Sapiency - 'Maniac'
Reviewed by Iain McArthur • 23 September 2025
Everyone loves the song ‘Maniac’ – Michael Sembello’s mesmerising electro-classic from the soundtrack of the 80s welding / dancing movie ‘Flashdance’ that has had enduring appeal for rockers and dancers around the world ever since.
SAPIENCY - Maniac (Official Video - Metal Cover)
It is one of the most-covered songs in recent history; inevitably specialists At the Movies have had a go, plus Avantasia, Firewind, Rockfiend’s favourite French rockers Harsh and even Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass - I found over 60 different versions online. But none of them quite like this modern metal take featuring death metal stylings over a pulsing beat and contrasting clean female vocal and manly growls.
Frankfurt heavy rockers Sapiency have been around since 2009 but they’ve re-invented themselves recently with the addition of Melis Altinoz to introduce a strong female voice to their mix. It works really well on this showcase and there is an Amaranthe vibe going on amongst one of the strongest and most original versions of the well-worn classic.
Check out the video and there should be an album to follow shortly.