Single Slam – Run Like Hell by Pallbearer (The Wall – Redux)
As part of an upcoming tribute album, American doom masters Pallbearer have covered Pink Floyd’s Run Like Hell. Various artists are taking a track each from Pink Floyd’s legendary The Wall album, and adding their spin. Artists like Melvins, Summoner, Low Flying Hawk and many more have all grabbed a song each on what should be an interesting compilation. The Wall – Redux is due for release via Magnetic Eye Records/Redux Records on the 9th of November.
There is often no real way to please people with covers. If you add your own take but stray too far from the source material, fans will likely criticise you. If you don’t change much and try to copy the source material directly, fans will likely criticise you. The best you can do as a band is to try to find that balance where you add your sound and tones while capturing the spirit or essence of the original. Not an easy task but, if anyone can pull it off, surely the supremely talented Pallbearer can?
For anyone who doesn’t know, Pallbearer are one of the biggest names and brightest sparks in the doom scene. They have a more melodic edge than traditional doom and that has helped them be more accessible to fans of other genres. They are a 4 piece, from Arkansas, with Brett Campbell on vocals and guitars. Joseph D. Rowland is on bass and backing vocals while Devin Holt is on guitars as well. Finally, on drums its Mark Lierly.
Their most recent release was a single called Dropout, which you can read about here. Before that it was the album, Heartless, which you can read about here.
It probably helps that I am not overly familiar with the original Floyd version of Run Like Hell. I have heard it, and have listened to it recently for comparison, but I can almost approach this as just a new Pallbearer track. I can comfortably say that I think they have done a cracking job of covering Run Like Hell, they have captured enough of the original that you know what they are playing but have definitely added their own spin on it.
Distorted, crunchy riffs mix with a stomping drum rhythm. The doom sound comes through with strength, pulled along by the intense vocal style of front man, Brett Campbell. Occasionally high pitched solos come in from the lead guitars adding a different element. It is a decent track, whether you know the original or not. I think Pallbearer have done a really good job of finding that balance of making the song their own but while being respectful to the original.
Run Like Hell is available now on all the usual streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. You can preorder the metal tribute to The Wall on gatefold LP from here or from here. Check out the full track list below.
Side One
1. In the Flesh? – The Melvins
2. The Thin Ice – Low Flying Hawks
3. Another Brick in the Wall (Part I) – Ghastly Sound
4. The Happiest Days of Our Lives – Sergeant Thunderhoof
5. Another Brick in the Wall (Part II) – Sasquatch
6. Mother – ASG
Side Two
7. Goodbye Blue Sky – Mos Generator
8. Empty Spaces – Domkraft
9. Young Lust – Slim Kings
10. One of My Turns – Worshipper
11. Don’t Leave Me Now – Ironweed
12. Another Brick in the Wall (Part III) – Greenleaf
13. Goodbye Cruel World – Greenleaf
Side Three
14. Hey You – Summoner
15. Is There Anybody Out There? – Noveller
16. Nobody Home – Mark Lanegan
17. Vera – Ruby The Hatchet
18. Bring the Boys Back Home – Sunflo’er
19. Comfortably Numb – Mars Red Sky
Side Four
20. The Show Must Go On – Open Hand
21. In the Flesh – Solace
22. Run Like Hell – Pallbearer
23. Waiting for the Worms – WhiteNails
24. Stop – Blue Heron
25. The Trial – Church of the Cosmic Skull
26. Outside the Wall – Yawning Man
Bonus
27. When the Tigers Broke Free – Year of the Cobra
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Run Like Hell by Pallbearer (The Wall - Redux)
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The Final Score - 7/10
7/10