In their separate rooms, halfway across the world from each other, 25-year-old Indonesian guitarist MelSickScreamoAnnie (or Meliani Siti S) and 27-year-old Russian-born drummer Kristina Rybalchenko both recorded separate covers of Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets’ on their respective instruments. Their individual covers blew listeners away, but the magic really happened when the Music Space channel on YouTube decided to combine both of their videos into one mind-blowing cover.
Despite never having played together, the combined video showed the two musicians fitting together perfectly as they played along to the track to create a cover that Music Man fans will adore. Despite their synchronistic playing, their performance styles contrasted with each other completely, with Mel playing astonishing riffs in a calm and laid-back manner while Kristina went wild on the drums. Fans from across the world left comments on the cover, one describing it as “underrated as hell.”
When I watched the video of their combined cover, I was struck by the reminder of how the internet can bring talented musicians such as Mel and Kristina together when not so long ago they may never have gotten the chance to know of each other’s existence. Two musicians from completely different parts of the world covering a song by an American band was also a touching reminder for me of how music, too, can transcend boundaries like distance and culture, forging powerful and unlikely connections.
This is not the first time Mel has been featured on the Music Space channel. They have combined her covers with those of many other talented musicians across the globe, including in their most popular video – a cover of Muse’s ‘Hysteria.’ This shows Mel’s cover of the song, combined with the bass cover by 11-year-old Ellen Alaverdyan and 27-year-old Thai drummer Tarn Softwhip. Once again, their combined talents have created an amazing cover, which has now garnered thousands of views online.
We know our Music Man readers love to see unlikely connections brought about by a shared love of music, and that is exactly what these combined cover videos on Music Space showcase. They are a wonderful reminder that, no matter your background, location, or age, a love of music can provide a common thread and set the stage for powerful and meaningful connections.
The power of the internet now makes it easier than ever for these connections to form and for talented musicians to create something magical together, just as Music Space has done by combining these wonderful covers to make something even more outstanding for music lovers to appreciate.
Meliani Siti S and Kristina Rybalchenko’s groundbreaking collaboration is a testament to how music unites artists across continents. Their stunning ‘Master of Puppets’ cover is a must-watch, illustrating the global bridges forged through rhythm and melody. Discover the links below to immerse yourself further into their musical journey.