9 Metal Songs with Acoustic Versions

How to approach a song that falls into the genre of metal or one of its subgenres seems to be something that causes puzzlement to music therapists. I get it. It can be difficult to adapt the heaviness of the instrumentals, it’s difficult to adapt the unclean vocals (for those not versed in the lingo- the screamy bits) in a way that can be sung cleanly, it can be difficult to understand the words if you aren’t used to listening to this kind of music, and some people find it very grating. 

So what is a music therapist to do when a client tells them that metal is their preferred genre? Or even more puzzling, what if you’re working with a group with varied musical tastes and you want to honor the musical requests of a few group members who enjoy metal? Well, you could play a recorded version of a metal song and pass out lyric sheets, but that doesn’t help accommodate everyone in a group setting. You also don’t have as much control over the musical elements if you’re doing a recreative activity than if you were playing it live. Another alternative is to play an acoustic version of the song. This makes the lyrics more easily understandable, easier to sing, and relieves some of the heaviness of the instrumentals to make it easier to play while still honoring the client’s request for metal.

So how does one go about making a metal song acoustic? Well, I’ve compiled a short list of official acoustic versions performed by the original bands. These songs serve as a guide to how you can learn the song yourself. Stripping the songs down to an acoustic version also makes the lyrics’ poignancy more readily apparent. Who knows, you may just find a new appreciation for metal! For those who aren’t music therapists and just enjoy metal, maybe this will give you another way to enjoy these nine songs.

***As a disclaimer, metal has many, many different subgenres. (Seriously, the spectrum of metal includes genres such as kawaii metal and pirate metal.) Though these songs all do fall somewhere in the metal subgenre spectrum, some people might not consider the songs heavy enough when compared to heavier subgenres like black metal. For the simplicity and applicability of this list, I am considering any song that prominently features unclean vocals in its original version as “metal.”***

Jonathan - Ice Nine Kills

This song is a true story of a named Jonathan who has a rare mitochondrial disease that affected his motor skills, cognitive skills, eye sight, and hearing starting in early adulthood. The song shares a message of perseverance through life’s difficulties, even when dealt a difficult hand. Though there is no sense of rage in the original version, the acoustic version really drives home a sense of acceptance and determination to keep moving forward. The band has also released a powerful video of the acoustic version that has interviews with Jonathan himself intercut throughout.

The Death of Me - Asking Alexandria

The acoustic version of this one is quite different to the metal version with the profanity and much darker lyrical imagery of the metal version being removed. Even so, this version still packs an emotional punch. As some background, lead singer Danny Worsnop had previously struggled with substance abuse and depression. It seems apparent in this song that he is taking a stand against his personal demons. He darkly recounts how it felt to be in the middle of his addiction and resolves that he has and will continue to move past it to become a better version of himself. It’s an intimate and painful look at the lows of Worsnop’s addiction and provides a powerful and inspiring example of how he is seemingly conquering his demons. For those that can relate to the feelings Worsnop expresses, this may be a deeply difficult but empowering song.  

Lines - Beartooth

Beartooth has many fantastic songs dealing with mental health and substance abuse. Unfortunately, they haven’t released acoustic versions to many of their songs. However, they also have quite a few songs that are comprised almost entirely of clean vocals. “Lines” is definitely more open to interpretation as to the meaning depending on the experiences of the listener than some of the other songs on this list, but the chorus drives home an idea that many people have difficulty articulating. The chorus discusses how people will say they are “fine” even when they are not, and they long for someone to see through the facade of “fine” and stay with them. 

 Reinventing Your Exit - Underoath/ Aaron Gillespie

This one may be cheating a little; this acoustic version comes from the original artist’s (Underoath) drummer and clean vocalist rather than the whole band- but I say it still counts. Gillespie and Spencer Chamberlain (Underoath’s other vocalist) co-wrote the song and have said the song is about being put between a rock and a hard place by someone and being unsure of what to do next. I’m sure these themes are something many people can relate to.

Feels Like Forever - Of Mice & Men

This might be the least heaviest song in its original form on this list, but the gravely way the verses are sung would make it extremely difficult to sing in a music therapy session. The acoustic version plays with the descending melody line in the verse and the harmonies throughout the song to create a nice effect that’s quite ear-catching. In regards to the lyrical content, it creates a vulnerable and honest picture of the struggles of not wanting to continue on in life because, as Austin Carlile (the lead singer of the band at the time) put it, it feels “like everything is crashing down on you, it’s raining down on you, drowning you.” The song is meant to empower and let people know that they are not alone.

Take Me Away - The Plot in You

This song is emotionally very heavy. It’s about grief- specifically bereavement. This does come across in the original, but the tenderness and gentle sadness of the acoustic version is simultaneously heart wrenching and beautiful. It can be hard to listen to- especially if one is currently grieving- but it might provide comfort or even catharsis. The last iteration of the pre-chorus gently builds tension before the final chorus unexpectedly heightens the emotion a bit more. In a musical catharsis, the built-up tension is released during this outpouring of emotion. Though the song ends rather abruptly, it has said all it needed to say and feels finished.

Wake Me Up - Crown the Empire

The acoustic version of this song takes on a much more haunting tone than the original. With the song being slowed down and scaled down in the acoustic version, the sadness contained in the lyrics is much more apparent and carries more weight. The song talks of feeling lost within yourself and broken, but having the courage to ask someone for help. Though the material is heavy, some people who identify with the lyrical content might find the song provides encouragement to reach out to others for help.  

Infectious - Imminence

This song takes on an indie folk kind of sound in the acoustic version, which is a big departure from the metal sound of the original. As with many of the other songs on this list, the lyrical content is very heavy, and the heaviness of the lyrics juxtaposes so perfectly with the folk-like sound of the acoustic version. There isn’t really a hopeful takeaway message from the song as it’s more of an exposition on how the writer feels. Perhaps others can find comfort in knowing they are not alone in what they are feeling. 

Hope - We Came As Romans

As a nice departure from some of the previous songs on this list, this song holds a very positive and empowering message. The singer engages in some introspection on how down he currently feels, but quickly moves to saying that he can overcome the difficulties he’s having. The song serves as a “pep talk” of sorts and is a fantastic counter to the heaviness of the lyrics of some of the previous songs on this list. The acoustic version of this song remains upbeat and energetic as the original does, but takes on a more mellow tone as well.