Norwegian Metal Goddess Rocks Out Black Sabbath’s ‘Paranoid’

An up-and-coming female rocker from the Norwegian metal scene known as the Commander-In-Chief has issued a cover version of the Black Sabbath classic ‘Paranoid’ that’s getting massive attention – even from Pantera producer Sterling Winfield, who mixed the track.

“In my 20-plus years as a producer and engineer, I can honestly say that I have never seen or heard anything like what she has to offer,” raves Winfield, who is best known for his work with Pantera, Damageplan and Hellyeah. “Killer guitar-driven progressive hard rock, along with an unbelievable over-the-top vocal style, with just enough pop added so that it can be accessible to all . . . Rock on, Commander! Well done!"

Not much is known about the mysterious Commander, other than the fact that she plays all her guitar parts and sings all the vocals herself. When she performs live, she is backed by a drummer and bass player. She recently relocated to London to live with her manager and advance her career. And, did we mention she is very easy on the eyes?

In an interview conducted last year with Metal Express Radio, the Commander discussed the evolution of her sound. "I used to call it hybrid rock; the power of rock with the message of punk, and the catchiness of pop-inspired-by-metal techniques," she explained. "Now my music has taken a more heavy direction than last year, so it's less punk and more metal."

We would try to describe the intrigue of Commander-In-Chief, but honestly it’s best just to experience it and judge for yourself: