Get the completed cover version on our Dimebag Darrell tribute CD that comes with Metal Hammer’s 200th issue – on sale December 16th.

Evile have posted a video documenting their recording of Pantera’s ‘Cemetery Gates’ for our Dimebag Darrell tribute CD. Tragically, the track was to become the last that the band ever recorded with bassist Mike Alexander before his passing last month.

Evile guitarist Ol Drake says of the track: “The day we got the call from our manager, Julie Weir, saying Metal Hammer have asked us to pay tribute to Dimebag Darrell by covering a Pantera song, we couldn’t have been more excited and honoured.  I mean, how many more bands are there more worthy of paying tribute to the man?  With us all being fans of Pantera, we swiftly said yes.  Mike though was the biggest Pantera fan.  He’d seen them years ago and absolutely worshipped Dimebag.

“After Dime got killed, Mike couldn’t listen to “Cemetery Gates” anymore.  He’d always ask us to skip the track in the car/van/bus because it was too much for him.  So when we chose to do the track it was tough for Mike, but I’m glad he did it.  It turned out to be the last song he recorded, which to me is a strangely “appropriate” tribute to him and Dimebag.  I remember him nearing the verge of tears whilst I was doing the tremolo bends at the end of the track.

“We hope Pantera/Dimebag fans find this a fitting tribute from us, as we’re simply fans ourselves who’ve been given this rare honour.”

Metal Hammer editor Alexander Milas adds: “I was genuinely over the moon when Evile volunteered to produce a track for our upcoming Dimebag tribute, a stunningly rendered cover of Pantera’s classic ‘Cemetery Gates’.  So when the truly tragic news of Mike Alexander’s all-too-premature departure from this world hit the office, the tragic irony wasn’t lost on me or anyone here that Mike Alexander’s tribute to the immortal legacy of Dimebag would also be a final testament to his own impeccable musicianship and commitment to the music we love.

“To understate the case slightly, it’s a very special track indeed, and we’re honoured that it’s a part of our upcoming tribute collection.  Rest in peace Dimebag, and rest in peace Mike Alexander.”