In a thrilling display of musical synergy, three powerhouse artists have come together to cover one of Metallica’s most iconic songs, “The Unforgiven.” Kittie, the legendary all-female metal band, The Pretty Wild, an emerging force in rock, and Diamante, the powerhouse vocalist known for her dynamic range, have joined forces to reinterpret this heavy metal classic. The collaboration promises to breathe new life into the iconic track, blending the distinct styles of each artist while remaining faithful to the haunting and powerful essence of the original.
The post Kittie Team Up with Diamante and The Pretty Wild to Cover Metallica’s “The Unforgiven”: Stream appeared first on Consequence.
Kittie have teamed up with Diamante and The Pretty Wild for a cover of Metallica’s “The Unforgiven,” included on the soundtrack for the upcoming Sumerian Films biopic Queen of the Ring.
The cover, which also features composer Aaron Gilhuis, offers a chance for Kittie to mellow out, setting aside their usual aggressive thrash-metal sound, just like Metallica did when they recorded the iconic ballad. Kittie singer Morgan Lander and her fellow collaborators are backed by sweeping strings and acoustic instrumentation, with the song’s crescendo unfolding into a lush Celtic folk arrangement. For Metallica fans, the cover might trigger a flashback to the cinematic treatment of “Nothing Else Matters” for the Disney film Jungle Cruise.
It’s also the second cover song we’ve heard from the Queen of the Ring soundtrack to involve major metal-leaning artists. We previously reported on Corey Taylor and Bad Omens’ version of the Kansas classic “Dust in the Wind,” which was produced, mixed, and mastered by Gilhuis, and also relies on a similar Celtic folk influence and powerful vocal performances.
The soundtrack for Queen of the Ring is set to release the day the film premieres on March 7th via Sumerian Records, the label of the movie’s director/writer Ash Avildsen (American Satan).
Per a press release, Queen of the Ring “brings to life the untold story of wrestling legend Mildred Burke, who shattered barriers in the 1930s–1950s to become the first million-dollar female athlete and headline arenas over male competitors in a time when women’s wrestling was outright banned across much of the US.” The film stars Emily Bett Rickards as Burke, alongside a cast featuring Josh Lucas, Walton Goggins, Gavin Casalegno, Tyler Posey, and Deborah Ann Woll, along with pro-wrestling stars Kamille, Toni Storm, Trinity Fatu, and Jim Cornette making appearances.
Meanwhile, Kittie are coming off the 2024 release of their comeback album Fire. The reunited Canadian band toured in support of the release last year and currently has a festival appearance at Louder Than Life on the books for 2025
The Magic of “The Unforgiven”
Released in 1991 as part of Metallica’s self-titled album, “The Unforgiven” quickly became one of the band’s most beloved tracks. Known for its deeply personal lyrics and haunting melody, the song touches on themes of internal struggle, isolation, and regret. It remains a staple of the band’s live performances and a fan favorite for its emotional depth and lyrical complexity.
By covering “The Unforgiven,” Kittie, The Pretty Wild, and Diamante are not just paying tribute to Metallica—they are also breathing new life into the song, offering a reinterpretation that reflects their unique musical identities. The collaboration retains the song’s signature melancholy, but with a modern twist that blends heavier guitar riffs, explosive drumming, and soaring, melodic vocals.
The music video for the cover, which has already generated significant buzz, showcases the power and passion of the performers. With Kittie’s aggressive edge, The Pretty Wild’s energetic presence, and Diamante’s emotional delivery, the video captures the essence of the song’s deep vulnerability, enhanced by stunning visuals and captivating performances.
A Tribute to Metallica’s Legacy
While the cover may be a tribute to Metallica, it also represents a unique moment of collaboration among artists from different generations and genres. The blending of styles not only showcases the diversity of the rock and metal worlds but also exemplifies the timeless nature of Metallica’s music. The band’s influence continues to reverberate through the years, inspiring both established artists and emerging talent.
Fans of Metallica, as well as those who follow Kittie, The Pretty Wild, and Diamante, will undoubtedly find this cover a refreshing and exciting rendition of one of the most powerful tracks in rock history. The collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring power of music and the way it can bring artists together across generations, genres, and backgrounds.
As the track begins to gain momentum, it is clear that this unique blend of talent has created something truly special, honoring Metallica’s legacy while leaving a mark of their own.
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