The Pokémon video games have been one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises for the last 20 years, and now it’s exploding in popularity again thanks to Pokémon Go. Throughout most of the U.S., you can’t walk very far without encountering a Pokémon Go player, and if you’re reading this post, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re playing too. Given the Pokémon resurgence, it seems like a good time to give the classic Pokémon theme song the metal treatment.

Eric Calderone (a.k.a. Erock) and signer Rob Lundgren have teamed up for a new cover of the Pokémon theme that first accompanied the anime series when it came to the U.S. in the ’90s. They really nailed the song, and it’s the perfect thing to listen to as you chase Charizard through unfamiliar neighborhoods at odd hours of the night.

This is actually Calderone’s second attempt to cover the Pokémon theme. His initial try was posted to YouTube in 2011, and it’s not quite as polished as his latest cover, nor does it have Lundgren’s vocals. But it does have a good instrumental version of the theme as well as some original riffs by Calderone.

You can find Lundgren’s YouTube channel here, which includes his covers of various anime themes and videos from the road. As for Calderone, you can check out more of his metal covers at his YouTube channel or visit his official site at Metalyze.com.

What did you think about Calderone’s covers of the Pokémon animated series theme? Share your opinions in the comment section below!

Image: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company International