Fully thrust into the digital age, it is sometimes challenging to keep up with everything. A time where people earn fame merely for posting ‘content’ on social media platforms… everyone is a star behind their screen. That said, there are some who actually have talents that go beyond the shallow façade of ‘viral success.’ Blessed with gifts, among those who should not be overlooked are Peyton Parrish.
Parrish, clearly an internet success, has amassed multi-million followers across social media platforms and over a million subscribers on YouTube. Rather impressive, some skeptics might wonder, is it all hype or real? Well, if you are in the dark in this modern internet world, and how some artists are getting attention, Parrish is one who has been working hard to carve out a niche for himself.
Mixing styles ranging from Hard Rock to Country, he does it all with a strong voice, plus a targeted interest in Norseman culture. With this, he put out a bunch of music from 2016 on, but jumped into the limelight with the cover of “My Mother Told Me” from the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla video game in 2020. A huge hit across the web, he struck the iron while it was hot and released the massive debut album Cowboy Man in May of 2020.
From here Parrish’s popularity continued to grow and 2022 found him putting out the Viking-inspired album Rise of Vikingr. Filled with stylings that expanded upon what Parrish had done prior, 2023 found him continuing to find inspiration with the release of not one, but two albums. First putting out the album called The Most Magical Album on Earth in February of last year; he compiled thirty covers of various Disney soundtrack songs that include everything from 1992’s Aladdin to 1998’s Mulan. A rather unique experiment, just six months later he put out another album, but this time of original tunes, and called the album Skalds of Metal. Also very interesting, filled with more Noresman influence in the lyrics and musical tones, you would think 2024 would be a year that Parrish would slow down a bit, right? Wrong, because kicking off 2024 he has released a brand new studio album called Soul.
Released on January 5th via his own label, Parrish’s Soul has already shook up the music world in less than 24 hours of being released. In fact, by mid-day on January 5th, it became the #1 album in various corners of earth including the USA, Finland, Germany, and Czech Republic! That is right, Parrish’s Soul beat out mega stars like Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, and Niki Minaj. Doing all of this without any major labels funding him, even the biggest cynic has to let their guard down and finally say – alright, what is Peyton Parrish about?
Well, breaking it down, Soul is perhaps his more complete collection of songs to date. Eight tracks in total, the album is mostly straight forward Hard Rock with elements of Alternative Metal, and even Electronic Rock. Something that would appeal to a wide range of modern Hard Rock and Alternative Metal fans, the songs are all originals written by Parrish himself, along with collaborator Guitarist/Producer Dusten Boles. Joining Parrish, as his supporting band, are Drummer Michael Levine and Guitarist Neil Swanson.
All these factors in place, the album is really quite dynamic and filled with powerful, emotional music. Produced in a fashion where Parrish is right up front, you get to experience the intensity of his voice to the full extent. This includes high reaching singing and throaty growls which do not feel out of place, but fit quite nicely. With plenty of impressive Rock to offer, some of the best moments would have to include the lead single “Poetry Glass,” “Fallen Angel,” and “Fist Into The Air.” Matching these, you also have the compelling “Cavity” and catchy “I’m Still Here.”
Overall, the biggest selling factor with Soul and Parrish’s brand of Hard Rock is his voice of gold. This guy can sing, and he is not faking it. He has the passion, the fire, and chops to stand up with some of the Modern Rock vocalist elites. Beyond this, he has put together a well-written and well-produced Hard Rock album that could appeal to anyone from Five Finger Death Punch to Daughtry fans. So, is Parrish more than just another internet sensation? Yes, and with Soul he continues to show he has the talents to make big splashes moving forward. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Soul 4 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment