When Two Classics Collide
If Disturbed’s thunderous rendition of “The Sound of Silence” gives you chills, wait until you hear Dan Vasc’s stirring version of “Amazing Grace.” Though “Amazing Grace” dates back to 1779 and Simon & Garfunkel’s hit emerged in the 1960s, both carry that same hymn-like melody and emotional depth that linger long after the last note.
Historical Reverence and Modern Recognition
Judy Collins brought “Amazing Grace” to the pop charts between 1970 and 1972, and her interpretation was inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2017. Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” earned the same honor in 2013. Remarkably, Dan Vasc’s cover has already amassed over 3.25 million views on YouTube in just over a month!
Power, Passion, and Praise
Both Disturbed’s “The Sound of Silence” and Dan Vasc’s “Amazing Grace” share a powerful, controlled rock vocal style that builds to an orchestral, arena-rock climax. In a blind reaction video, Sebs Duran confessed, “This felt exactly like my first time hearing Disturbed’s hit—starting in a rich baritone, soaring into tenor, then unleashing that metal growl. Even using a familiar formula, it blew me away.”
Viral Success Beyond Hymns
Dan Vasc’s most-watched video is his metal cover of “Toss A Coin To Your Witcher,” originally sung by the bard Jaskier in Netflix’s The Witcher. After the episode aired, the tune sparked a fan remix frenzy—Vasc’s soulful, heavy take now boasts over 27 million views on YouTube.
From Business Degree to Metal Frontman
Born Daniel Vasconcelos in Brazil in 1989, Dan initially pursued a business degree after leaving the army. Two years in, he realized his passion lay elsewhere: “I didn’t feel like I had a choice. Everyone said, ‘You’re so brave,’ but it wasn’t bravery—it was necessity. Music was everything.” Starting around 2007, he studied contemporary and classical vocals, music theory, composition, and piano, eventually teaching singing and joining the metal band Fearless.
Early Recordings and Independent Breakthrough
Fearless released their debut EP, Ancient Wisdom, in 2013, catching producer Juan Aneiros’s ear. Aneiros invited Dan to feature as “Oliver” on The Omens Of Death, the second concept album in a series featuring Christopher Lee. Despite recording a full album afterward, Fearless struggled to secure a label deal.
In October 2017, grieving his father’s passing and frustrated by the industry, Dan turned to YouTube to grow his own audience. Two years later, with a solid fanbase, he self-released Fearless’s full-length album, Chronicles of Ancient Wisdom.
Recent Highlights and Chart-Topping Triumphs
In 2021, Dan dropped “All Hail Friday Night Tights,” a heavy-metal homage to classic cartoon themes, as the theme for the internet program Friday Night Tights. Within three days, it topped Amazon’s All-Genre charts in both the US and UK.
Today, Dan Vasc boasts 18 videos with over one million views each and ten songs exceeding two million views—proof that he can not only cover classics but also create his own viral sensations.
A Piper’s Praise
“I’m a Scottish bagpiper, and that was ridiculously OUTSTANDING. My favorite rendition ever—brought me to tears,” wrote Wayne Swindell just two weeks ago, praising Dan’s “Amazing Grace.”