Judicator Cover Barry Manilow’s “Mandy” and It Rips

Covers don’t always have to replicate the original material. In fact, it’s oftentimes way better when a band or artist takes a well known song and makes it their own. In the case of Judicator and their cover of Barry Manilow’s classic song “Mandy,” let’s just say took a bold move and did it well.

If you thought the combination of Judicator and Barry Manilow wasn’t weird enough, then you’re in luck, because it gets weirder. The choice to cover this of all Manilow songs is in fact an intentional reference to the recent psychedelic horror movie by the same name.

“‘Mandy’ combines the tenderness of Barry Manilow’s 1978 hit with the ominous soundscape of Panos Cosmatos’ 2018 film of the same name. I like to think of this song in terms of the relationship between Red (Nicolas Cage) and Mandy (Andrea Riseborough) in ‘Mandy’ (2018). Although the lyrics don’t totally match the circumstances of these characters, the love and regret expressed certainly relate and resonate.”

The track is set to a cool, crimson background in their music video, and the song was recorded when they were working on their latest album, The Majesty of Decay. The song features guitarist Balmore Lemus and drummer Jordy Elcess, who are both no longer in the band.

Judicator often sing about history, delving into such epic and campy subjects as Napoleon Bonaparte and Byzantine warriors of old. With this new video, they tackle some more current topics.

Check out the video for yourself below.