German modern metal band DOMINUM have released their own version of Michael Jackson’s legendary hit “Thriller”, giving the iconic song a heavier sound with powerful guitar riffs, big choruses and a dark, theatrical atmosphere.
The band, known for its zombie-inspired image and horror-themed performances, seems a natural fit for a song that famously brought the undead to life through Michael’s groundbreaking music video in 1983.
Frontman Felix Heldt, better known as Dr. Dead, explained the idea behind the cover with the band’s trademark humour, crediting Michael with helping zombies become stars rather than simply creatures in horror films.
Before Michael Jackson came along, zombies had a serious image problem. They were extras in cheap B-movies, hanging around on terrible diets and taking a shotgun blast to the face by minute twenty. No rights, no lobby. Then, in 1983, a man in a red leather jacket showed the world that this valuable part of our society had more to offer. Michael Jackson did more for the undead than any politician ever has. So we owe him one. And since a thank-you card felt a bit boring, we’re paying him back our way: by spicing up this masterpiece a bit.
The band described the cover as a tribute to Michael’s masterpiece, adding its own metal twist to one of the most recognisable songs in music history.
The track appears on DOMINUM’s latest album, Night Is Calling, released on July 3, 2026, through Napalm Records. The album reached the top 10 of the German charts, continuing the success of the band’s previous release, The Dead Don’t Die.
DOMINUM will also bring its theatrical show to the UK in December, with dates in Manchester on December 8, Bristol on December 9 and London on December 10, as part of a European tour alongside The Night Flight Orchestra and Edge of Paradise.
Fans can now watch the official music video and hear how the band has transformed Michael Jackson’s unforgettable Halloween classic into a modern metal anthem.
Watch the official video: Search for DOMINUM – “Thriller” on YouTube.
