The best acoustic renditions of heavy songs if you're tired of breakdowns
We love to keep it heavy with face-melting solos and excruciating screams. But sometimes it’s important to unplug the amps and let the emotions pour out from the soul—even if you’re too “metal” for that.
Featuring Slipknot and Bring Me The Horizon, here are 10 acoustic renditions of heavy songs you need to check out.
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1. Woe, Is Me – “Fame Over Demise” (Acoustic)
After vocalist Tyler Carter left Woe, Is Me, Hance Alligood filled his shoes and recorded a few songs for Number[s] deluxe reissue. Backed up with a smooth string section, Alligood gently croons over the melodies. “Fame Over Demise” gets a complete makeover as he gives it a different tonality from Carter’s R&B-influenced stylings.
2. Asking Alexandria – “Someone, Somewhere” (Acoustic)
Originally a heavy song that showed early signs of Asking Alexandria’s love for stadium rock ’n’ roll, the unplugged version of “Someone, Somewhere” tugs on listeners’ heartstrings with a heartwarming video. Danny Worsnop’s rugged vocals suspend with raw power, making the song a touching listen. Be sure to check out Ben Bruce’s acoustic version too.
3. Alesana – “Apology” (Acoustic)
The acoustic version of this classic Alesana track appeared on Punk Goes Acoustic, Vol. 2 and amplified despair to lachrymose levels. With layers of angelic harmonies enfolding the melancholic piano, this version stirs the hearts of hopeless romantics and competes with the band’s many emotional ballads.
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4. Slipknot – “Vermilion, Pt. 2”
While “Vermilion” set off a cathartic explosion of rage and sorrow, the morose acoustic sequel slows things down gravely, wholeheartedly portraying Corey Taylor’s anguish. Emotionally draining and poignant, “Vermilion, Pt. 2” remains to be an iconic staple as well as the band’s first-ever ballad.
5. Bring Me The Horizon – “Drown” (Vevo live performance)
After years of screaming his heart out, Oli Sykes finally settled to sing, starting with “Drown.” The original song hits hard with heavy backing and Sykes’ despondent cries, but this stripped-down performance reveals his fragile voice and tenderness that harmonizes seamlessly with the song’s message.
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6. Bullet For My Valentine – “Tears Don’t Fall” (Acoustic)
Action-packed with intense shredding and dramatic tempo changes, “Tears Don’t Fall” wouldn’t normally fly as an acoustic song, but Bullet For My Valentine manage to recreate the piece with graceful composure. The song still retains the same adventurous energy from the original with a soothing acoustic guitar solo in the bridge.
7. I See Stars – “New Demons” (Acoustic)
The original “New Demons” is an epic electronicore banger, but I See Stars give the song a total 180 in this version. The band fully dissect the piece and build upon the hearty chorus, incorporating folky strumming and percussion. Devin Oliver’s uplifting vocals take the spotlight, but their ability to translate their heaviness to a heartfelt composition is remarkable.
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9. Aaron Gillespie – “Reinventing Your Exit”
Aaron Gillespie gives this Underoath classic an acoustic spin on his solo album, Out Of The Badlands. Along with the other acoustic Underoath songs on this record, Gillespie’s rework of “Reinventing Your Exit” comes straight from the heart. The drummer/vocalist touches listeners with sincerity and a warm sense of nostalgia.
10. A Day To Remember – “Homesick” (Acoustic)
Blurring the line between pop punk and metalcore, A Day To Remember still know how to keep it fun and energetic in their acoustic take on “Homesick.” Although this rendition is simple, the acoustic guitar is a perfect fit for the song’s catchy melodies and lyrics.
