7 Times A Song’s Album Version Wasn’t The Best One

Superior version: Promotional/music video edit.

With the advent of YouTube and whatever other forums allow for talent exploitation, the number of people creating metal renditions of the most obtuse source material is not only common, but celebrated. Of the more notable acts, the Northern Kingss, a supergroup consisting of four of Finland’s finest metal exports, have released two albums of various power-metal-tinged covers.

Of the more unusual selections, their rendition of Seal’s Kiss From a Rose translated exceptionally well to the band’s heavy, though radio-friendly sound.

Leading up to the release of their sophomore album Rethroned, the Northern Kings streamed the music video edit of the song, wherein, just after the 4:30 mark, all but one instrument abruptly fall away, leaving the four singers holding their final note in a near a capella moment that perfectly demonstrates the unity between these men.

The album version overstays its welcome by an extra minute of the main instrumentation sequence and the lyric “I’ve been kissed by a rose” repeated ad nauseum until it fades out. The radio edit is a matter of “less is more” as it ends a captivating song on a breathtaking note whereas the alternative implores you to not hold your breath because the end isn’t coming too soon.