Big-Voiced Metal Singer Dan Vasc Gives Amazing Grace A Disturbed-Like Makeover
Dan Vasc’s version of “Amazing Grace” shares a musical framework with Disturbed’s interpretation of “The Sound of Silence.” Each pairs a strong, disciplined rock vocal with an arrangement that expands into an orchestrated power-rock climax. The songs also have hymn-like melodic qualities and established places in the folk canon, although “Amazing Grace,” completed in 1779, is far older. Judy Collins took a folk-gospel rendition of it onto the charts from 1970 through 1972. Her recording entered the National Recording Registry in 2017, four years after Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” received the same recognition.
Within slightly more than a month, Vasc’s “Amazing Grace” attracted 3.25 million views on YouTube. Sebs Duran heard it without advance knowledge for a reaction video and likened the experience to his first encounter with Disturbed’s “The Sound of Silence.” His comments focused on the vocal journey from baritone into tenor before the arrival of a rock growl. Duran acknowledged that the performance employed a comparable formula and described the outcome as unbelievable.
Vasc’s biggest YouTube video is his rendition of “Toss A Coin To Your Witcher,” with a view total above 27 million. In the Netflix series “Witcher,” the bard Jaskier sings the number, which was composed specifically for episode two. After that installment aired, the song quickly became viral and sparked numerous fan-made YouTube remixes. Vasc’s recording presents his voice against an unabashedly metal backing, showing what he can do in that setting.
Born in 1989, the Brazilian vocalist’s full name is Daniel Vasconcelos. Following his departure from the army, he attended college to study business. He disliked the subject after two years and, around 2007, turned his attention toward earning a living as a singer. Other people regarded the choice as courageous, but Vasc saw no bravery in it. As he explained, pursuing music felt like his only possible course.
Watch the full performance on page two