Jonathan Young, “Hellfire” | COVERS

In the 2^nd edition of COVERS (2022), Jonathan Young delivers a compelling rendition of “Hellfire” from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up!

So, what’s the premise of COVERS? On COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS separates itself from a related column, Head 2 Head 🗣️ because it only highlights the musician who covers, not the original/most famous performer. Furthermore, COVERS opens the door for musicians who may not necessarily be as well-known. On COVERS, #TheWarmthIsRealYall!!! In the 2^nd edition of covers, 🎙 Jonathan Young delivers a terrific interpretation of 🎦 The Hunchback of Notre Dame soundtrack gem, 🎵 “Hellfire”.

So, is there ANY universe where Disney and metal music collaborate? It seems like an unlikely pairing, but 🎙 Jonathan Young proves there is indeed a universe where this can successfully work.  You see, the 1996 Disney Renaissance film, 🎦 The Hunchback of Notre Dame, has a soundtrack that has songs that match the drama and outlandishness of metal. The prime example is the controversial 🎵 “Heaven’s Light / Hellfire”.  🎵 “Heaven’s Light” is a nice moment for Quasimodo (🎙 Tom Hulce), the hunchback, who sees a glimmer of hope – a light – in his sad life.  It could make a nice rock ballad, but, the more intriguing portion of the song is the back half, 🎵 “Hellfire,” performed by one of Disney’s most sinister villains, Judge Claude Frollo (🎙 Tony Jay).

Perhaps “Hellfire” isn’t the first COVER that comes to mind but damn, is it a stellar one. In the hands of the gifted Jonathan Young, he is convincing from start to finish.  No worries, as Young incorporates that cool Latin text into his rocking cover.  Acting villainous like Judge Claude Frollo, he brings plenty of personality to his performance.  He’s intense early on but doesn’t reveal the complete deck of cards, much like Frollo in the film. Of course, when that hellish chorus hits, Young is tuned in, turned up, and every bit as disturbing – if not more – than the super villain.  We sense Young’s lust for Esmerelda, and we totally believe he intends to make the gypsy burn.  After all, she’s damning him to hell, or so he tells himself.

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Final Thoughts 💭 

All said and done, Jonathan Young does a fabulous job covering 🎵 “Hellfire”.  The authenticity of Young’s performance, as well as the guitar-driven, intense metal backdrop, makes it one of the more compelling Disney covers you’ll ever hear.  “Hellfire” as a metal song? Yes, please and thank you!

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Jonathan Young • 💿 Villains • 🏷 Youngster Multimedia • 📅 2019

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Jonathan Young, “Hellfire”: Covers No. 2 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, cottonbro, Ivan Oboleninov, Jaymantri, Marcus Aurelius, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Youngster Multimedia]

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