From Metallica’s forthcoming Black Album covers compilation, The Metallica Blacklist, jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington has unveiled his version of “My Friend of Misery.”
The frenzied intensity in Washington’s version of “My Friend of Misery” jumps from the bustling drums and piano in Washington’s own burning solo. With a remarkable coolness, vocalist Patrice Quinn presides over this wrath, which rises to something distorted and forceful by the conclusion.
During a performance at the Hollywood Bowl in July, Washington debuted his version of “My Friend of Misery.” Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo were among the performers, though neither appears on the studio version.
Metallica revealed an early version of the track derived from then-bassist Jason Newsted’s “riff tapes” together with the release of Washington’s “My Friend of Misery.” Metallica’s forthcoming 30th-anniversary release of The Black Album will include a variety of demos, rarities, and live recordings, among others.
Both the Metallica Blacklist and the 30th-anniversary reissue of The Black Album will be released on September 10th. Metallica has enlisted the contribution of over 50 artists to cover their favorite Black Album songs for the collection.
