It's been so freaking long since I found new music and I hardly get a chance to listen to much these days, but I fell into a rabbit hole a few nights ago and somehow I stumbled on a guy that does a lot of covers but also has recently released his own album and OH MY FUCKING WORK, hit me right in the heart!
His name is Dan Vasc, a Brazillian who started his YouTube channel in 2006, but only started producing covers 13 years ago, he's come a long way since his first song.
There isn't a huge amount of metal that I listen to these days and a lot of his songs are metal covers of 80s bands like Manowar, Hammerfall, Rhapsody and System of a Down all the way through to rock like Bon Jovi, Queen, Evanescence, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen and then even some of the theme songs of movies, series and video games.
So what's so special about a cover artist you might ask!
I've not really been a huge fan of covers, but I do hold out a very small reservation when covers are actually better than the originals. Some may disagree and that's totally your prerogative, but this guy blew me away and I'll tell you why if you can't pick it up from the songs I've included here...
This song is pretty phenomenal and I think it's way better than the original. What I absolutely love about this song is that you can see how much they are both enjoying it, they are pouring heart and soul into it. It's got grit and energy. And that whisper? Oh my fuck, just kill me now!
I know you only want romance
I'll give you all that I can
If you'll give me just one chance
To prove myself and my love
Ok, I've recovered somewhat lol. I could listen to this track a couple times a day, it's a good driving song don't you think?
Here's number 2:
This one is another great and the collaboration with Erik GrÖnwall is epic, again, one of the things that stands out to me is the insane amount of enjoyment these two are getting out of singing and guitaring is fucking insane. It's a power song.
Dan Vasc's voice is actually quite incredible and his vocal range is insane. He can sing falsetto just as well as fry growl and hold the note for over 10 seconds. Not many artists can do that well and he pulls it off with style. His versatility is awesome and this next one you will hear how deep his vocals can be felt. It is hauntingly beautiful.
Hear are the lyrics for those who want to read or sing along:
The call of the White Wolf is loudest at the dawn,
The call of a stone heart is broken and alone.
Born of Kaer Morhen,
Born of No Love,
The Song of the White Wolf is cold as driven snow.
Bear not your eyes upon him lest steel or silver draw,
Lay not your breast against him or lips to ease his roar.
For the song of the White Wolf will always be sung alone,
For the song of the White Wolf will always be sung alone.
Cast not your eyes upon him, lest he kiss you with his sword,
Lay not your heart against him or your lips to ease his roar.
For the song of the White Wolf, we'll always sing alone!
(guitar solo)
For the song of the White Wolf, we'll always sing alone.
And credit where it is due, his own band called Fearless has released their own original album and while I'm no fan of speed metal, it's really good.
The other thing that stood out to me is how humble and grateful he is to his journey and all those that like his stuff. He is relatable and down to earth with none of that "I'm a celebrity" attitude, the authenticity comes out in the little bits after his songs where he actually talks to his audience and I love that.
Let me know what you think of these in the comments.
