover for myself, I found it almost impossible to imagine what this song might sound like in Muse’s style. As leaders in the thrash metal genre, Metallica has crafted a sound that is so identifiable to them that it’s hard to imagine their songs in any other way. That made Andre’s creation all the more impressive to me. Not only was he able to imagine such a creation, but he was also able to employ his musical talent in order to make this a listenable reality.
Andre has made a name for himself online creating music in a transformative manner. Throughout his channel, he has displayed a deep understanding of specific artists by applying their sound to other works, just like he did with his Muse/Metallica cover. Another of his most popular videos shows him playing a Michael Jackson medley in the style of 20 different iconic guitarists. Music Man readers will be amazed by how accurately he captures the sound of each guitarist he imitates.
In his covers, Andre Antunes has shown not only an appreciation of a variety of bands and styles of music, as well as an adept musical talent of his own, but he has also shown a deep understanding of how these artists create the sounds that make their work so iconic and unique to them.
Andre’s understanding goes far beyond an impressive party trick, as the level of detail and thought that goes into his covers is simply mind-blowing, making for work that truly speaks to fans of the band. With many wondering whose sound Andre may tackle in the future, I’m hoping he makes a return to his most popular sound mash-up with a Metallica-style cover of Muse’s ‘Hysteria.’ No matter what he takes on next, there is no doubt that it will blow the minds of all music fans who listen.